These Chicken Roll Ups are the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, requiring only five simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time. This family-favorite meal combines tender chicken and melted cheese wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, all smothered in a creamy, savory sauce. Whether you are cooking for picky eaters or looking for a quick dinner solution, these roll-ups are guaranteed to be a hit.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There is a reason this recipe has been a staple in kitchens for generations. First, the simplicity is unmatched; you likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator. Second, it is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use leftover rotisserie chicken or canned chicken to save even more time. Finally, the combination of the buttery crescent dough and the rich cream of chicken gravy creates a “melt-in-your-mouth” texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It is the perfect 30-minute meal for those evenings when you want a home-cooked taste without the hours of labor.
Ingredients for Chicken Roll Ups
- 6-oz cooked chopped chicken breast (approximately 1 to 1-1/2 cups)
- 1 (8-oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Assemble the Rolls: Open the can of crescent rolls and separate the dough into eight individual triangles. Place a portion of the chopped chicken onto the wide end of each triangle. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the soup mixture over the chicken on each roll.
- Roll and Arrange: Carefully roll up each crescent triangle, starting from the wide end and moving toward the point. Spread about 1/3 cup of the remaining soup mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Place the rolled crescents into the dish.
- Top and Bake: Pour the remaining soup and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the crescent rolls. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the crescent rolls are golden brown.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the best results with your Chicken Roll Ups, consider using unsalted cream of chicken soup. This allows you to control the sodium levels of the dish, as the cheese and crescent dough already contain salt. If you want a more intense cheese flavor, try shredding your own cheddar from a block; pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in potato starch, which can prevent them from melting as smoothly into the sauce. For a time-saving hack, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and simply shred the breast meat while it is still warm.
While the classic recipe is delicious, you can easily customize these roll-ups to suit your preferences:
- Swap the Soup: If you aren’t a fan of chicken soup, try using Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some finely chopped steamed broccoli or peas with the chicken for a boost of nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture for an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: Replace the cheddar with Monterey Jack for a creamier melt or Pepper Jack for a spicy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Roll Ups are quite filling on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A crisp green garden salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the creamy sauce. You could also serve them alongside steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side of white rice to soak up any extra gravy. For a true comfort food feast, serve them with a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes.
Storage: Place any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked leftovers for a quick meal later. Ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To maintain the texture of the crescent rolls, it is best to reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. However, if you are in a hurry, the microwave works well for individual portions—just be aware the dough may become softer.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 16g |
Chicken Roll Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Set this mixture aside.1 can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Open the can of crescent rolls and separate the dough into eight individual triangles. Place a portion of the chopped chicken onto the wide end of each triangle. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the soup mixture over the chicken on each roll.6 oz cooked chopped chicken breast, 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
- Carefully roll up each crescent triangle, starting from the wide end and moving toward the point. Spread about 1/3 cup of the remaining soup mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Place the rolled crescents into the dish.
- Pour the remaining soup and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the crescent rolls. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the crescent rolls are golden brown.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?
No, the chicken must be fully cooked before being rolled into the crescents. The baking time in the oven is only long enough to brown the dough and heat the sauce, which is not sufficient to cook raw chicken safely.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the refrigerated crescent rolls with a gluten-free dough alternative and use a gluten-free certified cream of chicken soup. Many brands now offer these options in the health food aisle.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 dish?
You can use a slightly smaller baking dish, like an 11×7, but make sure the rolls aren’t too crowded, or the dough in the center may stay soggy. If the rolls are packed tightly, you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble the rolls and the sauce a few hours in advance and keep the dish covered in the refrigerator. However, do not wait too long to bake them, as the dough may absorb too much moisture from the sauce and become difficult to cook through.