Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls are a fun and tasty twist on two party favorites: spicy buffalo chicken and flaky crescent rolls. Inside each golden, buttery roll, you’ll find a juicy, spicy chicken filling that brings just the right amount of kick. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, making them super satisfying bites every time.
I love making these for game days or casual get-togethers because they’re so easy to eat and always disappear fast. One tip I’ve learned is to use a good quality buffalo sauce and mix in some cream cheese to keep the chicken extra creamy and mild the heat slightly. Trust me, it’s a game changer that makes every bite smooth and delicious.
These rolls are great served warm right out of the oven, maybe with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. I’ve found they’re perfect as an appetizer or even a quick snack when you want something comforting but with a little spice. Plus, they’re super fun to make with friends or family—everyone loves unwrapping their own little spicy surprise!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is perfect here since it soaks up the sauce well. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftovers to save time.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This gives the roll its spicy kick. If you want less heat, use a mild wing sauce or mix spicy sauce with a little barbecue sauce.
Cream Cheese: It makes the filling creamy and balances the heat. If you prefer dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, sharp flavor. You can swap for mozzarella or pepper jack if you like it spicier or milder.
Crescent Roll Dough: The crescent dough gives a flaky, buttery shell. Try puff pastry if you want an even flakier texture, or biscuit dough for a more rustic bite.
How Do You Roll and Bake Crescent Rolls Without Leaks or Breaks?
Rolling these right helps keep the filling inside and the dough flaky. Here’s how I do it:
- Don’t overfill each triangle—about 2 tablespoons is enough to roll safely.
- Start rolling from the wide end, gently but firmly tucking the filling inside as you go.
- Make sure to pinch the edges a bit to seal the dough and prevent leaks.
- Brush melted butter on top before baking to get a golden, crispy crust.
- Place rolls with the point side tucked underneath on the baking sheet to stop unrolling.
With these tips, your crescent rolls will bake evenly golden with no messy spills, and the chicken filling stays wonderfully creamy and spicy inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
- Mixing bowl – Great for combining the chicken, sauce, and cream cheese smoothly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – Just helps you add ingredients accurately.
- Pastry brush – Useful for brushing melted butter over the rolls for a golden finish.
- Oven – To bake up those flaky, spicy crescent rolls to perfection.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shredded turkey or cooked shrimp for different proteins.
- Add diced green onions or chopped cilantro for fresh flavor and color.
- Mix in crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella instead of cheddar for varied cheesy goodness.
- Use spicy jalapeño slices or hot sauce if you enjoy extra heat in your filling.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For The Rolls:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy your tasty buffalo chicken crescent rolls in around 25 minutes—perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
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 foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Make The Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and softened cream cheese together. Stir until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
3. Assemble the Crescent Rolls:
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture near the wide end of each triangle. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese over the filling. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point, making sure to enclose the filling well.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Place the rolls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Brush the melted butter over the tops to help them brown nicely. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley flakes if you like. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, flaky, spicy Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the sealed chicken in cold water for quicker thawing. Once thawed, shred and use as directed.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the rolls, then refrigerate them uncovered for up to 4 hours before baking. This way, you can bake them fresh right before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover 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 keep them crispy.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness?
Of course! Use less buffalo wing sauce or mix it with a mild sauce to tone down the heat. Alternatively, add extra cream cheese to mellow out the spice.