Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe

Cozy Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe: Dinner Magic Awaits

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful chicken crescent casserole that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Creamy layers combine tender shredded chicken with flaky pastry in a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners rarely get this exciting or easy to prepare.

Simple ingredients come together magically, creating a meal that satisfies both hunger and heart.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this casserole assembles and bakes to golden perfection.

Cheese melts into every crevice, adding rich flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Let’s dive into a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular.

  • Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a hearty, creamy casserole that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for turkey, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheese types to make this recipe uniquely yours.
  • Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors and soft, cheesy textures that children and adults will absolutely love devouring together.
  • Quick Family Dinner Solution: Transform simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Crescent Casserole

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Protein-rich meat that forms the core of the casserole and provides hearty flavor.
  • Crescent Rolls: Soft, flaky pastry that creates the base and wrapping for the chicken filling.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds moisture and rich flavor to the casserole.
For the Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy, creamy texture to the dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth cheese that helps bind the chicken mixture and creates a rich, creamy filling.
For the Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Milk: Liquid that helps thin the soup and create a smooth sauce for the casserole.
  • Butter: Rich ingredient that adds moisture and helps create a golden, crispy top.
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken mixture.
  • Chopped Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds depth and savory notes to the filling.

Stepwise Instructions for Chicken Crescent Casserole Dish

Stepwise Instructions for Chicken Crescent Casserole Dish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a quick spray of cooking spray to a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Sauce

Combine in a saucepan:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Milk

Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Chopped onion
  • Cubed chicken
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and create a rich, flavorful mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Base

Spread a thin layer of the cheesy sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a delicious foundation.

Step 5: Stuff and Roll Crescents

Take each crescent roll and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture inside.

Carefully roll up the crescents and arrange them neatly in the baking dish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Pour the remaining cheesy sauce over the rolled crescents, making sure they’re completely covered.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra golden, melty finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Crescent Casserole Success

  • Pat chicken dry before mixing to remove excess moisture and ensure crispy, golden crescent rolls.
  • Add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture for extra aromatic complexity.
  • Let cheese come to room temperature before shredding for smoother, more even melting in the sauce.
  • Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.
  • Swap crescent rolls with gluten-free alternatives or use thinly sliced zucchini as a low-carb base for the chicken filling.

Variations to Try With Chicken Crescent Casserole

  • Veggie Fusion Crescent Casserole: Replace chicken with mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and spinach for a vegetarian version that's packed with nutrients.
  • Spicy Southwest Crescent Roll Bake: Add jalapeños, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole with extra kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Crescent Casserole: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Seafood Crescent Delight: Substitute chicken with crab or shrimp meat, using a lighter cream sauce and adding dill for a coastal-inspired casserole option.

Best Pairings for Chicken Crescent Casserole Dish

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with light acidity to complement the creamy casserole's rich texture and cut through its cheesy goodness.
  • Serve with Fresh Green Salad: Create a zesty mixed greens salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness and add refreshing crunch.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or broccoli with olive oil and herbs to provide a nutritious, colorful accompaniment that enhances the dish's savory profile.
  • Complement with Chilled Cucumber Slaw: Whip up a light, cool cucumber slaw with dill and a touch of Greek yogurt to offer a crisp, cooling contrast to the warm, cheesy crescent rolls.

How to Store Chicken Crescent Casserole Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.

Preheat oven to 325F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred or cube the meat before mixing with other ingredients.

  • Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as alternatives. They’ll provide similar creaminess and texture to the filling.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and part-skim cheddar cheese to cut down on calories and fat content.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe

Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken crescent casserole delivers comfort with each savory bite, blending tender chicken and flaky pastry into a hearty midwest classic. Cheese-infused layers and golden crescent rolls promise a satisfying meal that brings family closer around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cooked, cubed chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Cheese:

  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup (85 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Base and Binders:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
  • 1 package (8 ounces or 226 grams) crescent roll dough
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup (50 grams) onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a creamy sauce by gently heating cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until the cheese completely dissolves and blends smoothly.
  3. Combine cream cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, chopped onion, cubed chicken, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Spread a thin layer of the prepared soup mixture across the bottom of the baking dish to create a flavorful base.
  5. Take each crescent roll and carefully fill it with a small portion of the chicken mixture, then delicately roll and position in the baking dish.
  6. Generously drizzle the remaining soup mixture over the rolled crescent rolls, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Sprinkle the additional cheddar cheese on top to create a golden, melty surface.
  8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is perfectly cooked.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Swap chicken with leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time and add variety.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese, milk, and reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.
  • Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken mixture for extra depth and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star