This Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a fun and tasty twist on two all-time favorite flavors: spicy buffalo chicken and flaky crescent rolls. The crescent rolls form a golden, buttery ring around a filling of shredded chicken tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, all melted together with gooey cheese. It’s a perfect mix of crispy, spicy, and cheesy in every bite.
I love making this when I want something that’s a little different but still super easy to throw together. It’s a real crowd-pleaser at parties or game day gatherings because it’s easy to share and everyone always asks for the recipe. One of my favorite parts is how the crescent rolls get nicely browned and slightly crispy on the outside but stay soft inside, soaking up all those buffalo flavors.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and some crunchy celery sticks on the side. It feels like the perfect combo—cool and creamy with a little bit of fresh crunch alongside the warm, spicy ring. It’s a fun recipe that makes dinner or snacks a little more exciting and always leaves everyone smiling.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This gives the dish a flaky, buttery crust that’s easy to work with. If you want a healthier option, try puff pastry or homemade biscuit dough for a different texture.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for quick prep and great flavor. Leftover cooked chicken or shredded turkey also works well here.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds the spicy kick. Adjust how much you use based on your heat tolerance. For a milder taste, swap with BBQ sauce or a mix of hot sauce and a bit of honey.
Cheeses: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and brings sharpness, while blue cheese adds tanginess. If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feta or even mozzarella can work as a topping.
Cream Cheese: This makes the filling creamy and rich. You can replace it with Greek yogurt or ricotta for a lighter version.
How Do You Get the Crescent Roll Ring to Hold Its Shape and Look Beautiful?
Arranging the crescent roll dough can be tricky if it sticks or tears. Follow these tips for a neat ring:
- Overlap the wide ends of the crescent triangles slightly when laying them out. This creates a stable base for the filling.
- After adding the fillings, lay the second dough layer gently, matching the wide ends and folding the pointed tips outward carefully.
- Pinch the edges where layers meet to seal the ring and stop the filling from leaking.
- Don’t overload the filling; balance is key so the dough holds well while baking.
- Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Taking your time with this step means a ring that bakes evenly and looks impressive on the table. Plus, folding those points outward creates a lovely star-like design that’s fun to eat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I find it’s best with a rimmed sheet to prevent any spills and to get even baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the ring from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – for blending the chicken, sauce, and cheese mixtures.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, especially when adjusting sauce or cheese quantities.
- Spatula or spoon – helps spread the fillings evenly over the dough and stack layers neatly.
- Knife or pizza cutter – to cut and shape the crescent triangles if needed or to tidy up edges before baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shredded turkey instead of chicken for a holiday twist or different flavor profile.
- Add chopped celery or green onions to the filling for extra crunch and fresh flavor.
- Mix in crumbled cooked bacon with the cheese for a smoky, savory boost.
- Replace blue cheese with mozzarella or pepper Jack for a milder or spicier cheese option.
- Use a sweet chili sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a milder, citrusy kick.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving/dipping)
- Optional: chopped green onions or celery for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. Add a few extra minutes for cooling before serving. In less than an hour, you’ll have a warm, spicy, cheesy ring ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Base:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles in a large circle with the points facing outwards, overlapping the wide ends slightly to form a base ring.
2. Mix and Add the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated. In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the wide ends of the dough ring. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the chicken.
3. Top and Shape the Ring:
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place the triangles over the filling, with the wide ends overlapping the filling and base dough. Point the tips inward, toward the center of the ring. Gently fold each point outward over the filling, exposing the tips to create a star-like design. Pinch the dough edges slightly to seal.
4. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese evenly over the top. Bake the ring for 20-25 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Cool and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the ring cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or celery if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and mixing it with the buffalo sauce. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the ring assembly but hold off on baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm, taking care not to overcook and dry out the dough.
What Can I Serve With the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring?
This dish pairs wonderfully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple green salad. Ranch or blue cheese dressing is perfect for dipping and balancing the spicy buffalo flavors.