Chicken Crescent Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. This dish is a creative twist on traditional chicken and crescent roll appetizers, combining the flaky pastry with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings. The end result is a mouthwatering bake that is both comforting and satisfying. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal, Chicken Crescent Bake is a recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Required Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
* 1/4 cup of butter, softened
* 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup of chopped onion
* 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper
* 1 clove of garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Cooking Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Roll out the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut the dough into 4 squares.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. In the prepared baking dish, arrange the cooked chicken mixture in an even layer. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Roll out the remaining crescent roll dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into strips and arrange on top of the chicken mixture, weaving the strips into a lattice pattern.
6. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown.
7. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, if using. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
* To make a spicy Chicken Crescent Bake, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
* For a Mediterranean twist, add some chopped olives, artichoke hearts, or feta cheese to the chicken mixture.
* To make a breakfast-inspired version, add some scrambled eggs or crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture.
* Experiment with different types of cheese, such as parmesan, provolone, or feta, to change up the flavor profile.
* If you prefer a crisper crust, bake the dish for an additional 5-10 minutes.