Cheesy Chicken Crescents Recipe

The Best Cheesy Chicken Crescents Recipe You’ll Love Tonight

Crispy golden cheesy chicken crescents promise a delightful twist on comfort food that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Pillowy dough wraps around tender, seasoned chicken and melted cheese for an irresistible bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Home cooks can easily master these delectable parcels without breaking a sweat.

Packed with savory goodness, each crescent delivers a perfect balance of flaky exterior and rich, creamy filling.

Soft, warm, and utterly satisfying, these crescents will become your new go-to meal that everyone adores.

Cheesy Chicken Crescents That Pull Apart With Satisfaction

Cheesy Chicken Crescents That Pull Apart With Satisfaction
  • Quick Kitchen Miracle: Effortlessly transform simple ingredients into a gourmet meal without complex techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Combines kid-approved chicken and cheese in a fun crescent roll format that appeals to all ages.
  • Time-Saving Superstar: From dough preparation to final assembly, this recipe takes under 2 hours with hands-on cooking time less than 30 minutes.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Cheesy Crescent Chicken Filling Ingredients

Main Dough Ingredients:
  • Flour: Core structure of the dough, provides essential base for bread texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
  • Yeast: Helps dough rise and creates light, airy texture.
  • Yogurt, Honey, Sunflower Oil, Lukewarm Water: Contribute to dough's moisture and softness.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Grated Cheese: Adds rich, melty flavor and creamy texture to crescents.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create golden brown surface.
  • Beaten Egg: Creates shiny, golden exterior when brushed on dough.
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chicken Thighs: Main protein providing hearty, tender meat filling.
  • Spices (Salt, Cayenne Powder, Coriander Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Bell Pepper Powder, Cumin Powder): Deliver complex, layered flavor profile to chicken.
  • Algerienne Sauce, Sweet Soy Sauce: Create tangy and sweet coating for chicken.
  • Optional Fresh Vegetables: Add crunch and freshness to final dish.

Steps To Bake Cheesy Chicken Crescents

Steps To Bake Cheesy Chicken Crescents

Step 1: Create Soft Dough

Combine flour, salt, yeast, yogurt, honey, sunflower oil, and lukewarm water in a large mixing bowl.

Knead the mixture thoroughly for 10-12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic with a silky texture.

Step 2: Let Dough Rise

Cover the bowl and place in a warm location.

Allow the dough to expand and rise for one hour or until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Shape Dough Circles

Gently deflate the risen dough and divide into two equal portions.

Roll each piece into a perfect 32 cm circular shape with smooth edges.

Step 4: Layer Cheese Filling

  • Butter
  • Grated cheese

Brush one dough circle with butter and generously sprinkle grated cheese across the surface.

Carefully place the second dough circle on top and press edges firmly to create a sealed layer.

Step 5: Create Crescent Shapes

Slice the layered dough into 12 equal triangular sections.

Gently stretch each triangle and roll from the wide base toward the pointed tip, forming classic croissant shapes.

Step 6: Prepare and Bake Crescents

Place croissants on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Brush with beaten egg and let rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F) and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Allow to cool completely.

Step 7: Cook Spiced Chicken

  • Olive oil
  • Chicken thighs
  • Salt
  • Cayenne powder
  • Coriander powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Red bell pepper powder
  • Cumin powder

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken thighs and sprinkle with all spices.

Cook for 6-7 minutes until fully cooked and beautifully golden.

Step 8: Create Flavor Sauce

  • Algerienne sauce
  • Sweet soy sauce

Mix Algerienne and sweet soy sauce in a bowl.

Toss cooked chicken until completely coated with the sauce.

Step 9: Assemble Final Dish

Slice cooled croissants open and generously fill with spiced chicken mixture.

Optional: Add extra cheese sauce and fresh vegetables for additional flavor and crunch.

Crescent Tips With Cheesy Chicken Filling

  • Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring a soft and stretchy consistency that creates perfectly tender crescents every time.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan to elevate the taste profile and add complexity to your chicken crescents.
  • Allow croissants to cool completely before filling to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture from making the base soggy.
  • Toast spices briefly in the pan before adding chicken to intensify their flavors and create a more robust, aromatic filling.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of proper browning.

Cheesy Chicken Crescents: Best Way to Store

  • Store leftover cheesy chicken crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
  • Warm crescents in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and help retain moisture.
  • For quick reheating, place croissants on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-45 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread tough and rubbery.
  • If the filling seems watery after refrigeration, drain excess sauce before reheating. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to maintain the crisp texture of the crescents.

