Name: Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 (8 oz) can of crescent roll dough; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Warm, buttery, and packed with creamy goodness—this Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole is everything I crave in a comfort food dish. I still remember the first time I made it on a rainy afternoon when I needed something easy yet cozy. The aroma of golden crescent rolls baking in the oven, stuffed with juicy shredded chicken and just the right touch of creaminess, instantly filled my kitchen with happiness.

This recipe has since become my go-to whenever I want something that’s both satisfying and low-effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a lazy weekend brunch. The best part? It’s versatile, kid-approved, and reheats beautifully. I’m excited to share it with you so you can fall in love with it just like I did.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole

This casserole combines all the comforting elements of a hearty meal with the ease of a one-dish wonder. You’ll love how quickly it comes together using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The flaky crescent rolls add the perfect buttery crunch, while the creamy chicken filling brings everything together with rich, savory flavor. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally delicious—what’s not to love?

What Type of Chicken Works Best in Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole?

I’ve tried this recipe with everything from store-bought rotisserie chicken to leftover grilled chicken, and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. But if you’re aiming for the best texture and flavor, shredded rotisserie chicken or oven-roasted chicken breasts are my top picks. They’re tender, flavorful, and super convenient. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch, though I’d recommend seasoning it well to boost the flavor.

Options for Substitutions

One of the things I love most about this casserole is how flexible it is. You can make it work with what you have on hand or adjust it to your dietary needs.

Cheese: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of three cheeses for extra flavor.
Cream Sauce: If you’re out of cream of chicken soup, try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a tasty twist.
Vegetables: Add cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas to sneak in more greens.
Crescent Rolls: No crescent rolls? Use puff pastry, biscuit dough, or even flattened dinner rolls.
Protein: Replace chicken with turkey, ham, or even cooked ground beef for a different spin.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut or oat-based cream soups for a lactose-free version.
Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free crescent dough or wrap the filling in gluten-free tortillas before baking.

This recipe is all about making your kitchen life easier—so feel free to make it your own.

Ingredients for This Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole brings a special something to the dish—whether it’s creaminess, texture, or that irresistible golden top.

Crescent Roll Dough
These buttery, flaky rolls act as the base and blanket for the filling. They puff up beautifully in the oven, giving the casserole a soft, golden crust that’s hard to resist.
Cooked Shredded Chicken
The heart of the dish—tender chicken that soaks up all the flavors. Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken saves tons of time without sacrificing flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup
Adds a rich and velvety texture to the filling. It binds everything together and brings that classic comfort food flavor.
Sour Cream
Gives the filling a little tang and extra creaminess, balancing the richness of the soup.
Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy bites throughout. Sharp cheddar adds a nice punch, but any melty cheese will work.
Corn Kernels
A pop of sweetness and color in every bite. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen—whatever you have handy.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
These pantry staples subtly enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper
Just a pinch of each to season the filling perfectly.
Chopped Parsley (optional)
Sprinkled on top for a fresh finish and a little visual flair. Totally optional, but always pretty.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, corn kernels, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help the crescent rolls bake evenly.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle, then gently roll them up toward the narrow end, tucking the filling inside as best as you can.

Step 4: Arrange in the Dish

Place each filled roll seam-side down in the baking dish. Once all the rolls are in, spoon any leftover filling into the gaps between them.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

How Long to Cook the Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole

The casserole bakes best at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crescent rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top. If you’re using a deeper baking dish or stuffed the rolls generously, it might need an extra 5 minutes. To be safe, check the center rolls—if the dough still looks raw, loosely cover the top with foil and bake a few minutes longer.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole

Don’t Overfill the Rolls: A heaping tablespoon of filling is usually plenty. Too much, and the rolls may burst open while baking.
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time and keep things simple by using rotisserie or leftover chicken.
Seal the Edges Well: Pinch the ends of each roll closed to help keep the filling inside.
Watch the Oven: Crescent rolls can brown quickly. If they’re golden but not fully baked, tent with foil and keep baking.
Add a Cheese Sprinkle on Top: For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Room Temperature Dough Works Best: Cold dough can tear easily. Let the crescent dough sit out for 10 minutes before handling.
Customize with Add-Ins: Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers can add more color and nutrition.
Let It Rest: Give the casserole 5–10 minutes to cool slightly before serving so the filling sets up nicely.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, a few small missteps can make a big difference. Here’s what to avoid:

Using Too Much Filling: Overstuffing the crescent rolls can cause them to open while baking, leading to a messy dish and uneven cooking.
Skipping the Grease: Always grease your baking dish to keep the rolls from sticking to the bottom.
Not Draining Corn: If using canned corn, be sure to drain it—extra liquid can make the casserole soggy.
Cold Crescent Dough: Cold dough tears easily. Let it rest at room temp for about 10 minutes before rolling.
Uneven Filling Distribution: Make sure each crescent gets roughly the same amount of filling so they bake evenly.
Overbaking: Crescent rolls can dry out if left too long in the oven. Keep an eye on the color and texture.
Not Preheating the Oven: You need a hot oven to get that golden, flaky crust. Don’t skip the preheat.
Forgetting to Cover if Needed: If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil to finish baking the inside.

What to Serve With Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole?

Garden Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.

Steamed Broccoli

Lightly seasoned broccoli adds color and crunch while keeping the meal balanced.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes and buttery crescent rolls? Yes, please. This combo is ultra-comforting.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and slightly tangy, roasted tomatoes bring brightness to the plate.

Glazed Carrots

Tender carrots with a honey or brown sugar glaze pair nicely with the savory chicken filling.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A light, fruity contrast that works especially well for brunch or lunch settings.

Creamy Tomato Soup

A cozy bowl of soup makes this dish even more soul-warming, especially in colder months.

Garlic Bread

Go all-in with carbs—warm, buttery garlic bread is a hit alongside this creamy casserole.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole is how well it keeps. If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 15 minutes). Microwave works too—just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts until hot.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 8 servings total):

Calories: 390
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 690mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g

Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the brand of ingredients and exact portion sizes. If you’re tracking closely, plug your ingredients into a nutrition calculator for more precise numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the crescent rolls from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the filling ingredients—especially canned corn or chicken. Also, avoid overfilling the rolls and always bake uncovered so steam can escape and the tops crisp up.

Can I make Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready—add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it goes straight from fridge to oven.

What’s the best cheese to use in this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is a classic for its bold flavor and great meltability, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for some heat.

Can I freeze this casserole after baking?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, portion it out, and wrap it well. It reheats wonderfully in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Are there any low-carb alternatives to crescent rolls?

If you’re watching carbs, you can try wrapping the filling in low-carb tortillas or using a cauliflower-based flatbread. It won’t be quite the same, but still tasty!

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent choices. Just make sure they’re cooked or thawed and well-drained before adding.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery. You could also make a quick homemade version using a roux, broth, and milk.

How many people does this recipe serve?

It usually makes 8 crescent rolls, so it comfortably serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size and what you’re serving on the side.

Conclusion

This Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole is the ultimate answer to “what’s for dinner?”—especially when time is tight but you still want something warm, filling, and flavorful. With buttery, golden rolls hugging a creamy chicken filling, it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone back to the table for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just in need of comfort food, this one’s a guaranteed keeper. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new regular in your rotation.