The Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a fun and tasty twist on classic buffalo chicken. It combines tender, spicy chicken with gooey cheese all wrapped up in golden, flaky crescent rolls shaped into a ring. You get that perfect mix of crunchy edges and soft, melty insides with every bite, making it super satisfying and a little bit addictive.
I love making this when friends come over because it’s easy to share and always disappears quickly. What’s great about this recipe is that you can adjust the spice level just how you like it — I usually go for a medium heat so it’s flavorful without being too hot. Plus, dipping it in ranch or blue cheese dressing takes it to the next level for me.
Serving it up as an appetizer or a main dish is always a crowd-pleaser. I like to pair it with a crisp salad or some crunchy celery sticks to balance out the richness. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table with smiles, ready to snack and chat — I always find myself sneaking another slice or two when no one is looking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast is great for tender bites, but rotisserie chicken works well too and saves time. For a vegetarian option, try shredded jackfruit or chickpeas with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: This gives the dish its signature kick. If you want milder heat, reduce the amount or mix with a little melted butter. For dairy-free, look for vegan buffalo sauces.
Cream Cheese: This makes the filling creamy and rich. You can swap for a dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter option.
Cheese Blend: Cheddar and mozzarella create a nice balance of sharp and meltiness. Feel free to use pepper jack for a spicy twist or dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.
Crescent Roll Dough: The dough wraps the filling in a flaky, golden crust. Refrigerated crescent rolls work best, but you can try puff pastry as a flaky alternative.
How Do You Shape the Crescent Roll Ring Without the Filling Leaking Out?
Making a neat ring can feel tricky, but here’s how to keep the filling inside while baking:
- Arrange crescent triangles with wide ends overlapping to create a solid base.
- Place filling on the wide end only, leaving the pointed tip free to fold over.
- Fold the point carefully over the filling and tuck it under the overlapping dough to seal it well.
- Press dough edges gently to close any gaps — this helps stop leaks and keeps the shape tight.
- If you spot any tears, pinch dough together or patch with small dough bits if you have some extra.
Taking your time during this step makes a big difference in oven results. It helps the ring hold its shape and keeps all that cheesy, spicy filling inside where it belongs!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Round baking sheet or pizza pan – I like to use a large one to shape the ring easily and keep everything contained.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the chicken and cream cheese mixture; a deep bowl helps keep everything tidy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions, especially with hot sauce and spices.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to help with cutting and shaping the crescent dough neatly without tearing.
- Cooking spray or parchment paper – to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace chicken with cooked turkey or shredded tofu for a different protein; they still soak up the buffalo flavor nicely.
- Mix in diced celery or chopped green onions into the filling for extra crunch and freshness.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add a spicy kick in every bite.
- Add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing over the assembled ring for extra flavor just before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
- Celery sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need roughly 40 minutes including some cooling time, making it quick and easy for a tasty appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round baking sheet or pizza pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the buffalo hot sauce and stir until all the chicken is evenly coated. Then add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until creamy and well blended.
3. Shape the Crescent Roll Ring:
Unroll the crescent roll dough from both cans. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the crescent triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward. This will form a ring shape.
4. Add the Filling and Fold:
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto the wide ends of each crescent triangle, leaving the pointed ends free. Starting with one triangle, fold the pointed tip over the filling and tuck it underneath the ring to seal it. Repeat this with each crescent until the filling is enclosed and the ring is fully formed.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the ring from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing in the center for dipping, and celery sticks on the side.
Enjoy!
This Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a delicious, cheesy, and spicy treat perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy every gooey, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding or chopping. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ring and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake it when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crescent dough crisp and the filling hot.
What Can I Serve with the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring?
This dish pairs perfectly with crisp celery sticks and crunchy carrot sticks. Ranch or blue cheese dressing is great for dipping and helps balance the spicy buffalo flavor.
