Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls are a fun and tasty twist on two favorite snacks: spicy buffalo chicken and flaky crescent rolls. This dish blends tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese all wrapped up in golden, buttery crescent dough that bakes to perfection. The mix of spicy, cheesy, and buttery makes every bite a real treat.
I love making these rolls when I want something easy but full of flavor. They’re super simple to put together and perfect for a quick snack, game day, or a casual dinner. I usually keep a little ranch or blue cheese dressing nearby for dipping because it balances the heat and adds a cool, creamy touch that everyone enjoys.
One of my favorite things about Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls is how versatile they are. You can pack them with extra veggies like celery or green onions before rolling them up for a fresh crunch. They’re great served hot right out of the oven, but I also like reheating leftovers the next day because the flavors get even better as they settle in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: The store-bought dough makes this recipe quick and easy with its flaky texture. If you prefer, you can use puff pastry sheets as a substitute for a flakier, lighter finish.
Cooked Chicken: I like using leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience. You can also use shredded cooked turkey or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This sauce gives the rolls their signature spicy kick. If you want milder heat, try a milder hot sauce or mix buffalo sauce with a bit of honey.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. If you want a lighter option, use a low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but keep the texture slightly thicker.
Cheese: Cheddar works great for sharpness, but you can mix in mozzarella for a stringier, melty texture. Pepper jack cheese can add a little extra spice.
How Do I Roll Crescent Rolls Without Filling Leaking Out?
Keeping the filling inside the crescent rolls is key for neat, tasty bites. Here’s how I do it:
- Don’t overfill: Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling per triangle to avoid spills.
- Start rolling from the wide end to the point, folding tightly but gently to seal.
- If the dough is too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before filling to handle better.
- Pinch the seam and tip of the crescent roll firmly to help seal the edges.
- Place rolls seam side down on the baking sheet to keep them from unrolling while baking.
Following these tips helps ensure melty, flavorful filling stays perfectly wrapped inside every bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Mixing bowls – Use one for mixing the filling; a medium-sized bowl works well.
- Spoon or small scoop – To evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture onto each crescent triangle.
- Pastry brush – Optional, for brushing melted butter on top of the rolls for a shiny, golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked shrimp for a seafood twist that’s equally tasty.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier, more flavorful bite.
- Add finely chopped celery or green onions inside for extra crunch and freshness.
- Mix in crumbled blue cheese or feta for a tangy, salty flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking. So, in just under 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your crescent rolls won’t stick.
2. Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
3. Fill and Roll the Crescent Dough:
Open your can of crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles along the perforations. On the wide end of each triangle, spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture. Carefully roll each triangle up from the wide end to the point, wrapping the filling inside. Make sure to tuck the point underneath so it stays sealed.
4. Bake and Finish:
Place your rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them. If you like, brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown. Take them out of the oven, let them cool a few minutes, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these warm and cheesy Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if you like a creamy balance to the spicy flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it beforehand, preferably overnight in the fridge. Pat the chicken dry before mixing to keep the filling from becoming too watery.
Can I Make These Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the rolls, then refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the fridge—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crescent rolls crispy.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Filling?
Definitely! Use more or less buffalo sauce depending on your heat preference. For milder flavor, mix the sauce with a bit of honey or substitute half with ranch dressing.
