If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and always impresses, this Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and a flaky crescent roll crust, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between cozy and indulgent. Whether you need a hearty weeknight supper or a dish to feed a crowd, it’s simple, satisfying, and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy soup base that keeps everything moist to the crescent rolls that create a buttery, flaky crust, these essentials come together to make a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe a breeze and adds juicy, flavorful meat.
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls: These rolls form the golden crust that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that brings richness and moisture to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted cheddar provides sharp, gooey goodness that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan contributes a nutty, savory touch that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional): Brushing this on top after baking creates a luscious golden finish.
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and mild herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and help the crescent rolls bake into a perfect crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough and separate them into triangles. Carefully lay these triangles side-by-side in the baking dish, pinching the seams together to form a continuous dough base that will crisp up beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Make the Chicken Mixture
Grab a medium bowl and combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until you have a creamy, cheesy mixture that’s packed with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the crescent dough crust in the baking dish. Spread it out so every bite includes a delightful balance of crust and filling.
Step 5: Add More Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible golden melt that pulls apart in gooey strands.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbly, hot filling – this means your Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe is ready!
Step 7: Add a Buttery Finish (Optional)
For an extra touch of decadence, brush melted butter over the baked crescent crust as soon as it’s out of the oven. This step enhances the crust’s richness and makes it shine beautifully.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Garnished
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle, fresh flavor that complements the richness. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in happily.
How to Serve Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like finely chopped fresh parsley or chives bring a splash of color and a light, herbal note that cuts through the casserole’s creamy richness. These fresh herbs also elevate the presentation, making the dish feel special for any occasion.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Crescent Casserole goes beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed seasonal vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw. The freshness of the sides balances out the hearty casserole, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or family members, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or use muffin tins to make mini casserole cups. Not only does this look charming, but it also helps with portion control and makes serving easier at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Crescent Casserole in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better the next day, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. After baking, cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the crescent roll crust crispier than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs, just be sure to fully cook the chicken before mixing it into the casserole. Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but fresh chicken works just as well.
Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
Yes! Substitute sour cream and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make your own homemade base for a creamy texture without dairy.
Can I add vegetables to the Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach fold in beautifully and add extra nutrition and color. Just lightly sauté any veggies before mixing them in to avoid excess moisture.
What can I use if I don’t have crescent rolls?
If crescent rolls aren’t available, puff pastry or refrigerated biscuit dough can work as a substitute. They’ll give a different texture but still provide a flaky, buttery crust.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild and comforting, perfect for all tastes. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple yet full of rich flavors and comforting textures that are guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite!
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Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Crescent Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender shredded chicken blended with creamy soups, cheeses, and spices, all baked atop a flaky crescent roll crust. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole delivers rich, cheesy flavors with a buttery golden crust in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade if preferred)
- 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 Base & Topping
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top, optional)
- 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 triangles. Arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish, pinching the seams together to form a continuous crust on the bottom.
- Make the Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough base in the baking dish.
- Top with Cheese (optional): Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top if you desire an extra cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crescent roll dough turns golden brown and the casserole is hot throughout.
- Brush with Butter (optional): After baking, brush the top of the crescent rolls with melted butter for a shiny, buttery crust.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives to add a fresh pop of color, then serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade cream soup for a fresher taste.
- If you want a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added nutrition.
