Easy Chicken Roll Ups
Hola! I’m Emma, and this recipe takes me straight back to cozy family dinners where comfort food ruled the table. While my roots are full of tortillas and salsa, I also grew up loving quick weeknight meals like these Easy Chicken Roll Ups. They’re creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in warm crescent rolls that bake up golden and flaky. Whenever I make these, I’m reminded of how food doesn’t have to be complicated to taste like home. With just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes, this dish is one of my go-to’s when life gets busy but I still want something delicious and soul-satisfying. If you’re searching for an easy chicken roll-up recipe that your whole family will love, this is it!
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American comfort food
- Best season to serve: Year-round
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple: Only 5 ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights when time is short.
- Family-approved: Creamy chicken, melty cheese, and buttery crescent rolls make this a hit with both kids and adults.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like canned soup, crescent rolls, and leftover chicken.
- Comfort food bliss: Golden rolls with creamy sauce make every bite warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
- Versatile dish: Easily customizable with spices, veggies, or different cheeses for endless variations.
Chicken Roll Ups with Crescent Rolls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Chicken Roll Ups with crescent rolls are creamy, cheesy, and the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Just five simple ingredients come together in under 40 minutes for a family-friendly dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 6 oz cooked chopped chicken breast (about 1 to 1 ½ cups)
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (10.5 oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Set aside.
3. Open the crescent roll package and separate into 8 triangles.
4. Place a spoonful of chopped chicken on the wide end of each crescent triangle. Add 1 teaspoon of the soup mixture on top of the chicken.
5. Roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end, and tuck in the sides as best as possible.
6. Spread about ⅓ cup of the soup mixture on the bottom of the baking dish to keep the rolls from sticking.
7. Place the filled crescents in the dish. Pour the remaining soup mixture evenly over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the crescents are golden and the sauce is bubbly.
9. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep and more flavor.
Don’t overfill the crescents or they’ll be hard to roll.
Brush the tops with melted butter before baking for extra crispiness.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
- 6 oz cooked chopped chicken breast (about 1 to 1 ½ cups)
- 1 (8-oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor. |
| Crescent rolls | Keep them chilled until ready to use for easier rolling. |
| Cream of chicken soup | Go for unsalted to control sodium levels. Homemade works beautifully too! |
| Milk | Whole milk adds richness, but 2% also works fine. |
| Cheddar cheese | Freshly shredded melts better and gives creamier results. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Make sauce base: In a mixing bowl, stir together milk, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble rolls: Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. On the wider end of each triangle, add about 2 tablespoons of chopped chicken. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the soup mixture on top of the chicken.
- Roll and tuck: Roll each crescent triangle tightly from the wide end to the point, sealing the filling inside. Place seam-side down to prevent unraveling.
- Layer in pan: Spread about ⅓ cup of the soup mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange crescent rolls in the pan and pour the remaining mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve warm: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Shred your cheese from a block for smoother melting and better flavor.
- Keep crescent roll dough cold until assembly; it’s easier to handle.
- For a richer sauce, swap in half-and-half for the milk.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor depth.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use cooked chicken: Avoid raw chicken; this recipe is designed for pre-cooked chicken to keep cooking times short.
- Don’t skimp on sauce: The creamy soup mixture keeps the rolls from drying out while baking.
- Check halfway through: If rolls are browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Let it rest: Giving the rolls 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken for easier serving.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups: Add crumbled cooked bacon and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
- Mexican-style Roll Ups: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and mix a little taco seasoning into the filling.
- Veggie Chicken Roll Ups: Add finely chopped broccoli or spinach for a wholesome twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups: Mix chopped chicken with buffalo sauce and top with ranch drizzle after baking.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can assemble the rolls a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. For freezing, prepare and bake the roll ups, then cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken roll ups warm with a side salad or roasted veggies for balance. They also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions adds freshness and color to the creamy dish.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay, or keep it family-friendly with iced tea or sparkling water. On the side, consider serving roasted green beans, garlic bread, or even a light fruit salad to round out the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Stovetop reheating works too—just cover with a lid and heat gently over low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned chicken? Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch. Drain well before using to avoid extra liquid.
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup? Absolutely! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work well for a flavor variation.
What other cheeses work best? Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby all melt beautifully and give different flavor profiles.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free crescent roll dough and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup substitute.
Do I need to pre-cook the chicken? Yes, always use cooked chicken for this recipe since the bake time isn’t long enough to cook raw chicken safely.
Can I double this recipe? Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or two pans to feed a bigger crowd.
How do I prevent soggy rolls? Make sure not to overload with sauce and bake uncovered so the rolls crisp up nicely.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 serving | 350 | 18g | 22g | 19g | 1g | 3g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These easy chicken roll ups with crescent rolls are the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and comforting. With minimal effort and just five ingredients, they’re proof that weeknight dinners can be both simple and delicious. Whip up a batch tonight and watch them disappear fast!
