Chicken Crescent Swirls Recipe

Golden Chicken Crescent Swirls: A Dreamy Homemade Recipe

Crispy and golden chicken crescent swirls dance between comfort and creativity in this delightful dish.

Layers of tender meat nestle inside buttery pastry, promising a meal that satisfies deeply.

Weeknight dinners rarely look this appealing or taste so incredible.

Flaky crescents wrap around seasoned chicken, creating pockets of pure deliciousness.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something extraordinary on your plate.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in these irresistible rolls.

Your dinner table will absolutely love this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together in minutes.

Why These Crescent Swirls Always Disappear Fast

  • Quickly Craft Delicious Bites: These chicken crescent swirls transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering appetizers that everyone will love, making meal preparation a breeze.
  • Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Moments: Ideal for game nights, potlucks, or family gatherings, these swirls offer a delightful twist on traditional finger foods that appeal to both kids and adults.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite herbs and spices to personalize the recipe, creating a versatile dish that adapts to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can create a delectable snack or light meal that looks impressive and tastes incredible, requiring minimal cooking skills.

What You Need for Savory Swirled Perfection

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender and flavorful base for the recipe that provides the primary protein content.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: These cheeses add rich, creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor of the chicken mixture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These spices create a well-balanced and savory flavor profile for the chicken filling.
Dough Base:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A convenient and flaky pastry that wraps around the chicken mixture to create delicious swirls.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green color and subtle herbal note to the final dish.

How to Roll, Fill, and Bake to Golden Glory

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly heated and ready for these delicious chicken swirls.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend all ingredients until they form a creamy, well-mixed filling that’s bursting with savory goodness.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Gently unroll the crescent roll dough and carefully separate each triangle, creating a clean workspace for rolling.

Step 4: Stuff and Roll

Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle.

Starting from the wide end, roll the dough tightly, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed within the soft, pillowy dough.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolled chicken swirls, leaving some space between each one for even baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the dough is fully cooked.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top before serving these mouthwatering chicken crescent swirls.

Smart Tips for Perfect Crescent Swirls

  • Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and deeper flavor profile.
  • Opt for low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar to create a lighter version of the recipe.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like ranch powder or Italian herbs to add unique taste variations.
  • Ensure even rolling of crescent dough to prevent uneven cooking and maintain consistent texture.
  • Refrigerate the chicken mixture for 15 minutes before filling to help it hold together more effectively during rolling.

Flavor Ideas to Keep Every Swirl Exciting

  • Spicy Southwest Swirls: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Swirls: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Buffalo Chicken Swirls: Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles to create a tangy and zesty version of the original recipe.
  • Bacon Ranch Swirls: Fold in crispy bacon bits and ranch seasoning for a savory and indulgent variation that adds extra richness to the chicken filling.

Sauces and Sides That Work Beautifully Here

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy chicken filling, cutting through the richness with its bright, refreshing acidity.
  • Create Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a light mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the savory, cheesy crescent swirls and provide a fresh contrast.
  • Serve Cooling Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick ranch or herb-infused sour cream dip with chopped chives and a dash of garlic powder to enhance the swirls' flavor profile and add a creamy element.

How to Store Crescent Swirls Without Drying Out

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Chicken Crescent Swirls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each swirl individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: Carefully place cooled swirls in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They'll stay good for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm refrigerated swirls at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. For frozen swirls, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave Quick Option: Reheat refrigerated swirls for 30-45 seconds.

Crescent Swirl FAQs for the Win

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in shredding chicken yourself.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These swirls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making them great for quick meals or snacks.

  • Can I freeze the chicken crescent swirls?

You can freeze them before baking. Just assemble, place on a baking sheet, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

  • What if I don't have all the spices mentioned?

No worries! You can substitute with ranch seasoning or use Italian herbs for a similar flavor profile. The key is to keep the cream cheese base consistent.

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Chicken Crescent Swirls Recipe

Chicken Crescent Swirls Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 27-30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy chicken crescent swirls weave comfort and flavor into a delightful meal that promises warmth and satisfaction. Home cooks will savor these elegant rolls stuffed with tender chicken, herbs, and melted cheese, creating a perfect dinner solution for busy families.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cooked and shredded

Cheese:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Baking and Seasoning:

  • 1 can crescent roll dough
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
  2. Combine shredded chicken with cream cheese, creating a smooth, creamy base for the filling.
  3. Fold in cheddar cheese, then season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until flavors are evenly distributed.
  4. Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough, separating each triangle with precision.
  5. Distribute a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture along the wide end of each triangle, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Gently roll the dough from the wide end, carefully encasing the filling and creating a neat spiral shape.
  7. Arrange the rolled swirls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between each piece for even cooking.
  8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked dough.
  9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the swirls for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded finely for smooth, consistent texture inside the swirls.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature to create easier blending and prevent lumpy filling.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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