Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls are a fun and tasty twist on two all-time favorites—spicy buffalo chicken and flaky, buttery crescent rolls. Inside each roll, you’ll find juicy chicken mixed with a tangy buffalo sauce, and a bit of melty cheese that brings everything together perfectly. They’re crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside, making them a great snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal.
I love making these when I want something easy but impressive to serve at gatherings or just for a cozy night in. Packing that spicy buffalo chicken inside the soft crescent dough means you get all that yum in every bite, without the mess of wings. I usually add a sprinkle of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, and it’s always a hit.
These crescent rolls are a great recipe to keep on hand for when unexpected guests show up or when you want to jazz up game day snacks. I always find myself making extras because they disappear fast! Plus, they’re simple to prepare, which is perfect when you want something delicious but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is the base here. I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works great too.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This brings the signature spicy kick. Frank’s RedHot is classic, but you can swap in any hot sauce you like or make a milder version by reducing the amount.
Crescent Roll Dough: Refrigerated crescent dough gives you that nice flaky, buttery crust with minimal effort. If you prefer, puff pastry dough can be used for an even flakier texture.
Cream Cheese & Cheddar: Cream cheese adds creamy richness, and cheddar gives a sharp cheesy flavor. Feel free to substitute mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste.
Blue Cheese: Optional, but it adds authentic buffalo flavor. If you’re not a blue cheese fan, just skip it or add extra cheddar.
How Do I Roll the Crescent Dough Without Leaks?
To keep your buffalo chicken filling inside the crescent rolls, follow these tips:
- Don’t overfill: About 2 tablespoons per triangle is enough to avoid spilling.
- Place the filling closer to the wider end of the triangle.
- Roll tightly but gently from the wide end toward the tip.
- Pinch the edges slightly to seal, especially the tip, to prevent leaks while baking.
Brushing melted butter on top not only helps with browning but also seals the dough slightly. If you see any gaps, gently press them closed before baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a rimmed sheet to keep everything steady and prevent sauce spills in the oven.
- Mixing bowl – you’ll toss the chicken and sauce here, so a medium-sized bowl is handy.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate portioning of ingredients like wing sauce and cheese.
- Pastry brush – to evenly coat the crescent rolls with melted butter for a golden top.
- Cutting board and knife – optional, if you want to dice or chop additional toppings like green onions or chives.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use cooked shredded turkey or beef for a different flavor twist. They’re great if you want a change from chicken.
- Cheese options: Swap shredded cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to match your spice preference.
- Vegetable add-ins: Inside or on top, try chopped green peppers, jalapeños, or cooked spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice level: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the filling for more heat, or keep it mild for everyone to enjoy.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in around 30 minutes, you can have these tasty buffalo chicken crescent rolls fresh and ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep the crescents from sticking and make clean-up easy.
2. Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles if you’re using them. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
3. Prep the Crescent Dough:
Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and gently separate it into triangle shapes along the pre-cut seams.
4. Fill and Roll the Crescents:
Place about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture on the wider end of each triangle. Carefully roll the dough starting from the wide end toward the tip, forming the classic crescent shape. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush with Butter and Bake:
Brush the tops of each crescent roll with melted butter to give them a beautiful golden color and a little extra flavor. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Let the crescent rolls cool slightly once out of the oven. Sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top if you like. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing. You can thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Make These Crescent Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold crescents.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I Make These Less Spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce. You can also add a bit more cream cheese or cheese to tone down the heat while keeping plenty of flavor.