Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls are the perfect mix of spicy, cheesy, and crispy all wrapped into one delicious bite. These rolls combine tender chicken tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese, all rolled up in flaky crescent dough that bakes up golden and irresistible. They’re a great way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken in a fun, easy-to-handle form.
I love making these when I want a snack or appetizer that’s a little bit special but still super simple to throw together. The best part is that you can adjust the buffalo sauce to make them just the right level of spicy for your taste. I usually double the cheese because who doesn’t want extra melty goodness inside every roll?
These rolls are perfect for game day, parties, or even a cozy night in when you want something a little different. I like serving them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping—it really balances the heat and adds a cool, creamy touch. Plus, they’re great hot or even room temperature, making them easy to bring along to gatherings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base for your rolls, giving them that soft, flaky texture. If you want a homemade touch, puff pastry can work too, but crescent dough is easy and quick.
Cooked Chicken: I use rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and flavorful. You can swap in shredded grilled chicken or even canned chicken if needed.
Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess and helps bind everything. If you prefer dairy-free, try a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Buffalo Sauce: This brings the signature spicy, tangy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount or swap with hot sauce mixed with melted butter for a milder heat.
Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella both work well for melty goodness. I’ve also used pepper jack for an extra kick.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: A classic topping for buffalo dishes, but totally optional if you don’t enjoy blue cheese.
How Can I Roll Crescent Dough Without the Filling Leaking Out?
Rolling up these crescent rolls can feel tricky because the filling might leak during baking. Here’s how to keep your rolls neat and full of that delicious filling:
- Spoon the filling near the wide end of each triangle, but don’t overfill—just enough to leave room for rolling.
- Roll gently but firmly from the wide end to the point, tucking edges in as you go.
- Place each roll seam-side down on the baking sheet—this helps seal the dough and prevent unrolling.
- A light brush of melted butter on top before baking keeps the crust golden without drying it out.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard flat baking sheet to hold the rolls while they bake evenly.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the buffalo chicken filling; I find a medium bowl is just right.
- Measuring spoons and cup – to measure ingredients accurately, especially the buffalo sauce and cheese.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – helpful to cut the crescent dough if needed or for quick portioning.
- Pastry brush – for brushing melted butter on top for golden, crispy crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shredded turkey instead of chicken for a Thanksgiving twist.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor and heat.
- Swap blue cheese crumbles for shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a milder or spicier option.
- Mix in some chopped cilantro or parsley before rolling for a fresh herb touch.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have delicious buffalo chicken crescent rolls ready in about 25 minutes – a quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Preheat:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your rolls won’t stick.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together until it’s nicely blended and creamy.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Open the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Roll them up starting from the wide end, rolling toward the narrow tip, making sure the filling stays inside.
4. Bake and Garnish:
Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter to help them turn golden and crispy. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the rolls are beautifully golden brown and the filling is hot.
5. Serve:
Take the rolls out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions on top for extra flavor if you like. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand. The best way is to thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, shred it and mix with the other ingredients as usual.
Can I Make These Crescent Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a minute or two if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Buffalo Sauce?
Definitely! Use less buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of melted butter to mellow it out. If you prefer extra heat, add more sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the filling before rolling.