Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a meal that’s both delicious and effortless to prepare. That’s exactly what the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe delivers! It’s creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in buttery crescent dough that bakes up golden and flaky. I love making this dish on busy evenings when I want a comforting home cooked meal without a ton of fuss.
This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to potlucks where you want to impress without stress. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible for using up leftover chicken, which is a bonus if you keep rotisserie chicken on hand like I do. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully — the creamy soup, melty cheddar, and tender chicken wrapped in flaky crescent rolls create the ultimate cozy dish. Here are a few quick shopping tips before you dive in so you get the best flavor and texture.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works like a charm here for quick prep! Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: Make sure to use the tube with 8 count – the buttery dough is a perfect vehicle for all that cheesy goodness.
- Cream of chicken soup: This adds richness and keeps the filling nice and moist. I prefer the classic canned version for convenience.
- Milk: Just a splash to thin the soup filling to the perfect consistency.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a wonderful tangy flavor; I like to save a little cheese to sprinkle on top for a golden crust.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion powder: Works in harmony with garlic powder for balanced seasoning.
- Black pepper: Simple but necessary for a bit of warmth and bite.
- Optional garnish – chopped parsley: Brightens the look and adds a fresh note at the end.
Variations
One of the best things about this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or what flavors I’m craving.
- Add veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or mushrooms to sneak in extra nutrients. I’ve even stirred in a handful of frozen peas with great results.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds a lovely kick if you like it a bit bold.
- Different cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella if you want a milder or stretchier cheese pull.
- Make it gluten-free: I once used gluten-free crescent roll dough and it worked well, though baking time might vary slightly.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep your filling mixture
Start by mixing the cream of chicken soup with milk in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Then stir in the shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This filling is the heart of the dish, so make sure everything is evenly combined for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Roll out your crescent dough
Unroll the refrigerated crescent rolls onto a greased baking dish, gently pressing the perforations together to form a solid base layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—this crust gets nice and flaky during baking and holds everything together beautifully. Pro tip: press down gently but fully seal to prevent leaks while baking.
Step 3: Layer the filling and cheese
Spoon the chicken and creamy filling over the crescent base, spreading it out to the edges for even coverage. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. This double cheese layer creates an irresistible golden crust as it bakes, trust me, that melty topping is one of my favorite parts.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly and golden
Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crescent dough is cooked through and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end; ovens can vary, so if the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling chopped parsley on top before serving—it adds a pretty pop of green and a fresh, mild flavor that cuts through the richness perfectly. You could also add a dash of paprika or freshly cracked black pepper for a finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually go with something light and fresh to balance the richness—a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette works wonders. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans are also simple, healthy options that complement this bake nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I’ve served this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe in smaller, individual ramekins to make it feel extra special. You can also slice it into squares and arrange on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for easy buffet-style serving — it disappears fast every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’ve saved some for later, I always let it cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess and keep the crescent crust nice.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish successfully several times by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping tightly with foil before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge then bake until hot and bubbly. The texture holds up surprisingly well, which makes this one a great make-ahead meal.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the crust flaky and the filling creamy without drying it out like a microwave might.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken for the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh chicken breasts or thighs can be cooked, shredded, and used just as well. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces before mixing with the other ingredients for the best texture.
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Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even plant-based chicken alternatives. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken to keep the creamy consistency.
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Can I prepare the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the bake and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. This is a lifesaver when planning meals in advance!
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What can I serve alongside this dish?
Light, fresh sides like a green salad, steamed vegetables, or a tangy coleslaw complement the rich, cheesy chicken bake perfectly.
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How do I avoid soggy crescent roll crust?
Be sure to press the crescent dough seams tightly to prevent leaks, and avoid adding too much liquid to the filling. Also, baking it thoroughly at the right temperature helps the crust stay crisp and flaky.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe has become one of my top go-to comfort dishes because it’s simple, satisfying, and just plain yummy. I love sharing it with friends and family because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try – I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too, especially for those nights when you want less fuss and more flavor!
PrintCheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines tender cooked chicken, creamy soup, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers rich, savory flavors with a golden, crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie 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
Crescent Rolls
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count)
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley for a pop of color
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Unroll the tube of refrigerated crescent rolls and separate into 8 individual triangles. Arrange the triangles in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping to form a crust.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for color and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
- For a creamier texture, add a little extra milk to the chicken mixture if desired.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to watch the casserole closely near the end of baking to prevent the crescent rolls from over-browning.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: cheesy chicken bake, crescent roll casserole, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken bake, weeknight casserole