Comforting Chicken Crescent Bake for Weeknight Dinners

This comforting chicken crescent bake is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Imagine tender chicken and fresh broccoli nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all wrapped up in a golden, flaky crescent roll crust. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to pull together, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need a delicious dinner on the table without a fuss.

This recipe delivers on flavor and convenience, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that feels special enough for company but is practical enough for any Tuesday night. Get ready to add a new family favorite to your rotation, because this cheesy chicken crescent bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Chicken Crescent Bake

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• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting chicken crescent bake is a quick and easy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crescent roll crust. It’s a satisfying and simple dish perfect for busy evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped small

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, chopped broccoli florets, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

3. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough. Do not separate the individual triangles. Instead, press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it gently to cover the entire bottom. Pinch together any seams to create a solid base.

4. Evenly spread the chicken and broccoli mixture over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish. Make sure it forms a relatively even layer from edge to edge.

5. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough. Carefully place this dough over the chicken mixture, stretching it gently to cover the entire top. Pinch together any seams to seal the filling inside.

6. If desired, sprinkle an additional amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top crescent layer.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up, and the filling is hot and bubbly.

8. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: baked
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the bake

Keywords: chicken, crescent, bake, cheesy, broccoli, easy, weeknight, comfort food, family friendly, quick

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This chicken crescent bake is a true lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule but still wanting to serve a homemade meal. It’s designed for families, picky eaters, and anyone who appreciates a hearty, comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce enveloped in a flaky crescent roll crust creates a textural and flavor experience that appeals to almost everyone. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual potluck, or even as a make-ahead option for lunch the next day. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward steps mean less stress and more enjoyment around the dinner table.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this comforting bake is incredibly simple, relying on common pantry staples and fresh produce. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, making this a convenient recipe to whip up on a whim.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

For the cooked chicken, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken, boil and shred chicken breasts, or even use canned chicken for ultimate convenience. If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen broccoli florets can be used; just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before adding to the mixture to prevent excess moisture. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend for a slightly different flavor profile. Any type of milk will work here, from whole milk to skim, depending on your preference for richness.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is truly designed for speed and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Most of the preparation involves chopping cooked chicken and broccoli, and then mixing the filling. The baking time is relatively short, just enough to get the crescent rolls golden and bubbly, and the filling heated through and cheesy.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious chicken crescent bake is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly comforting meal every time.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
2. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, chopped broccoli florets, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Arrange the Bottom Crescent Layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough. Do not separate the individual triangles. Instead, press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it gently to cover the entire bottom. Pinch together any seams to create a solid base.
4. Spread the Chicken Mixture: Evenly spread the chicken and broccoli mixture over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish. Make sure it forms a relatively even layer from edge to edge.
5. Add the Top Crescent Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough. Carefully place this dough over the chicken mixture, stretching it gently to cover the entire top. Pinch together any seams to seal the filling inside.
6. Sprinkle with More Cheese: If desired, sprinkle an additional amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top crescent layer. This will create a beautiful golden, cheesy crust.
7. Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up, and the filling is hot and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust looks flaky and golden.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut neat portions.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This chicken crescent bake is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions.

• Kid-Friendly Additions: For younger palates, consider adding a handful of frozen peas or corn to the chicken mixture. You can also use a milder cheese like mozzarella or a Colby-Jack blend.
• Flavor Swaps: Instead of cream of chicken soup, try cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also boost the savory notes.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. A sprinkle of paprika on top of the crescent rolls before baking also adds a nice color and subtle flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to swap or add other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped bell peppers, spinach (ensure it’s well-drained), or even finely diced carrots.
• Serving Suggestions: This bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. A bowl of warm tomato soup or a side of steamed green beans would also complement it beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some mashed potatoes or rice.
• Party or Buffet Serving: This dish holds up well, making it excellent for potlucks or casual gatherings. You can slice it into smaller squares for easy serving.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes and how to ensure your chicken crescent bake turns out perfectly every time.

• Over-Baking the Crescent Rolls: Crescent rolls can go from golden to burnt quickly. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end of the baking time. The goal is a golden-brown crust, not a dark brown or crispy one. If the top is browning too fast, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
• Soggy Bottom Crust: This often happens if the filling is too wet or if the crescent dough isn’t sealed properly. Make sure your broccoli is well-drained if using frozen, and press the bottom crescent layer firmly into the dish, pinching any seams.
• Uneven Cooking: Ensure your chicken and broccoli are chopped into relatively small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and integrate better into the filling. Also, spread the filling evenly in the dish so all parts heat through at the same rate.
• Not Letting It Rest: While tempting to dig in immediately, letting the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven allows the filling to set. This makes for cleaner slices and prevents the filling from oozing out excessively.
• Using Cold Ingredients: While not critical, using room temperature ingredients (especially the soup and milk) can help the mixture combine more smoothly and heat more evenly in the oven.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This chicken crescent bake is fantastic for leftovers and can even be prepped in advance, making it a truly practical meal.

• Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover bake to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, you can place it in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The crescent crust might lose a little crispness but will still be delicious.
• Making Ahead: You can assemble the entire bake (steps 1-6) a day in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature. Do not bake the crescent rolls partially and then store, as they

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.