Cheesy Sides For Chicken Crescents

  • Flavor Symphony: Pair these cheesy chicken crescents with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness and complements the spicy chicken.
  • Refreshing Companion: Serve alongside a zesty cucumber-mint salad that provides cool contrast to the warm, spicy chicken and adds fresh crunch to each bite.
  • Balanced Side Kick: Introduce roasted garlic hummus as a creamy dip that echoes the Mediterranean flavors and adds another layer of savory depth to the crescents.
  • Texture Enhancer: Create a quick pickled red onion side that brings tangy brightness, cuts through the cheese's richness, and adds vibrant color to the plate.

Flaky Cheesy Chicken Crescent Twists

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using rice flour, cornstarch, and xanthan gum to maintain the dough's texture and elasticity.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu cubes, using the same spice blend for rich, savory flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use almond flour or coconut flour for the dough, and replace traditional crescents with lettuce wraps filled with spiced chicken and cheese sauce.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt, use plant-based cheese alternatives, and replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine for a lighter version.

FAQs

  • What kind of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is perfect for these cheesy chicken crescents. It provides the right texture and elasticity for the dough, ensuring a soft and fluffy result.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken thighs?

Chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken works great as alternatives. Just ensure the meat is well-seasoned and cooked thoroughly before filling the crescents.

  • Is there a substitute for yogurt in the dough?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace regular yogurt. They help create a tender dough with good rise and subtle tanginess. If needed, you can also use buttermilk as a backup option.

  • How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky after 10-12 minutes of kneading. When you gently stretch a small piece, it should form a thin, translucent “windowpane” without tearing immediately.

Print
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Cheesy Chicken Crescents Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Crescents Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savory cheesy chicken crescents bring comfort to kitchen tables with irresistible warmth. Melted cheese and tender chicken nestled in flaky pastry create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 700g chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 500g all-purpose flour

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 5g salt (5/6 teaspoon)
  • 3g cayenne powder (1 teaspoon)
  • 2g coriander powder (2/3 teaspoon)
  • 3g garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • 3g onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • 3g red bell pepper powder (1 teaspoon)
  • 2g cumin powder (2/3 teaspoon)
  • 8g salt (1 1/3 teaspoon)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 10g instant yeast
  • 75g yogurt
  • 15g honey
  • 35 milliliters sunflower oil
  • 225 milliliters lukewarm water
  • 40g unsalted butter
  • 50g grated cheese
  • 1 medium egg (beaten)
  • 25 milliliters olive oil
  • 100g Algerienne sauce
  • 20g sweet soy sauce (ketjap manis)

Instructions

  1. Craft a versatile dough by blending flour, salt, yeast, yogurt, honey, sunflower oil, and lukewarm water in a spacious mixing bowl. Knead the mixture thoroughly for 10-12 minutes until achieving a silky, supple texture.
  2. Allow the dough to rest and expand in a cozy environment, covered, for approximately one hour or until it visibly doubles in volume.
  3. Gently deflate the risen dough and partition it into two symmetrical portions. Expertly roll each segment into a generous 32 cm circular shape.
  4. Enhance the dough layers by delicately brushing one circle with melted butter and generously scattering grated cheese across the surface. Carefully position the second dough circle atop and meticulously seal the perimeter.
  5. Transform the layered dough into elegant triangular segments, creating 12 uniform pieces. Delicately stretch each triangle and elegantly roll from the broad base toward the pointed tip, crafting classic croissant silhouettes.
  6. Arrange the shaped crescents on a parchment-lined baking tray. Lovingly coat with beaten egg and permit a final 30-minute proofing period until they substantially increase in size.
  7. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the crescents until they achieve a radiant golden-brown complexion, approximately 10-15 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.
  8. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken by sautéing in olive oil with a harmonious blend of spices: salt, cayenne, coriander, garlic and onion powders, red bell pepper powder, and cumin. Cook until the meat is thoroughly done and develops a beautiful caramelized exterior.
  9. Create a vibrant sauce by combining Algerienne and sweet soy sauces. Thoroughly coat the cooked chicken in this flavorful mixture.
  10. Complete the dish by carefully splitting the cooled croissants and generously filling them with the spiced, sauced chicken. Optional: enhance with additional cheese sauce and fresh crisp vegetables for extra dimension.

Notes

  • Select high-protein yogurt for extra nutrition and improved dough texture when kneading.
  • Consider using whole wheat flour to enhance fiber content and create a heartier crescent base.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for more complex flavor profiles.
  • Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain maximum moisture and prevent dryness during assembly.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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