The Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a fun and tasty twist on classic game day snacks. It features shredded chicken mixed with spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, all wrapped up in soft, flaky crescent rolls shaped into a festive ring. Every bite offers a perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and tender textures.
I love making this because it’s super easy to put together but always impresses everyone. The crescent rolls bake up golden and buttery, making the whole dish feel special without needing a ton of effort. I usually like to double the filling because it’s so good, and sometimes I sneak in some extra cheese for an extra melty surprise.
This ring is perfect for sharing with friends at a casual get-together or serving as an appetizer for a party. I like to pull it apart and serve it warm, watching everyone reach for seconds as the spicy buffalo flavor brings a little excitement to the table. It’s comforting and fun at the same time, and a definite crowd-pleaser in our house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is what makes the ring soft and flaky. If you want to make it from scratch, puff pastry works well too. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crescent dough.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly, or you can cook and shred chicken breasts fresh.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This gives the dish its signature spicy kick. If you prefer less heat, use half buffalo sauce and half BBQ sauce or use a mild hot sauce instead.
Cream Cheese & Cheddar: These add creaminess and melty cheese flavor. You can swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese for dietary needs. Mozzarella works as a substitute for cheddar for a milder taste.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: This cools the spice and adds flavor. Use your favorite brand or make a simple homemade version with mayo, sour cream, and herbs.
How Do You Fold and Shape the Crescent Roll Ring Without Losing Filling?
The folding step is key to keeping all the tasty filling inside while getting that pretty ring shape.
- Lay the crescent triangles in a circle with wide ends overlapping in the center—this helps hold the ring together.
- Spread the filling only on the wide ends, leaving the pointed tips clean—this prevents leaks.
- Fold the pointed ends over the filling carefully, tucking them under the ring’s base to “seal” the shape.
- Don’t overfill each section; a balanced amount keeps the dough manageable and stops filling from oozing out.
- Some like to pinch edges gently for extra sealing, especially where dough overlaps.
- Brushing melted butter on the outside before baking can help the ring brown nicely and adds flavor.
Taking your time with these steps helps the ring bake up golden and hold all that buffalo chicken goodness inside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Round baking pan or pizza pan – I recommend this because it helps shape the ring and bakes the dough evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – makes it easy to combine the filling ingredients quickly and thoroughly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate measurement of sauces and spices.
- Cooking utensils (spoon or spatula) – to mix the ingredients smoothly and spread the filling evenly.
- Parchment paper (optional) – helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier when arranging the dough.
- Pastry brush (optional) – for brushing melted butter over the outside of the ring for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked turkey or pulled pork—great for using leftovers or changing flavor profiles.
- Add diced celery or chopped carrots to the filling for extra crunch and color.
- Mix in crumbled blue cheese or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for different cheese flavors.
- Use spicy jalapeño slices or diced green chilies in the filling to kick up the heat and flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Dried parsley or chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20–25 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and tasty dish to prepare for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a round baking pan or pizza pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until everything is mixed evenly.
3. Arrange the Crescent Rolls:
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. On a clean surface or over parchment paper, place the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping toward the center and the pointed ends fanning outward, forming a ring shape. Make sure the overlaps are tight to hold the filling inside.
4. Add the Filling:
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto the wide ends of each crescent triangle.
5. Fold and Seal the Ring:
Carefully lift the pointed ends of each crescent triangle and fold them over the filling, tucking the tips under the ring to secure everything inside.
6. Optional Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for extra color and flavor. For a nice golden finish, brush melted butter over the top of the ring.
7. Bake:
Place the ring in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the ring cool for a few minutes. Garnish with dried parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious and crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding it. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the ring up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through — the oven helps keep the crescent rolls nice and flaky.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! Use less buffalo sauce for a milder taste, or swap it for a milder hot sauce. Adding more ranch or blue cheese dressing also cools down the spice.