Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

The aroma of warm, buttery crescent rolls filled with savory chicken salad just screams comfort food, doesn’t it? Here in Texas, where everything’s a little bigger and a lot more flavorful, quick and easy recipes are a must for us busy mamas. I’ve made these Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls countless times for school lunches, quick dinners, and potlucks. They always disappear fast! Think of it as a chicken salad sandwich, but elevated and somehow even more fun to eat. I promise you’ll get a simple, family-friendly recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those crazy weeknights.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, we all need a few reliable recipes that we can whip up without a second thought. These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are just that! They’re great because they are:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, from start to finish.
• Kid-Friendly: What kid can resist a flaky crescent roll filled with tasty chicken?
• Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite flavors.

During testing, I noticed that chilling the chicken salad mixture for even just 15 minutes really helped with assembly – the filling stays put better! This is a great tip if you’re working with younger kids who are helping in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 (12.4 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

Ingredient Notes

Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. For the best chicken stuffed crescent rolls, ensure the chicken is finely shredded for easy mixing and eating.

Mayonnaise: I prefer using a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor, but any kind you have on hand will work. Light mayonnaise is a great option to reduce the calories.

Celery and Red Onion: These add a nice crunch and flavor to the chicken salad. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out or substitute with other veggies like chopped bell pepper.

Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang. If you don’t have relish, you can use a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of vinegar.

Crescent Roll Dough: These are easily found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. You can use the regular or the reduced-fat version. I’ve found that the name-brand dough tends to be a bit flakier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls!

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup!
2. Prepare Chicken Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I always sneak a little taste at this stage!
3. Unroll Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place the triangles on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Fill the Crescent Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
5. Roll Up the Crescents: Starting at the wide end, roll up each crescent roll towards the point. Pinch the edges to seal in the filling. Slightly curve the rolls into a crescent shape.
6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the crescent rolls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy warm!

Storage & Meal Prep

These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store and prep them for later:

Storage: Store any leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crispness.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken salad mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This saves time on busy weeknights. You can also assemble the crescent rolls ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking.

Batch Prep: To make a large batch for a party or gathering, simply double or triple the recipe. Bake the crescent rolls in batches, if necessary.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to put your own spin on these Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough. I haven’t personally tested this, but it should work well.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mayonnaise.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad mixture.
• Cheesy: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken salad or sprinkle it on top before baking.
• Herby: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the chicken salad.
• Buffalo Chicken: Mix buffalo wing sauce into the chicken salad for a spicy kick!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad filling up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the rolls a few hours ahead of time, but I recommend baking them right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How do I know when the crescent rolls are done?

The crescent rolls are done when they are golden brown and the filling is heated through. The internal temperature of the chicken salad should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients. I prefer the flavor and texture of shredded rotisserie chicken, but canned chicken will definitely work.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! My kids love these Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. They’re easy to eat and packed with flavor. You can customize the filling to suit your kids’ tastes by leaving out the celery and red onion, if desired. They can even help with the assembly!

Can I freeze these?

I don’t recommend freezing these after they’ve been baked, as the texture of the crescent rolls can change. However, you could freeze the chicken salad filling on its own. Thaw it completely before using it to fill the crescent rolls.

What can I serve with Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls?

These crescent rolls are great on their own, but they also pair well with a simple side salad, some fresh fruit, or a bowl of soup. They make a perfect lunch or light dinner!

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