Baked Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls: The Easiest, Most Delicious Weeknight Dinner

There are some dinners that feel like a secret weapon. They’re the ones you pull out on busy weeknights when you need something fast, but they’re also impressive enough to serve to company. They use simple ingredients you probably already have, but the result looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Baked Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are that dinner.

I discovered this recipe on a night when I had a rotisserie chicken to use up, a tube of crescent rolls in the fridge, and absolutely no energy for anything complicated. I threw together a simple filling, rolled them up, and popped them in the oven. Twenty minutes later, I pulled out the most beautiful golden crescents, with the most incredible aroma filling my kitchen.

The first bite was pure magic. Flaky, buttery crescent roll giving way to a creamy, cheesy, savory chicken filling. It was like the best comfort food wrapped up in a perfect, portable package. My family devoured them. My kids asked for them again the next week. And again the week after that.

These little bundles of deliciousness have become a staple in my dinner rotation. They’re endlessly customizable, incredibly easy to make, and absolutely irresistible. Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know to make them perfect.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Incredibly easy. Rotisserie chicken and refrigerated crescent rolls do most of the work. You’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Perfect for busy nights. Fast, simple, and satisfying. Dinner is solved.

Crowd-pleasing. I’ve never made these for anyone who didn’t love them. Kids and adults alike go crazy.

Customizable. Change up the fillings, add different cheeses, make them spicy—the possibilities are endless.

Great for leftovers. Make extra and enjoy them for lunch the next day.

Perfect for parties. Serve them as appetizers or a main course. They disappear fast.

Budget-friendly. Rotisserie chicken is affordable, and crescent rolls are a pantry staple.

Freezer-friendly. Make a double batch and stash some for later.

Better than takeout. Homemade always wins.

The Complete Ingredient Breakdown

For the Filling:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

This is the heart of the dish. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, leftover roasted chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor.

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Cream cheese is the secret to that creamy, luscious filling. It binds everything together and adds richness. Make sure it’s well softened for easy mixing.

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cheddar adds sharp, cheesy flavor. You can also use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend.

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Adds salty, nutty depth.

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives

Adds freshness and color.

1 clove garlic, minced

Essential for savory depth.

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional additions: ¼ cup cooked bacon bits, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, ¼ cup chopped spinach, 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños

For the Crescent Rolls:

2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough

This is your time-saving hero. Each can contains 8 crescent rolls, giving you 16 total. Look for the seamless sheet versions if you want to create a different shape.

For Topping:

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Add the shredded chicken and any optional additions you’re using. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. The filling should be thick and spreadable.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls

Open the cans of crescent roll dough. Separate the dough into 16 triangles along the perforated lines.

If using crescent roll sheets (without perforations), cut each sheet into 8 triangles.

Step 4: Fill the Crescent Rolls

Place about 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Don’t overfill—you need to be able to roll them up.

Starting at the wide end, roll up each triangle toward the point. Place on the prepared baking sheet, point-side down, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried parsley.

Brush this mixture over the top of each crescent roll. This creates that gorgeous golden, flavorful crust.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The filling should be hot and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

The Science Behind Perfect Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Softened cream cheese is essential. Cold cream cheese won’t mix evenly and will leave lumps in your filling. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.

Don’t overfill. Too much filling will leak out during baking. About 1½ tablespoons per roll is perfect.

Seal the edges. Make sure the filling is completely enclosed. If any is exposed, it can leak and burn.

Butter topping isn’t just for flavor. It helps the tops brown beautifully and adds that professional bakery finish.

Space them out. Crescent rolls expand during baking. Give them room to spread without touching.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My Crescent Rolls Leaked Filling

Too much filling, or the edges weren’t sealed properly. Next time, use less filling and pinch the seams to seal.

They’re Burnt on the Bottom

Your oven runs hot, or the baking sheet was too dark. Use a lighter-colored baking sheet and check at the minimum baking time.

The Filling Is Dry

Add more cream cheese or a splash of milk to the filling mixture. Rotisserie chicken can be dry—make sure your chicken is moist.

They’re Soggy

Underscooked, or the filling was too wet. Make sure to bake until golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.

The Crescent Rolls Didn’t Brown

Brush with more butter topping next time, or increase oven temperature slightly.

I Want More Flavor

Add more seasonings, use different cheeses, or incorporate flavorful add-ins like bacon or jalapeños.

Delicious Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these variations.

Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls

Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce and 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese to the filling. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Crescent Rolls

Add ½ cup finely chopped steamed broccoli to the filling. Use extra cheddar cheese.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Crescent Rolls

Add ¼ cup cooked crumbled bacon and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix to the filling.

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Crescent Rolls

Add ¼ cup chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) and ¼ cup chopped artichoke hearts to the filling. Use mozzarella and Parmesan.

Mexican Chicken Crescent Rolls

Add 2 tablespoons salsa, ¼ cup corn, and use pepper jack cheese. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Pesto Chicken Crescent Rolls

Add 2 tablespoons pesto to the filling and use mozzarella cheese. The pesto adds incredible flavor.

BBQ Chicken Crescent Rolls

Use BBQ sauce instead of cream cheese (about ½ cup) and add ¼ cup shredded cheddar. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Crescent Rolls

Add an extra clove of garlic to the filling and use the garlic-Parmesan butter topping. Simple and delicious.

What to Serve With Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Side salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.

Soup: Tomato soup, chicken noodle, or creamy vegetable soup are perfect companions.

Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans on the side.

Mashed potatoes: For the ultimate comfort food meal.

Fruit salad: Fresh and bright alongside.

Dipping sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or marinara.

More crescent rolls: Because one is never enough.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Freezer (unbaked): Assemble the crescent rolls completely, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to baking time.

Freezer (baked): Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.

Make-ahead for parties: Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to baking time.

Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The microwave works but will soften the crisp exterior.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Place in Your Dinner Rotation

These Baked Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls represent everything I want in a weeknight meal. They’re incredibly easy to make. They use simple, accessible ingredients. They’re endlessly customizable. They’re perfect for feeding a family. And they’re genuinely, consistently, undeniably delicious.

I’ve made these for frantic weeknights when I needed dinner fast. I’ve made them for casual dinners with friends who ended up asking for the recipe. I’ve made them for my kids who now request them by name.

Every single time, they deliver. Every single time, that first bite of flaky, buttery crescent roll filled with creamy, savory chicken makes everything better.

This recipe has become a staple in my dinner rotation for good reason. It’s reliable, versatile, and always welcome at the table.

And now it can be that for you too.

So shred that chicken. Soften that cream cheese. Open that tube of crescent rolls. And get ready to make the easiest, most delicious dinner of your life.

Your family is about to be very, very happy.

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Have you made these Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls? What variations did you try? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

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