Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a fun, tasty twist on classic buffalo chicken that uses flaky, golden crescent rolls as the perfect cozy wrap. Inside, you’ll find spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese, all rolled up into a big, shareable ring that’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside.
I love making this recipe when friends come over because it’s always a hit – everyone loves that spicy kick combined with the soft, buttery crescent dough. It’s so easy to pull together, and if you want to dial down the heat, just use less buffalo sauce or add a little ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. I usually sneak in some chopped celery or green onions for extra crunch and freshness.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this is warm right out of the oven, served with a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dip for dunking each bite. It’s great for game day, parties, or anytime you want a casual snack that feels a little special. Plus, it’s a dish that gets everyone reaching in and sharing, which I think makes it taste even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This store-bought dough makes the ring flaky and buttery. If you prefer homemade, you can use puff pastry for a similar texture. For gluten-free, look for gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry alternatives.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is an easy choice that saves time and adds great flavor. You can also use leftover baked or grilled chicken. For a vegetarian twist, shredded jackfruit can work with extra seasoning.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is where the heat and tang come from. Adjust the amount to your liking. You can swap in a milder sauce or mix buffalo sauce with a bit of honey for a sweet touch.
Cheeses (Cheddar & Cream Cheese): Cheddar adds sharpness, while cream cheese keeps the filling creamy. You can use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor, and softened goat cheese adds a nice tang.
Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: These dressings brighten the dish and balance the spice. Ranch is milder if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.
How Do You Make the Crescent Roll Ring Keep Its Shape and Cook Evenly?
Getting the perfect ring shape means arranging the crescent triangles carefully. Here’s how:
- Lay the crescent triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping at the center.
- Leave some space so when you add the filling, the dough can fold over without tearing.
- After spreading the filling on the wide ends, gently fold the pointy ends over the filling and tuck them under the dough base.
- Press seams lightly to seal the ring but don’t squish the dough.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) so the dough cooks evenly and the outside turns golden while the filling heats through.
- Let it rest 5 minutes after baking to help the filling set and make slicing easier.
Taking your time with the assembly prevents leaks and keeps the ring looking neat and delicious when serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or pizza pan – I recommend a round pan to help shape the ring evenly and make baking straightforward.
- Mixing bowls – for stirring the chicken and cheese mixtures easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to add the right amounts of sauce, cheese, and dressing.
- Cooking utensils – such as a spoon or spatula to spread and dollop the fillings smoothly.
- Oven mitts – for safe handling of the hot baked ring.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up with extra hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper mixed into the chicken for more heat.
- Switch out cheddar and blue cheese for mozzarella and parmesan for a milder, cheesy flavor.
- Add chopped celery or carrots into the filling or sprinkle on top before serving for crunch and freshness.
- For a buffalo-seasoned veggie version, include sautéed spinach or bell peppers mixed into the chicken filling.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- ¼ cup blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing
- Optional: celery sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. Baking will take 20 to 25 minutes, and then allow 5 minutes for cooling before serving. In total, plan on about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Oven and Dough Base:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round baking sheet or pizza pan to keep the crescent roll ring from sticking.
2. Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir well so the chicken is fully coated with the sauce for that spicy flavor.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. This mix will add creaminess and a little bit of sharpness to the filling.
4. Shape the Crescent Roll Ring:
Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and separate each into triangles. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a large circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the pointed ends facing outward. Press the seams gently to keep the ring connected but leave room to fold over the filling.
5. Add the Filling and Fold Dough:
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the wide ends of the dough around the circle. Then dollop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on top of the chicken. Carefully fold the pointed ends of each crescent triangle over the filling toward the center, tucking the ends under the dough to form a neat ring.
6. Bake the Ring:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and fully cooked through.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the ring from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing or serve the dressing on the side for dipping. Sprinkle extra chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy warm with optional celery sticks for crunch.
Can I Use Frozen Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding and mixing with buffalo sauce. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the quick thaw method by placing the sealed chicken in cold water.
Can I Prepare This Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the ring but don’t bake it. Cover 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 I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crescent dough crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Wing Sauce?
If you prefer less heat or don’t have buffalo sauce, try mixing hot sauce with melted butter or use BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist. You can adjust the spice level easily this way.