Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls are a tasty twist on two favorites: spicy buffalo chicken and flaky crescent roll dough. Each bite offers a wonderful mix of tender chicken with that classic tangy buffalo sauce, all wrapped in golden, buttery crescent dough that just melts in your mouth.
I love making these for game day or casual get-togethers because they’re easy to pop in the oven and almost always disappear fast! A little tip I’ve found helpful is shredding the chicken well so every roll gets a good, even bite of sauce and chicken without feeling too messy.
These rolls are perfect served warm with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. I like to keep some celery sticks nearby for a crunchy, cool contrast that balances the heat. They’re simple, satisfying, and always bring a bit of excitement to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using shredded cooked chicken is easiest. Rotisserie chicken works great if you want to save time. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This brings the signature tangy heat. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. For less heat, use mild wing sauce or mix with a little honey.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. If you prefer, Greek yogurt or ricotta can be lighter alternatives though the texture changes slightly.
Crescent Roll Dough: Refrigerated crescent dough makes this recipe quick and simple. You can substitute with puff pastry for an even flakier texture.
Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor, but mixing in mozzarella mellows the taste and adds stretchiness. Blue cheese crumbles enhance the buffalo taste but are optional.
How Can I Make Sure My Crescent Rolls Don’t Leak During Baking?
Keeping the filling inside the crescent rolls without leakage is key to a neat, tasty bite. Here’s how I do it:
- Don’t overfill: Use a heaping tablespoon of filling per roll, but avoid piling it too high near the edges.
- Roll tightly: Start rolling from the wide end and tuck the edges as you go to seal the filling inside well.
- Place point-side down: When baking, set the crescent rolls with the point underneath; it helps keep them sealed.
- Space evenly: Leave a little room between rolls so they can puff without sticking and splitting open.
Following these tips helps ensure your crescent rolls bake up golden and firm, with that delicious buffalo chicken filling safely tucked inside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll mix the filling in these; a medium-sized one works well.
- Spatula or spoon – For spreading and scooping the buffalo chicken mixture into the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Oven – To bake the crescent rolls until golden and puffed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swirl in some cooked sausage or bacon with the chicken for extra protein and flavor.
- Mix in chopped celery or carrots for crunch and freshness—a nice contrast to the spicy filling.
- Use a mix of cheeses, like pepper Jack or Monterrey Jack, to add different flavor profiles.
- For a milder taste, switch to a buffalo sauce with less heat or add a drizzle of honey to balance the spice.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
For the Rolls:
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your warm, cheesy buffalo rolls in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep your rolls from sticking.
2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Stir everything together until well combined. If you like blue cheese, gently fold in the crumbles for an extra tangy flavor.
3. Assemble the Crescent Rolls:
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles along the perforations. Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
4. Roll and Bake:
Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle toward the point, sealing the filling inside. Place the rolls point-side down on your prepared baking sheet to help keep them sealed.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls turn puffed and golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives, and serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken crescent rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and shred the chicken before mixing it with the buffalo sauce and cheese. Cooking frozen chicken directly could make the filling too watery.
Can I Prepare These Crescent Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when ready, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain that crispy crust.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with cooked, chopped cauliflower or mushrooms and adjust buffalo sauce to your liking. The cheese and cream cheese will keep the filling creamy and flavorful.