Name: Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count); Chopped parsley for garnish

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I’m excited to share this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe with you because it’s truly one of those comfort food gems that everyone loves. It’s quick to throw together, uses simple ingredients, and comes out hot, melty, and packed with flavor every time. Whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight family or want something cozy for guests, this bake hits the spot.

What makes this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe so special is the buttery flaky crescent roll crust hugged by creamy, cheesy chicken goodness. I’ve found it’s a winner when I’m craving something hearty but not complicated, and it’s a smart way to repurpose leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe complements the others to create that irresistible creamy, cheesy chicken filling, all wrapped up in a golden crescent crust. When shopping, look for good-quality crescent rolls and flavorful shredded cheddar to really make this dish shine.

Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here — tender, flavorful, and ready to go.
Refrigerated crescent rolls: These create the perfect buttery crust—no need to fuss with dough from scratch.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds a creamy, savory base that brings everything together effortlessly.
Milk: Thins out the soup for a creamy, smooth filling consistency.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Dividing it into two portions ensures gooey melty goodness inside and a golden cheesy top.
Garlic powder: Just a hint adds savory depth without overwhelming other flavors.
Onion powder: A subtle warm note that balances the creaminess.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a bit of subtle heat.
Optional garnish – chopped parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe is — you can easily tweak it to your family’s tastes or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Swap the cheese: I’ve used mozzarella or pepper jack for a little spice; it changes the vibe completely.
Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can bulk it up and add color.
Make it spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat I personally love.
Use different protein: Turkey or even canned tuna works well here if you want a twist.
Dairy-free: I’ve tried dairy-free cream soup and cheese alternatives — just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Filling

Start by mixing the cream of chicken soup with milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and half your shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl. Stir it well until everything blends into a creamy mixture. Then fold in the cooked chicken to coat it thoroughly. This step is where the magic begins — make sure your chicken chunks are bite-sized for easy serving later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base

Unroll your crescent dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9×13 baking dish, forming a solid crust. Don’t skimp on sealing the seams so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking. Poking a few holes in the crust with a fork helps it bake evenly and prevents sogginess.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesy chicken mixture evenly over the crescent crust, spreading gently but thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible golden finish. Bake your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Keep an eye toward the end so it doesn’t overbrown.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always finish mine off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley — it adds a lovely pop of green and a touch of freshness that cuts through the rich cheese. A little cracked black pepper on top before serving is a nice touch too!

Side Dishes

Pair your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. Roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad are personal favorites. Bread on the side usually isn’t necessary since the crescent crust is so satisfying!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this dish in mini ramekins or dividing it into muffin tins — they bake into lovely individual portions that are perfect for parties. Another favorite is topping with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I cool the bake completely then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before popping it into the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe both before and after baking — it freezes beautifully. Just wrap it in heavy-duty foil or an airtight container and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes helps crisp the cheese topping back up nicely without drying out the filling.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe without canned soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and chicken broth or milk. This gives you more control over the ingredients and is perfect if you’re avoiding canned foods.
What type of chicken works best for this bake?

I find cooked rotisserie chicken easiest and most flavorful, but leftover roasted, grilled, or baked chicken all work just fine. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the creamy filling.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for dinner?

Yes! You can assemble the bake a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake it as instructed — you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe?

Definitely! Stir in cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the chicken mixture before baking for extra nutrition and color without sacrificing comfort.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe is one of those trusty dishes I turn to when I want something that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s simple, satisfying, and hits all the right notes for a cozy meal. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do — it’s definitely a keeper in my recipe collection, and I think you’ll find it will be in yours too!