Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a fun and tasty twist on your favorite spicy buffalo chicken flavors wrapped up in flaky, buttery crescent rolls. The filling usually has shredded chicken tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce mixed with cheese and a hint of creaminess, all baked together to golden perfection in a ring shape that’s perfect for sharing.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels special but comes together quickly. The combo of spicy buffalo chicken and soft crescent rolls is one of those easy crowd-pleasers that always gets eaten fast. I find that adding a little blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side takes it to the next level and helps cool down the heat just enough.
This is the kind of recipe I bring along to casual get-togethers or game nights because it’s super easy to pass around and everyone can grab a piece. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy buffalo chicken without having to deal with wings. I always look forward to leftovers, too, because it tastes just as good warmed up the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is great for this recipe because it’s already cooked and easy to shred. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. For a vegetarian option, shredded cooked jackfruit or tofu works well.
Buffalo wing sauce: This sauce brings the signature spicy, tangy flavor. If you want less heat, use a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with a little honey. You can substitute with hot sauce and melted butter if you don’t have ready-made buffalo sauce.
Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. If you don’t have cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be alternatives, but the texture will be slightly different.
Crescent roll dough: This dough creates the soft, flaky outer layer. If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry sheets can be used but will give a flakier, less soft texture.
How Do You Roll the Crescent Dough Without Leaking the Filling?
Rolling the crescent dough around the filling can be tricky because the filling might spill out. Here’s how to keep it neat:
- Place the filling near the wide end of each triangle, but don’t overfill. Too much filling will cause leaks.
- Roll gently from the wide end toward the pointed tip, keeping the filling inside.
- Pinch or fold the tip under the dough once rolled to seal the edges.
- If dough tears, patch it gently with a small piece from another triangle to avoid leaks.
- Place the crescent rolls fairly close together in the ring pan—they’ll bake into one another and help hold everything inside.
Taking your time with this step makes a big difference in keeping the filling snug and preventing a mess in the oven.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Round baking pan or pizza pan – I recommend this because it helps shape the ring easily and evenly.
- Mixing bowls – useful for combining the filling ingredients quickly and neatly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure the sauce, cheese, and other ingredients accurately.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – great for mixing the buffalo chicken filling.
- Pastry brush (optional) – if you want to brush the dough with butter or egg wash before baking for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheeses: Mix in crumbled blue cheese or Monterrey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Veggies: Add chopped celery, bell peppers, or green onions for extra crunch and freshness.
- Meats: Swap chicken for cooked turkey or shredded cooked shrimp for a different protein.
- Spices & Sauces: Toss the chicken with a little hot sauce, garlic powder, or smoked paprika to customize the heat and flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dough and Garnishes:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30-35 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is nicely blended.
2. Arrange and Fill the Crescent Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a round baking or pizza pan. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. On a lightly floured surface, arrange the triangles in a circle on the pan, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the pointed ends facing outward.
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto the wide end of each crescent triangle.
3. Roll and Bake:
Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle up over the filling, then pinch or tuck the ends under to secure the filling inside. Bake the ring in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the crescent dough turns golden brown and is cooked through.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the ring from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, if you like, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before shredding. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave for quicker results. Pat the chicken dry to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
Can I Make the Crescent Roll Ring Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the ring without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dough feels cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts to keep the dough from getting soggy.
What Can I Serve with Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring?
This dish pairs perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crunchy celery sticks to balance the spicy flavors.