The Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a fun and tasty twist on classic comfort food. It combines tender, spicy buffalo chicken with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in flaky, buttery crescent roll dough. When baked, it turns into a golden, crispy ring that’s perfect for sharing.
I love making this when friends come over because it’s easy to prepare and everyone loves the bold buffalo flavor paired with the soft, cheesy filling. Plus, the crescent rolls bake up so nicely, giving a nice crunch to every bite. I usually serve it with some ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side — it cools down the heat and adds a creamy touch that keeps people coming back for more.
This ring is great for game day, family dinners, or even a casual snack. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t take much effort. I always get requests for seconds, and it’s fun to slice it up and watch everyone dig in together. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table with smiles and plenty of napkins!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast works well here because it stays tender and soaks up the buffalo sauce nicely. If you prefer dark meat or want a juicier texture, try shredded rotisserie chicken.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can adjust the heat by mixing in some mild hot sauce or adding a bit of honey if you want it sweeter and less spicy.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to balance the spicy sauce. You can substitute with Neufchatel cheese for a lower-fat option, or even goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheeses: Cheddar gives bold flavor, while mozzarella adds gooey meltiness. Feel free to swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or provolone if that’s what you have.
Crescent Roll Dough: Using refrigerated crescent rolls makes this recipe quick and easy. If you want a homemade touch, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough, but texture will differ slightly.
How Do I Keep the Crescent Roll Ring From Falling Apart?
Arranging and sealing the crescent rolls into a neat ring can be tricky, but a few tips help it hold together while baking:
- Overlap the wide ends of each crescent roll slightly to create a secure seal.
- Tuck the pointed ends under the ring to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
- Use your fingers to gently press seams together, ensuring no filling leaks out.
- Brushing the tops with melted butter not only helps with browning but can act like a glue to keep the dough pieces connected.
- Let the crescent dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling to make it more pliable and less likely to tear.
These simple steps will help keep your ring intact, making it easier to slice and share!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 10-inch cast iron skillet or round baking dish – I like it because it holds the shape well and provides even heat for a golden crust.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for stirring the buffalo chicken and cheese mixtures smoothly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – help you measure ingredients accurately without any fuss.
- Presser or spatula – useful for spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly.
- Silicone brush or spoon – for lightly brushing the top with melted butter, if you like.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked shredded turkey or cooked shredded beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or ranch seasoning to the cheese mixture for extra tang.
- Mix in chopped celery, green onions, or diced bell peppers for crunch and freshness.
- Use a milder hot sauce or add honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweeter or less spicy version.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (typically 8 rolls)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20–25 minutes to bake. You’ll need a few extra minutes for cooling before serving, so plan for a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a round baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Chicken and Cheese:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce until it’s evenly coated. In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella cheeses, mixing until smooth and well blended.
3. Assemble the Crescent Roll Ring:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the individual triangles. On each triangle, spread a spoonful of the cream cheese and cheese mixture near the wide base. Then add a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the cheese layer. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide base toward the point, enclosing the filling inside.
4. Shape and Bake:
Arrange each rolled crescent with the pointed end down around the skillet or baking dish, forming a connected ring. Tuck the ends under slightly to seal the ring. If you like, brush the tops with melted butter to help them brown beautifully while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the crescent rolls are puffed up and golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the ring from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps ensure the chicken mixes evenly with the buffalo sauce.
Can I Prepare This Crescent Roll Ring Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the ring but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep the crescent rolls crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the buffalo wing sauce or mix it with a bit of honey or ranch dressing to mellow the heat. You can also choose a milder hot sauce for a gentler kick.