Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick to prepare? This Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is just what you need! Tender pieces of chicken wrapped in flaky crescent rolls and baked to golden perfection in a creamy, cheesy sauce—what’s not to love? This casserole-style meal is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners with the family. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and variations!

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What is Chicken Crescent Bake?

Chicken Crescent Bake is a delicious casserole dish made with cooked chicken wrapped in crescent rolls, baked in a creamy sauce, and topped with cheese. The combination of flaky, buttery crescent rolls and tender chicken makes this dish irresistible. Often served as a comforting, family-style meal, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize. You can add vegetables, extra cheese, or even spices to tailor the dish to your preferences. It’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

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Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Chicken Crescent Bake:

1. Crescent roll dough – 1 can (8 oz)
2. Cooked chicken – 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
3. Cream cheese – 4 oz, softened
4. Cream of chicken soup – 1 can (10.5 oz)
5. Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 ½ cups
6. Milk – ½ cup
7. Garlic powder – ½ tsp
8. Onion powder – ½ tsp
9. Salt and pepper – to taste
10. Chopped parsley – optional, for garnish

These basic ingredients come together to create a flavorful and filling dish. The crescent rolls add a buttery, flaky texture, while the creamy sauce keeps the chicken moist and savory.

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey if you have some on hand. You can also use cooked, diced chicken thighs for more flavor.
• Crescent dough: If you don’t have crescent rolls, puff pastry or even biscuit dough can be used as a substitute.
• Cream of chicken soup: You can swap this for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to change the flavor, or use homemade cream sauce for a from-scratch version.
• Cheese: While cheddar is the go-to, feel free to use any cheese you love—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses work well.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some cooked broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Spices: Feel free to spice it up with a dash of paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

These substitutions and variations allow you to make this Chicken Crescent Bake your own, using ingredients you already have or adjusting for dietary preferences.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Chicken Crescent Bake:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Make the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
3. Prepare the crescent rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle, then roll up each one, starting from the wider end. Place the rolled crescents seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
4. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour this sauce evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
6. Add more cheese: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Once the Chicken Crescent Bake is out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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How to Cook Chicken Crescent Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the key steps for making Chicken Crescent Bake:

1. Mixing the filling: Be sure to mix the chicken, cream cheese, and seasonings well to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Using softened cream cheese makes it easier to combine with the chicken.
2. Rolling the crescents: Don’t overstuff the crescent rolls or they may burst open while baking. Keep the filling to about 1 to 2 tablespoons per crescent roll.
3. Making the sauce: The sauce is key to keeping the dish creamy and moist. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less milk. For a creamier sauce, add more cheese.
4. Baking to perfection: Keep an eye on the dish while it bakes. If the crescent rolls are browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
5. Adding extra cheese: Adding more cheese toward the end of baking ensures it melts perfectly on top without overcooking or burning.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the crescent rolls: If you add too much filling, the crescent rolls may not bake properly, and the filling could leak out. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per roll.
• Undercooking the chicken: Make sure to use fully cooked chicken in this recipe, as the bake time is not long enough to cook raw chicken thoroughly.
• Not softening the cream cheese: If the cream cheese isn’t softened, it will be harder to mix with the chicken and won’t spread evenly in the rolls.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Crescent Bake is a rich, hearty dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

• Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the bake and adds freshness to the meal.
• Add a vegetable side: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to round out the meal.
• Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or basil adds color and a burst of flavor to each serving.
• Family-style: Place the baking dish directly on the table and serve family-style, allowing everyone to scoop out their portion.

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How to Serve Chicken Crescent Bake

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with light sides makes for a balanced meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With mashed potatoes: Serve the bake with creamy mashed potatoes for an ultimate comfort food meal.
• Over rice: Spoon the crescent rolls and sauce over a bed of white or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce.
• Low-carb option: For a low-carb option, serve the Chicken Crescent Bake with a side of cauliflower rice or a big leafy green salad.

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Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake

Here are a few ways to elevate the presentation of your Chicken Crescent Bake:

• Rustic casserole: Serve the dish straight from the baking dish or casserole for a rustic, homey feel. Add a garnish of fresh herbs for a pop of color.
• Individual servings: Scoop out individual crescent rolls onto plates and drizzle extra sauce over each roll before serving.
• Cheesy topping: For a more indulgent look, finish with an extra layer of cheese on top and let it get golden and bubbly before serving.

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Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can assemble the Chicken Crescent Bake ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
• Storing leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
No, the chicken needs to be cooked before being added to the crescent rolls. Using raw chicken won’t allow enough time for it to cook fully in the oven.

Can I make this dish without cream of chicken soup?
Yes! You can make a homemade version using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk to replace the canned soup. It’s easy and adds a fresh flavor to the dish.

What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or even biscuit dough as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

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Conclusion

Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, flaky crescent rolls, and a creamy sauce into one irresistible meal. Perfect for a family dinner or even meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to make and highly customizable. Serve it with your favorite sides, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!

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