Crescent and Chicken Roll-Ups


1 can (8 oz / 225g) refrigerated crescent roll dough (do not use croissant dough)

For the Creamy Chicken Filling

2 cups (about 300g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or leftover)

1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)

¼ cup (60g) cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra richness)

¼ cup (60ml) ranch dressing (or buffalo sauce for heat)

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Finishing Touches

Extra shredded cheese, for topping

Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Hot sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping

✅ Pro Tip: For spicy kick, mix ranch + buffalo 50/50!


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Filling

In a large bowl:


Combine shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, ranch (or buffalo), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Stir until evenly blended and creamy.

✅ Use a fork or hands—just get everything well mixed.


3. Assemble the Roll-Ups

Unroll the crescent dough:


Separate into 8 triangles.

Spoon 1–2 tbsp filling onto the wide end of each triangle.

Roll up from wide end to point, enclosing the filling completely.

Place seam-side down on the baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.

✅ Gently press the tip to seal if needed.


4. Bake Until Golden & Puffed

Bake 12–15 minutes, until:

Tops are deep golden brown

Dough is flaky and crisp

Filling is heated through

✅ Optional: Sprinkle with extra cheese during the last 2–3 minutes for a melty finish.


5. Serve Warm & Delicious

Let cool 2–3 minutes—they firm up quickly.

Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.

Serve warm with ranch, hot sauce, or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Enjoy as:


A standalone snack or light meal

With a side salad or roasted veggies

Cut into bite-sized pieces for party trays

✅ Leftovers? Reheat gently in the oven—the crust stays crisp!


You Must Know

Use real shredded cheese —pre-shredded doesn’t melt well.

Don’t overfill —too much filling can cause leaks.

Rotisserie chicken = time-saver —just shred and go.

Tastes better the next day! Reheats beautifully in oven or air fryer.

Freezer-friendly —cool completely and freeze up to 3 months.

Storage Tips

Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes (best texture). Microwave works but may soften edges.

Freeze for up to 3 months —thaw and reheat before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ranch dressing

Caesar, blue cheese, or Alfredo sauce

Flavor variation

Buffalo sauce

Sriracha or chili garlic sauce

Heat alternatives

Chicken

Turkey, tuna, or chickpeas

For variation

Crescent dough

Gluten-free biscuits or homemade dough

Dietary needs

Cream cheese

Mascarpone or dairy-free alternative

Slight flavor change


Serving Suggestions

Serve family-style on a rustic board with dipping sauces.

Great for potlucks—bring the whole tray!

Double the batch and freeze half for future joy.

Package in lunchboxes (reheat safely).

Cultural Context

Rooted in American convenience cooking and game-day traditions, this recipe celebrates how simple ingredients—canned dough, chicken, cheese—can become something deeply satisfying. Found at football parties, creative kitchens, and weeknight tables alike, it honors the joy of sharing food that feels both familiar and special.


Pro Tips

Double the recipe? Yes—perfect for feeding a crowd. Use two pans.

Want more crunch? Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds before baking.

Make ahead: Assemble unbaked roll-ups and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.

Label your dish: People will ask for the recipe.

Say “ready?” before serving —it’s part of the ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use crescent rings instead of sheets?

A: Yes—but unroll and press them into layers for best results.


Q: Why did my roll-ups burst open?

A: Likely overfilled or rolled too tightly. Use less filling and roll gently.


Q: Is this gluten-free?

A: Only if using GF crescent dough or substitute crust.


Q: Can I make muffins instead?

A: Absolutely! Press dough into greased tins, fill, and bake 12–15 mins.


Q: Can I air fry them?

A: Yes! Air fry at 370°F for 8–10 mins, watching closely.


Allergy Information

Contains: dairy (cheese, cream cheese), eggs (in dough), wheat (in dough).

Gluten-free option: Use certified GF dough.

Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.

Always check labels—especially on processed doughs, dressings, and cheeses.


Nutrition Facts (Per Roll-Up – Approximate)

Based on 8 servings


Calories: 180

Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Carbohydrates: 10g

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 2g

Protein: 10g

Sodium: 380mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on brands and substitutions. Not intended as medical advice.


These roll-ups don’t shout. They emerge golden from the oven, fragrant and inviting, saying everything a great treat should: “Grab me. Share me… maybe.” That’s how the best ones begin—not with silence, but with chicken, care, and someone who says, “Let’s make it together.”