Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make, Chicken Crescent Bake is the perfect weeknight meal. This creamy, cheesy, and savory dish is loaded with tender chicken, wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, and baked to perfection. It's a family-friendly dinner option that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Ready to dive in? Read on to discover how to make this amazing Chicken Crescent Bake recipe from scratch, along with tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas to elevate your dish!

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What is Chicken Crescent Bake?

Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting casserole-style dish where shredded chicken is combined with cream cheese and seasonings, stuffed into crescent rolls, and topped with a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup. The crescent rolls bake up golden and buttery, while the filling stays moist and flavorful. This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and flaky, tender crescent rolls.

Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake

Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Crescent Bake:

For the Filling:

• 1 tube (8-count) of regular-sized crescent rolls: The base of this recipe, crescent rolls add a buttery and flaky texture.
• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breast.
• 4 oz of softened cream cheese: Provides creaminess and richness to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon of instant minced onion: Adds a bit of mild onion flavor to enhance the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder: Offers a subtle garlicky kick.
• ½ teaspoon of salt: Helps to season the filling just right.
• A pinch of pepper: For a little bit of heat and added flavor.
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds melty, gooey goodness.
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to complement the chicken and cream cheese.

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (10.75 oz) of cream of chicken soup: The foundation of the sauce, adding a creamy and savory element to the dish.
• 1 can of milk (using the empty soup can): Thins out the soup, creating a smooth, pourable sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

There are several ways you can adjust the Chicken Crescent Bake recipe to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs:

• Chicken Substitute: Instead of chicken, you can use cooked turkey, ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. For a vegetarian version, try using a plant-based chicken substitute or cooked mushrooms and spinach.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap the mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. If you're a fan of spice, try adding pepper jack cheese.
• Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute: If you're avoiding canned soups, you can make your own by whisking together a roux (equal parts flour and butter), chicken broth, and milk until thickened.
• Add Vegetables: To make this a complete meal, you can add some vegetables to the filling, such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or peas.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect Chicken Crescent Bake:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, cook and shred the chicken if you haven't already done so. You can use a rotisserie chicken to save time or cook chicken breasts in a skillet or in boiling water until fully cooked. Shred it using two forks and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Crescent Rolls

Open the tube of crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Take one triangle at a time and place about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center. Roll up the crescent roll starting from the wide end, making sure to tuck the sides in as you roll. Repeat this for each crescent roll and place them seam-side down in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and well combined. Pour this sauce evenly over the top of the assembled crescent rolls in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake

Once everything is assembled and covered in sauce, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

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

Cooking Chicken Crescent Bake is simple and straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for beginners or busy weeknight cooks. Here’s a quick summary of the steps involved:

1. Prep the oven and ingredients: Preheat the oven and cook/shred the chicken.
2. Make the filling: Combine the chicken with cream cheese, seasonings, and mozzarella.
3. Fill and roll the crescent rolls: Stuff each crescent roll with the chicken filling.
4. Prepare the sauce: Mix the cream of chicken soup with milk and pour over the rolls.
5. Bake: Cook in the oven until golden and bubbly, then serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Chicken Crescent Bake comes out perfectly:

• Overstuffing the crescent rolls: Be mindful not to put too much filling in each roll. Overstuffed crescent rolls may burst open during baking.
• Skipping the sauce: The sauce is essential for keeping the crescent rolls moist and adding flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Undercooking the chicken: Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before shredding and adding it to the filling.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure that your oven is fully preheated to 375°F for even cooking. Baking at a lower temperature may result in soggy crescent rolls.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Chicken Crescent Bake look as good as it tastes, here are a few serving and presentation tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the top of the baked dish for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great contrast to the rich, creamy crescent bake.
• Add a vegetable side: Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots can add some color and balance to the meal.

How to Serve Chicken Crescent Bake

Chicken Crescent Bake is best served hot, straight from the oven. For easy serving, use a spatula to gently lift each roll from the baking dish, ensuring you get plenty of sauce with each serving. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake

Here are a few creative ways to present your Chicken Crescent Bake for a polished look:

• Individual servings on small plates: Plate each crescent roll individually and drizzle with extra sauce before serving.
• Family-style serving: Serve the entire bake in the center of the table in the baking dish, allowing guests to help themselves.
• Add garnishes: A sprinkling of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan on top just before serving can make the dish look restaurant-worthy.

Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips

• Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal.
• Soften cream cheese properly: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the chicken to avoid lumps.
• Avoid soggy rolls: Don’t pour too much sauce over the rolls before baking, as it may make them soggy. A light layer is all you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Crescent Bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Crescent Bake?
A: Yes, Chicken Crescent Bake can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. To freeze leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven when ready to eat.

Q: Can I use a different type of soup?
A: While cream of chicken soup works best, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as a substitute if needed.

Q: What can I serve with Chicken Crescent Bake?
A: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious casserole on the table in no time. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite cheeses or add-ins, and enjoy this tasty dish with family and friends! Try this recipe today, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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