If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with flaky pastry, this Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe is an absolute treasure. It’s the perfect weeknight meal to whip up in under an hour, using simple ingredients that transform into a cozy casserole everyone will beg for seconds of. The buttery crescent roll crust crisps up beautifully, wrapping all that tender chicken filling in a warm, inviting package that’s packed with flavor and heartwarming charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe, you’ll rely on a few straightforward but essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—from the tender shredded chicken that brings hearty protein, to the crescent rolls adding that golden, flaky touch, and the cheeses that melt into creamy perfection.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Using rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut to save time and add juicy flavor.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: These provide the buttery, flaky crust that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Cream of chicken soup: This creates a rich, comforting base for the casserole’s filling.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess that balances the savory notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty goodness to the mix.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, slightly salty flavor that deepens the taste.
- Garlic powder: Adds a fragrant warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile subtly but effectively.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- Melted butter (optional): Brushing this on top gives the crust an irresistible golden sheen.
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens each serving.
How to Make Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing with cooking spray or butter. This will ensure your casserole comes out clean and easy to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base
Unroll your refrigerated crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Lay these triangles carefully in the baking dish, making sure to pinch the seams together so they form a continuous crust on the bottom. This flaky layer acts like the perfect golden foundation for the filling.
Step 3: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so every bite will be bursting with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly spread that luscious chicken mixture over the crescent roll crust in your baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface so you get a perfect balance of filling and flaky dough in every bite.
Step 5: Add Extra Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top before baking to turn up the cheesiness. It creates a wonderful melty layer that complements the crust and filling beautifully.
Step 6: Bake Away
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the crescent rolls to turn golden brown and the casserole to be hot and bubbly, sending delicious aromas through your kitchen.
Step 7: Brush with Butter for a Golden Finish (Optional)
Once out of the oven, you can brush the top with melted butter if you want an extra gloss and rich, buttery flavor. This step gives the crust a lovely shine and that irresistible, slightly crisp texture.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Warm
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley or chives on top for a splash of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness. Serve the Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe warm and watch it disappear from the table!
How to Serve Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only brighten up this casserole visually but also add a subtle freshness that balances the richness. A light dusting over the top is all you need to make the dish pop both in flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Crescent Casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed seasonal veggies like broccoli or green beans, or even a refreshing fruit salad for contrast. The creamy casserole is quite rich, so simple, fresh sides keep the meal harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for single servings. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on each serving to customize according to your guests’ tastes—making the dish both interactive and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying as a next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping it well. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and the crescent roll crust regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture delightful and not soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Cook and shred your chicken before mixing it in. Rotisserie chicken is just a great shortcut, but freshly cooked chicken works just as well.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make a simple homemade version with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk for a fresher taste, or use cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor twist.
Is this casserole spicy?
No, the Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe is mild and savory, making it family-friendly. You can always add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Since crescent rolls contain gluten, you’d need to find a gluten-free crescent dough alternative or substitute with a gluten-free pastry to keep it compliant.
How do I make the crescent crust extra flaky?
Chilling your crescent roll dough before baking and brushing with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven helps develop a beautifully flaky, flavorful crust.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen hero — so simple, so comforting, and so delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, it’s a guaranteed hit that’s easy to personalize and hard to resist. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite go-to meal!
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Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Crescent Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring a buttery crescent roll crust filled with a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines tender shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crescent Roll Crust
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top, optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Lay them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pinching the seams together to form a continuous crust covering the base.
- Make the Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the crescent roll crust in the baking dish, spreading it smoothly.
- Top with Extra Cheese: Optionally, sprinkle a little additional shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for an extra cheesy layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown on top and the casserole is heated through.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the casserole from the oven and, if desired, brush the baked crescent rolls with melted butter for a shiny, golden finish.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color and serve the casserole warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crescent rolls if available.
- Adding extra cheese on top will give a cheesier crust.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for best texture.
