If you are searching for a cozy, flavorful dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken in a golden, flaky wrap, you will adore this Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe. It’s a warm, comforting meal that feels like a hug from the inside, combining simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or want a dish to impress guests with minimal fuss, this casserole never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the foundation of the Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe, each playing an essential role in balancing taste, texture, and color. From the creamy base to the crisp crescent dough, every component shines in this dish.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): The hearty protein that makes this casserole satisfying and comforting.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 ounces): Provides buttery, flaky pockets that perfectly encase the filling.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Adds richness and creaminess to the mixture with a tangy depth.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Keeps the filling luscious and smooth while balancing flavors.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Offers subtle sweetness and complexity to the filling.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, enriching the casserole with sharp, gooey goodness.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Provides a creamy sauce base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Milk (½ cup): Smooths the soup to a perfect consistency for pouring over the crescents.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild flavor when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a hot environment ready to bake the casserole into golden perfection. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so that the crescents won’t stick and the bake comes out flawlessly.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is silky smooth. This blend is the heart of the filling, delivering layers of creamy, savory flavor. Gently fold in the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese, which melts into the filling and adds that irresistible cheesy bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Crescents
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. For each crescent, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the wide end, then carefully roll it up toward the pointed end. Place each rolled crescent seam side down in the prepared baking dish to keep the filling secure and encourage even baking.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Sauce and Cheese Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until well combined and creamy. Pour this sauce evenly over the crescents in the dish, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, which will melt and brown in the oven, creating a mouthwatering crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and the crescents have turned a beautiful golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set before serving, enhancing both texture and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped fresh parsley just before serving brightens the dish with a splash of green and a subtle herbal note. You can also consider a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika for a flavor twist that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads or crunchy steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. For heartier meals, roasted potatoes or a simple rice pilaf provide a cozy, complementary base that rounds out the comforting meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a personalized touch. Alternately, arrange the crescents neatly on a platter, allowing guests to serve themselves, making it a casual yet elegant addition to any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner reheat options.
Freezing
This Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole, wrapped securely, for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and the topping is bubbly again. This helps retain the crispy crescent texture better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Just cook the chicken thoroughly beforehand and then shred it to fold into the filling. Using pre-cooked chicken saves a lot of time, but fresh-cooked chicken works just as well.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can easily swap the chicken for cooked vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach and use a cream of mushroom soup instead, creating a vegetarian-friendly casserole that’s just as creamy and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Making this casserole dairy-free would require substituting the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and milk with non-dairy alternatives such as vegan cream cheese, sour cream, and plant-based milk. The texture and flavor might differ slightly but it can still be delicious.
What side dish pairs best with this Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe?
Light and refreshing sides like mixed greens or a tangy coleslaw balance the rich, creamy casseroles perfectly. Roasted or steamed seasonal veggies also make wonderful accompaniments.
Can I add vegetables to the chicken filling?
Definitely—mixing in cooked broccoli or spinach is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients and add texture. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy with every bite. From its creamy, cheesy filling to the flaky crescent crust, it’s simple to make yet feels like a special treat. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and enjoy all the warmth and satisfaction it brings to the table.
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Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Chicken Crescent Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining tender shredded chicken with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Topped with a creamy chicken soup sauce and extra cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family-friendly dinner that takes only 45 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Dough
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Sauce
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until evenly combined.
- Assemble crescents: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle, then carefully roll the dough towards the narrow end to enclose the filling. Arrange the rolled crescents seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the arranged crescents in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for shredded chicken in this recipe.
- For an extra nutrient boost, stir in cooked broccoli or spinach to the filling mixture before assembling.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this recipe lower in fat, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese.
