Flaky Chicken Broccoli and Crescent Roll Ups

If you ask me, crescent roll ups are one of the best ways to turn simple ingredients into something special.

These chicken and broccoli stuffed crescents make a cozy dinner that’s both filling and fun to eat. Flaky pastry wraps around tender chicken and fresh broccoli, creating little pockets of goodness that everyone at the table will love.

They’re made with store-bought crescent rolls (a lifesaver on busy nights) and mixed with cream cheese that keeps everything moist and adds just the right amount of richness. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top seals the deal.

It’s a family-friendly meal that comes together quickly, perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For these roll-ups, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your best bet since they’re easy to work with and cook evenly. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken breasts (just make sure they’re completely thawed if frozen), and either regular or thin-cut will work here. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you might want to butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness so they cook more quickly and evenly. For a shortcut, you could even use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store – just shred or chop it up and you’re good to go. Just make sure whatever chicken you use is cooked through and chopped or shredded into small pieces that will fit nicely in your roll-ups.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is pretty adaptable and there are several ways you can mix things up:

• Chicken breasts: You can easily swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or even turkey breast. If using pre-cooked chicken, you’ll need about 2-3 cups shredded.
• Broccoli: Not a broccoli fan? Try cauliflower, spinach (well-drained), or even mixed vegetables. Just make sure to chop them finely and cook until tender.
• Mozzarella cheese: Any melting cheese works great here – try cheddar, Swiss, or provolone. You can even use a cheese blend for more flavor.
• Crescent rolls: While crescent rolls are ideal for this recipe, you could use pizza dough or puff pastry in a pinch. Just adjust the baking time according to package instructions.
• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace mayo for a tangier taste. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid first.
• Italian herbs: Out of Italian seasoning? Use a mix of dried basil and oregano, or any dried herb blend you have on hand.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making chicken and broccoli roll-ups is dealing with overcooked, dry chicken – make sure to cook your chicken just until it reaches 165°F and let it rest before shredding to keep it juicy. Another common mistake is not draining the broccoli well enough after processing, which can make your filling watery and cause the crescents to become soggy – take an extra minute to squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. When working with crescent roll dough, avoid stretching it too thin or overhandling it, as this can make the dough tough and prevent it from puffing up properly during baking. For the best results, chill your filling mixture for about 15 minutes before assembling the roll-ups, which makes it easier to work with and helps prevent the crescents from getting too warm before baking.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Roll Ups?

These cheesy chicken and broccoli roll ups are already packed with protein and veggies, so you don’t need anything too heavy on the side. A simple green salad with light vinaigrette dressing makes a perfect companion to balance out the richness of the crescents. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, a bowl of tomato soup works great for dipping, or try some roasted carrots and green beans for extra color on the plate. For a quick weeknight dinner, I like serving these with some crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries that can be baked in the oven at the same time as the roll ups.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty roll-ups stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy. They make great leftovers for lunch or a quick dinner!

Freeze: Want to make these ahead? Let them cool completely, then wrap each roll-up individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Pop them in a freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. It’s super handy to have a few stashed away for busy weeknights!

Warm Up: To enjoy your roll-ups again, heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen (after thawing overnight in the fridge). The microwave works too, but the crescent roll might not stay as crispy. A quick zap for 30-45 seconds usually does the trick!

Preparation Time	20-30 minutes
Cooking Time	14-20 minutes
Total Time	34-50 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 90-100 g
• Fat: 110-120 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-160 g

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts
• black pepper
• salt

For the filling:

• 2 small broccoli heads (finely chopped for even cooking)
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s Mayonnaise for this recipe)

For the rolls:

• 2 cans crescent rolls
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (beaten for an egg wash)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Sear the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In the meantime, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it on one side for five minutes.

Flip the chicken and sear for another five minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool for five minutes.

Once cooled, chop the chicken into small pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

While the chicken is resting, add the chopped broccoli to the same pan with a pinch of salt.

If necessary, add a little more oil.

Sauté the broccoli for a few minutes until it slightly wilts and becomes more vibrant in color.

This step ensures that the broccoli is partially cooked before being added to the rolls.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a small pinch of salt.

Stir well until all ingredients are combined to create a flavorful cheese mixture.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Mixture

In a larger bowl, combine the chopped chicken, sautéed broccoli, and cheese mixture.

Stir thoroughly until all components are fully incorporated, creating the filling for your rolls.

Step 5: Assemble the Crescent Rolls

Roll out the crescent dough in one of two ways: Unfold each individual triangle and place a dollop of the chicken mix at the thicker end, then roll up, ensuring the tip is on top.

Alternatively, unroll two crescents together, pinch them at the perforation, place a generous amount of chicken mix in the center, and gently pull the corners together on top, pinching to seal.

Both options work well.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Place the assembled rolls on a rimmed baking sheet.

Brush each roll with beaten egg, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 20 minutes, checking to ensure they’re golden brown on top.

Once baked to perfection, serve the rolls with any dipping sauces you prefer and enjoy!