Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls are a fun and tasty twist on two classic favorites—spicy buffalo chicken and flaky, buttery crescent rolls. Inside each roll, you get tender chicken mixed with that signature tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, wrapped up in golden, puffed-up dough. They’re just the right mix of spicy and comforting with a crispy outside and gooey, flavorful inside.
I love making these when I want a snack that feels like a little party in every bite. They’re super easy to put together, and I usually sneak in some cheese to make everything extra melty. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at game days or casual get-togethers because who doesn’t love finger food that packs a punch?
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. It really helps balance the spicy heat and makes every bite more delicious. These rolls have become a go-to for me when I want something quick but still exciting to eat, and I bet you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for quick prep and tender texture. You can also use shredded leftover chicken or canned chicken if pressed for time.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. If you prefer less heat, use mild buffalo sauce or mix hot sauce with a bit of melted butter.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or softened ricotta if you want a lighter option.
Crescent Roll Dough: Refrigerated crescent dough is perfect for flaky rolls with minimal effort. You could try puff pastry as a substitute, but it might bake quicker.
How Do I Roll Crescents with Filling Without Leaks or Mess?
Rolling crescents neatly with filling can be tricky. Here’s how to keep the filling inside and get perfect puffs:
- Spoon filling near the wide end, leaving edges free so you can seal dough well.
- Roll from the wide end to the point tightly but gently to avoid squeezing filling out.
- Seal the edges by gently pressing the dough seams together to close them.
- Place seams side down on the baking sheet to help them stay closed during baking.
- Brush rolls with melted butter for a nice golden look and to help seal edges further.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like a rimmed baking sheet to hold all the rolls without spilling. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mixing bowls – Use a couple of medium bowls for stirring the filling and mixing ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring spoons and cups – For accurately measuring buffalo sauce, cheeses, and other ingredients.
- spoon or small scoop – To easily portion the buffalo chicken mixture onto the crescent dough.
- Pastry brush – For brushing melted butter on top for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked ground turkey or pork for different flavor twists.
- Add a sprinkle of cooked bacon or jalapeños for extra smoky spice or heat.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a milder, melty cheese.
- Use a different dressing, like ranch or bleu cheese, mixed into the filling for extra creaminess and flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for mixing in or serving)
For The Rolls:
- 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have warm, delicious buffalo chicken crescent rolls ready in around 30 minutes total – perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat so your crescent rolls won’t stick and cleanup is easy.
2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles if you like. Mix well until creamy and combined. For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
3. Prepare and Fill the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles on the perforated lines. On the wide end of each triangle, spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture.
4. Roll and Seal the Crescent Rolls
Starting at the wide end, roll up each triangle tightly toward the point to enclose the filling. Place the rolls seam-side down on your lined baking sheet.
5. Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of the crescent rolls lightly with melted butter—it helps them turn golden and flaky. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if you like. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty buffalo chicken crescent rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost function on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make These Crescent Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls but don’t bake them yet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the bake time if baking cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the crust crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Dough?
If you can’t find crescent roll dough, puff pastry is a great alternative. It will yield a flakier texture but still delicious. Just be mindful, puff pastry may bake faster, so watch closely.