There is something truly comforting and irresistibly delicious about the Chicken Crescent Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe. It brings together tender, shredded chicken and rich cheeses wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough to create a luscious casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this recipe hits all the right notes with creamy texture, savory flavor, and that perfect golden crust. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Crescent Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort food anytime you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the creamy, cheesy, and flaky experience that makes this casserole so special. From the juicy cooked chicken to the blend of cheddar and Parmesan, every item contributes to the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and color.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut that adds tender, flavorful protein.
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls: The flaky base that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and binds the casserole together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Gives a tangy smoothness and moist texture to the filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, bringing that classic cheddar flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the cheesy combo.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Subtle sweetness and aroma that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional): For brushing on top, creating an irresistible golden finish.
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Chicken Crescent Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish either with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking and ensure your casserole lifts out with ease once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust
Unroll the refrigerated crescent rolls and carefully separate them into individual triangles. Lay them out evenly in the baking dish, pressing and pinching the seams together so they form a uniform crust. This dough base will bake up beautifully golden and flaky, supporting the rich filling perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Stir in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well blended. This mixture is incredibly creamy and cheesy, bursting with savory flavor that will make every bite comforting and delicious.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the luscious chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in your baking dish. Make sure it’s level to create an even bake and a perfect balance between crust and filling in every slice.
Step 5: Add Extra Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top before baking. This step is optional but highly recommended for that added cheesy layer that browns delightfully.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crescent roll crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through. The aroma by this point will be tempting you to dig right in.
Step 7: Finish with Butter (Optional)
For an extra touch of indulgence, brush the top of the hot crescent rolls with melted butter immediately after baking. This helps enhance the color and adds a subtle richness to the crust’s buttery flavor.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped chives over your casserole for a pop of vibrant color and a hint of freshness that complements the cheesy, savory filling.
How to Serve Chicken Crescent Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are perfect garnishes for this casserole. They brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note that balances the rich, creamy filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Crescent Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans add an excellent texture contrast and keep the meal feeling light and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving individual portions in mini ramekins or even use crescent roll dough to create individual handheld pockets. You could also add sliced tomatoes or avocado on the side for a colorful and fresh accompaniment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it well to maintain moisture and prevent the crust from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Chicken Crescent Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it cooks through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To keep the crust crisp, uncover during the last few minutes of heating. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick option, though the crust will be less crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan create a perfect combo, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for melty stretchiness or Gouda for a smoky flavor twist.
Is rotisserie chicken necessary?
Not at all. Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for convenience and flavor, but leftover cooked chicken or even shredded turkey will work wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
You can substitute the crescent rolls with gluten-free puff pastry or biscuit dough, but be aware the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Always check labels to ensure your substitutes fit your dietary needs.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild and comforting in flavor, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready—it’s a fantastic time saver.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Crescent Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a secret treasure for busy nights and special occasions alike. Its creamy filling, cheesy goodness, and buttery crust make it a beloved dish that everyone will ask for again and again. Don’t hesitate to whip this up the next time you want to share something comforting, flavorful, and undeniably satisfying with your loved ones.
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Chicken Crescent Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Crescent Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy soups and cheeses, all nestled in a buttery crescent roll crust. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, it combines simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful casserole that’s golden and bubbly straight from the oven.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade if preferred)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crescent Roll Crust
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
Topping & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top, optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust: Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Lay them evenly in the prepared baking dish, pinching the seams together to create a continuous crust along the bottom.
- Make the Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the crust completely.
- Optional Cheese Topping: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the casserole is heated through and bubbling.
- Add Butter Finish (Optional): Remove from oven and, if desired, brush the top with melted butter for a richer, golden finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped chives on top for color and freshness. Serve the casserole warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut but feel free to use freshly cooked shredded chicken.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce to control sodium and additives.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheeses and sour cream.
- Make sure to pinch the crescent roll seams well to prevent leakage of the filling.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing and serving.
