Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 oz) cans Pillsbury crescent roll dough
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2-3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 package Italian dressing mix (or 3 tablespoons)
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the cream cheese and both cans of cream of chicken soup. Add the Italian dressing mix and stir until well combined. Reduce the heat to low.

3. Mix Chicken and Onions: Pour most of the mixture into a large bowl, leaving enough in the pan to use as gravy for the chicken bundles. Add the shredded chicken and green onions to the large bowl and mix together. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Separate the crescent roll dough and place the individual triangles on a cookie sheet.

5. Assemble the Rolls: Scoop a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each crescent roll triangle. Add some shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Fold the left side of the dough in, then the right side, and roll towards the long point to form a bundle.

6. Bake: Place the rolls on the cookie sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Serve: Serve warm, topping with the remaining gravy if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Warm and Fresh: Serve the crescent rolls warm, straight from the oven, to enjoy their flaky texture and gooey cheese filling.
2. Gravy Topping: Drizzle the reserved cream cheese and soup mixture over the top of the baked crescent rolls for added flavor and moisture.
3. Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a touch of color and a burst of freshness.
4. Side Dishes: Pair the crescent rolls with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
5. Appetizer Size: Cut each roll in half or thirds to serve as appetizers at parties or gatherings.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
2. Freezing: Freeze the baked crescent rolls by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
3. Separate Layers: If stacking the rolls for storage, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
4. Microwave Reheating: For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Heat individual rolls for about 1-2 minutes on a microwave-safe plate. Be aware that the texture may not be as crisp as oven reheating.
5. Gravy Storage: Store any leftover gravy in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Bonus Tips:

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling and assemble the rolls ahead of time. Store the unbaked rolls in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Extra Filling: If you have leftover filling, use it as a dip for crackers or vegetables, or spread it on toast for a tasty snack.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls at their best, whether freshly baked or reheated as leftovers. Perfect for any meal or occasion, these rolls offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this versatile dish!

Variations:

Explore these creative twists to add new flavors and ingredients to your Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls, making them even more delightful and versatile:

1. Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls:
   • Add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
   • Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
2. BBQ Chicken Crescent Rolls:
   • Mix in some barbecue sauce with the chicken mixture.
   • Top with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese before rolling.
3. Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Crescent Rolls:
   • Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the chicken mixture.
   • Use mozzarella cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
4. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Crescent Rolls:
   • Mix in chopped jalapeños and crumbled bacon with the chicken mixture.
   • Use cream cheese and cheddar cheese for a rich and spicy filling.
5. Greek Chicken Crescent Rolls:
   • Add chopped Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and diced red bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
   • Sprinkle with oregano and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
6. Southwest Chicken Crescent Rolls:
   • Mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with the chicken mixture.
   • Use a blend of Mexican cheeses and serve with salsa and sour cream.
7. Chicken and Broccoli Crescent Rolls:
   • Add finely chopped steamed broccoli to the chicken mixture.
   • Use cheddar cheese and sprinkle with a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
8. Cheesy Pesto Chicken Crescent Rolls:
   • Add a few tablespoons of pesto to the chicken mixture.
   • Use mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan before baking.
9. Mushroom and Swiss Chicken Crescent Rolls:
   • Sauté sliced mushrooms and mix them into the chicken mixture.
   • Use Swiss cheese and top with a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary.
10. Italian Chicken Crescent Rolls:
    • Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of spinach to the chicken mixture.
    • Use mozzarella cheese and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

These variations offer endless possibilities to elevate your Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls into a unique and flavorful dish. Whether you prefer spicy, cheesy, or veggie-filled options, these ideas will inspire you to create a version that suits your taste and occasion perfectly. Experiment with these variations and enjoy the delicious versatility of this comforting and easy-to-make dish!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of dough?
   • Yes, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as alternatives to crescent roll dough. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. How can I make the filling creamier?
   • For a creamier filling, you can add a bit more cream cheese or mix in some sour cream or Greek yogurt.
3. Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
4. What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
   • You can shred the chicken using two forks, a hand mixer, or even a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for quick and easy shredding.
5. Can I freeze the stuffed crescent rolls?
   • Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
6. What sides go well with Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls?
   • These rolls pair well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
7. How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
   • Ensure the filling is not too wet by draining any excess liquid from the cooked chicken and vegetables. Baking the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet can also help maintain crispiness.
8. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
   • Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and adds extra flavor. Just shred the meat and mix it with the other filling ingredients.
9. How can I make the rolls spicier?
   • To add some heat, mix in chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the filling.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?
    • Reheat leftover rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but they may not be as crispy.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common questions about making Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Whether you’re looking to customize the recipe, prepare it ahead of time, or troubleshoot any issues, these insights will ensure your dish turns out delicious every time. Enjoy the versatility and ease of this delightful recipe!