Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the classic spicy chicken flavor wrapped up in soft, flaky crescent dough. These rolls combine tender shredded chicken, a kick of buffalo sauce, and melty cheese that all come together in a perfect handheld treat. They’re great for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in when you want something a little different.
I love how easy these rolls are to make and how quickly they disappear once you bring them to the table! I usually mix the chicken with some cream cheese and a bit of ranch dressing to cool down the heat and add creaminess. For an extra touch, I sprinkle a little blue cheese on top before baking – that flavor combo is a winner every time. You can make them ahead and pop them in the oven when guests arrive, which is a huge time saver.
These Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls are one of those recipes that always bring everyone together. I like serving them with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. It’s like a mini buffalo chicken feast in each bite! Whenever I make these, they’re gone so fast that I already start thinking about my next batch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: The buttery, flaky dough is the star here. I find pre-made canned dough the easiest, but puff pastry works well too if you prefer a flakier texture.
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is my go-to for tenderness. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. For a vegetarian option, try shredded jackfruit or tofu.
Cream Cheese: This gives creaminess and helps bind the filling. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese for different dietary needs.
Buffalo Sauce: Adds the signature spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on how hot you like it. For less heat, try mixing in mild hot sauce or BBQ sauce.
Cheese: Mozzarella adds gooey meltiness, while cheddar on top adds sharp flavor. Feel free to swap cheeses with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or dairy-free options.
How Do I Roll Crescent Dough Without the Filling Leaking Out?
Keeping the filling sealed inside is key to nice, neat rolls. Here’s my simple method:
- Don’t overfill: Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling per crescent.
- Place filling toward the wide end, leaving space at edges.
- Gently roll from the wide end toward the point, tucking in the edges slightly as you go.
- Press the edges lightly to seal, and place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- If needed, brush a small bit of water along the edges before rolling to help them stick.
This prevents leaks and helps the rolls keep their shape while baking. Also, avoid too much wet filling which can make the dough soggy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard one that fits all the rolls comfortably for even cooking.
- Mixing bowls – to combine the filling ingredients; a medium bowl is perfect.
- Measuring cups and spoons – they’ll help you add just the right amount of each ingredient.
- Spatula or spoon – makes mixing the filling easy and mess-free.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken with cooked ground turkey or beef; gives a different flavor but still delicious.
- Add chopped scallions or cilantro to the filling for extra freshness and flavor.
- Mix in some crumbled blue cheese or feta before rolling for a tangy punch.
- Adjust heat by using mild, hot, or extra hot buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So in total, you can have these tasty rolls ready in under 30 minutes—quick and easy for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the rolls don’t stick while baking.
2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Roll Up the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Carefully roll the dough up from the wide end toward the point, making sure to fully enclose the filling.
4. Bake and Garnish
Place the rolled crescents seam side down on your baking sheet. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Once done, let them cool a bit, then sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
These rolls taste fantastic warm. Serve them with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crunchy celery sticks on the side for a classic buffalo chicken experience.
Can I Use Frozen Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the cooked chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before shredding. This helps the filling mix smoothly.
Can I Make These Crescent Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a couple extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the dough flaky.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness?
Definitely! Use more or less buffalo wing sauce depending on your taste preferences. You can also swap some or all of the buffalo sauce for a milder hot sauce or BBQ sauce to tone down the heat.