If you’re looking for a dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, then this Chicken Crescent Bake is your new best friend. Think tender chicken tucked inside buttery crescent rolls, topped with a luscious cheese sauce that bakes to bubbly golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that makes even picky eaters pause mid-grumble and say, “Wait…what’s in this? It’s amazing!”
This recipe has been a staple in my family for years. My mom passed it down to me, and now my kids practically cheer when they see it come out of the oven. It’s that kind of recipe—the one you know will never fail you on a busy weeknight or when you want something cozy after a long day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Crescent Bake
- Family-friendly: Kids and grown-ups both gobble it up.
- Comforting: Creamy filling and cheesy topping = pure happiness.
- Customizable: Swap in broccoli, spinach, or even leftover turkey.
- Quick prep: Just 20 minutes to assemble, then the oven does the rest.
What Does Chicken Crescent Bake Taste Like?
Imagine chicken pot pie meets cheesy casserole, all wrapped up in a flaky crescent roll. The filling is creamy and savory, the sauce is rich and gooey, and the top bakes into a golden crust that’s irresistible. It’s hearty without being heavy—just the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Crescent Bake
When it comes to making a truly comforting Chicken Crescent Bake, the magic lies in the ingredients. Nothing fancy or hard to find—just simple, everyday staples that transform into something warm, cheesy, and downright irresistible. Let’s break it down piece by piece:
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups, cubed): The star of this recipe. You can use freshly cooked chicken breasts, thighs, or even easier—grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves time and gives the dish extra flavor. (If you’re a fan of hearty chicken meals, you’ll also love my Chicken Burrito Casserole for another family-approved dinner idea.)
- Cream Cheese (5 ounces, softened): This is what makes the filling silky and indulgent. Be sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly.
- Butter (¼ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps the filling stay creamy. It also complements the garlic seasoning beautifully.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): A little goes a long way. It balances the richness of the cream cheese with a subtle savory kick.
- Seasoned Salt (¾ teaspoon in filling, ½ teaspoon in sauce): This brings everything together, giving the filling and sauce depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 ¾ cups total, freshly grated): You’ll fold some into the filling, stir some into the sauce, and sprinkle more on top. Freshly grating your cheese makes all the difference—it melts creamier than pre-shredded.
- Heavy Cream (2 ½ tablespoons for filling, ½ cup for sauce): The cream ensures the filling isn’t too dense and gives the sauce that velvety texture we all crave.
- Crescent Rolls (2 cans, 8-count each): These buttery rolls act as little wrappers for the chicken filling. They bake up golden and flaky, making this Chicken Crescent Bake extra special.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.75-ounce can): The secret to a cozy casserole-style sauce. When combined with cheddar and cream, it turns into a blanket of cheesy goodness that coats every bite.
Each ingredient has its role—together, they create a dish that feels homemade, hearty, and straight from the heart.
How to Make Chicken Crescent Bake (Step by Step)
Making this Chicken Crescent Bake is easier than it looks, and the results are absolutely worth it. I’ll walk you through every step so you’ll feel confident, even if this is your first time baking it.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms, lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. This step ensures your crescent rolls don’t stick, and clean-up will be a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add in the garlic powder and seasoned salt for flavor. Next, fold in the cubed chicken and ¾ cup of freshly grated cheddar cheese. Finally, stir in the heavy cream until everything is well incorporated.
Pro tip: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces so it blends better into the filling.
Step 3: Fill the Crescent Rolls
Open up the cans of crescent rolls and carefully separate the dough into individual triangles. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll them up gently, starting from the wide end and tucking the sides in as you go. Pinch the seams to seal the filling inside. Place each roll seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
This step is what gives Chicken Crescent Bake its signature “bundle of joy” look.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, ¾ cup of cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and seasoned salt. Stir constantly until the sauce is warm and smooth. This mixture will pour over the crescent rolls and bake into that luscious, creamy topping that makes this dish unforgettable.
For another saucy chicken dinner idea, check out my Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Pour the warm sauce evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish. Be sure every roll is coated—it’s the sauce that keeps them moist while baking. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing—cheesy, savory, and irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the Chicken Crescent Bake cool for just a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly so every serving is creamy but not runny. Serve warm and watch the smiles appear around your table.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Crescent Bake
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-grated has coating that keeps it from melting as creamy.
- Seal the edges well: Keeps the filling inside where it belongs.
- Add veggies: Try chopped broccoli or spinach for a little green goodness.
- Make ahead: Assemble the rolls in the morning, cover, and bake at dinner.
- Leftovers? Warm in the oven instead of the microwave for best texture.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Assemble without the sauce, freeze, then thaw and bake with sauce for fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though rotisserie chicken has more flavor.
Can I swap the soup?
Absolutely—cream of mushroom or cream of celery work too.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
Nope! Half-and-half or even milk will do, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Conclusion
This Chicken Crescent Bake is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s creamy, cheesy, easy to throw together, and absolutely soul-warming. Next time you’re looking for something that makes everyone at the table happy, this dish will deliver.
If you try it, I’d love to hear—leave a comment or tag me so I can see your bubbly, golden creations.
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Chicken Crescent Bake: A Cheesy Family Dinner Favorite
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This is a classic family recipe. My mom used to make this and my kids love it. You can switch up the filling ingredients and make it your own!
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 3 cups cooked, cubed chicken (or Rotisserie)
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 (8-ounce/8 count) cans crescent rolls
Sauce
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Prepare the filling. In a large bowl combine the cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, and seasoned salt stirring until smooth. Add in the chicken and cheddar cheese, mixing until incorporated. Add in the heavy cream and stir until combined.
3. Open the cans of crescent rolls. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the larger end of each crescent roll. Roll up and pinch the dough closed, sealing in the chicken mixture. Place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
4. To prepare the sauce combine the cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and seasoned salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until warm and smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over the crescent rolls. Top with the remaining 1 cup grated cheese.
5. Bake for 30 minutes until the rolls are baked and the mixture is bubbly.
6. Serve immediately.
Notes
I recommend grating your cheese, rather than buying pre-grated, as it will produce a creamier result.
Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 368
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 797.3 mg
- Fat: 32.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 12.1 g
- Cholesterol: 94.1 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken crescent bake, family dinner, creamy chicken rolls, comfort food, easy chicken casserole
