If you are on the hunt for a deliciously fiery yet comforting treat, look no further than this Spicy Chicken Rolls Recipe. Bursting with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and that perfect kick of hot sauce, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough, they deliver a sensational balance of heat, creaminess, and satisfying texture in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a quick lunch, or simply want an irresistible snack, these spicy chicken rolls will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these spicy chicken rolls is a breeze with a handful of essential ingredients that come together beautifully to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component has a role in turning simple items into something truly special and crave-worthy.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Tender and juicy, this forms the hearty base of the rolls.
- Cream cheese, softened (1/2 cup): Adds rich creaminess that smooths out the spice and binds the filling.
- Hot sauce (1/4 cup): The fiery star that gives these rolls their signature spicy punch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Offers sharp, melty goodness with every bite.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses subtle savory depth that complements the heat.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild smoky note and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheet (1 can): The buttery, flaky casing that wraps the spicy filling delightfully.
- Egg, beaten (1): Used for an egg wash to achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- Optional ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for dipping if you want to mellow the heat slightly.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your rolling and baking process goes smoothly and that the rolls bake evenly with no sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Spicy Chicken Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you get a creamy, evenly spiced filling that tastes as good as it looks. This step creates that wonderful spicy and creamy contrast that defines the recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface. If using crescent rolls, separate the dough into triangles. For puff pastry, cut the sheet into squares of roughly equal size. This makes filling and rolling up the spicy chicken mixture much easier and gives everyone a perfectly sized roll.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken filling near the wide end of each dough triangle or on each square. Carefully roll the dough around the filling, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the point, gently sealing the edges to keep that precious filling inside during baking.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Arrange the filled rolls on your prepared baking sheet with some space between them. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg—this little touch yields a stunning golden brown and glossy finish. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the rolls are beautifully golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, let your spicy chicken rolls rest briefly to avoid burning your mouth. This moment also helps the filling settle, making each bite nice and neat. Then, get ready to dig in or plate them up for your guests!
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions sprinkled over the warm rolls. A dash of extra paprika or a drizzle of ranch dressing can also add a fun, fresh look alongside that extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
These spicy chicken rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or crunchy vegetable sticks, which provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy filling. For a heartier option, serve alongside creamy coleslaw or a light soup for a full meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the spicy chicken rolls on a platter with small bowls of ranch, blue cheese, or even a cool cucumber yogurt dip. If you want to impress at a game day or party, serve them on a wooden board decorated with fresh herbs and bright, colorful veggies for an inviting and appetizing display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any spicy chicken rolls left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored frozen for up to two months, great for prepping snacks ahead of time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover or frozen spicy chicken rolls, reheat them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain their flaky texture and delicious finish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of hot sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce to customize the heat level and flavor profile. Classic buffalo wing sauces work wonderfully, but smoky or tangy varieties can add a unique twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based shredded “chicken” alternative to make a vegetarian version that still offers fantastic texture and flavor.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely. The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, which actually helps the flavors meld together for an even tastier result when baked.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough or puff pastry?
You could use biscuit dough or homemade pastry dough if you prefer. Just keep in mind these alternatives might result in slightly different textures, but they will still be delicious!
How spicy are these rolls? Can I adjust the heat?
The heat level is quite flexible. Start with the recommended amount of hot sauce and add more if you crave extra spice. Conversely, reduce it or substitute with a milder sauce to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and exciting about these spicy chicken rolls, and I know once you try this Spicy Chicken Rolls Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and fiery filling wrapped in flaky dough is downright irresistible. Give it a go, and your next snack or party platter will be unforgettable!
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Spicy Chicken Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Spicy Chicken Rolls are deliciously cheesy, tangy, and packed with shredded chicken mixed with hot sauce and spices, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. These rolls make a perfect appetizer or snack, especially for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Assembly
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheet
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, hot sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Roll out the dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into individual triangles, or if using puff pastry, cut it into squares of similar size for easy wrapping.
- Fill and roll: Place a spoonful of the spicy chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle or in the center of each puff pastry square. Roll up the dough, starting from the wide end, and gently pinch the edges to seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Arrange the filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the rolls are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These rolls go perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste preference.
- These rolls work great as appetizers, game day snacks, or quick lunch bites.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing with the chicken filling.
