Cheesy Chicken Rolls: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

Cheesy chicken rolls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to make, and customizable to your liking. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating flavorful and satisfying cheesy chicken rolls that will disappear quickly at any gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the fillings to suit your taste preferences.
* **Crowd-pleasing:** Everyone loves the combination of chicken and cheese!
* **Versatile:** Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or a light meal.
* **Make-ahead friendly:** Prepare the rolls ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Chicken Filling:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

### For the Rolls:

* 1 package (10-12 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets (or regular crescent rolls, separated into triangles)
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

## Equipment

* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, for lining the baking sheet)
* Rolling pin (if using regular crescent rolls)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Chicken

* **Cook the Chicken:** There are several ways to cook the chicken for this recipe:
* **Boiling:** Place the chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it with two forks.
* **Baking:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it with two forks.
* **Pan-frying:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it with two forks.
* **Instant Pot:** Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Place the chicken breasts in the pot. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it with two forks.
* **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** While the chicken is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* **Combine Chicken and Aromatics:** Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the spices are well distributed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

### 2. Make the Chicken Filling

* **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. The cream cheese helps bind the filling together and adds a creamy texture.

### 3. Assemble the Rolls

* **Prepare the Dough:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy cleanup). Unroll the crescent roll dough sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If using regular crescent rolls, separate the triangles and use a rolling pin to slightly flatten them into a rectangular shape. This will allow you to add more filling and create a more uniform roll.
* **Add the Filling:** Spread a thin layer of the chicken filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the rolls difficult to close and may cause the filling to leak out during baking.
* **Sprinkle with Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken filling. The mozzarella cheese will melt beautifully and create a gooey, cheesy layer.
* **Roll Up the Dough:** Carefully roll up the dough from one end to the other, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly. If using crescent roll triangles, roll each triangle up from the wide end to the point.
* **Cut into Rolls:** Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices. If using crescent roll triangles, no cutting is necessary.

### 4. Bake the Rolls

* **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. Leave a little space between each roll to allow for even baking.
* **Brush with Butter (Optional):** In a small bowl, melt the butter. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter. This will give them a golden brown color and a richer flavor. You can also mix in a little garlic powder with the melted butter for added flavor.
* **Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds (Optional):** Sprinkle the tops of the rolls with sesame seeds, if desired. This will add a nice visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.
* **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy!

* **Let Cool Slightly:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly before serving. This will prevent the filling from being too hot and messy.
* **Serve Warm:** Serve the cheesy chicken rolls warm. They are delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice. Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or honey mustard are all great options.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gruyere.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Use Leftover Chicken:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free crescent roll dough to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the filling.
* **Different Herbs:** Instead of parsley, use other fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or chives.
* **Cream Cheese Alternatives:** If you don’t have cream cheese, try using ricotta cheese or sour cream as a substitute.
* **Egg Wash:** For a shinier, golden-brown crust, brush the rolls with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking.
* **Air Fryer Option:** You can also cook these rolls in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve cheesy chicken rolls as a party appetizer.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a satisfying afternoon snack.
* **Light Meal:** Serve them with a side salad for a light and easy meal.
* **Game Day:** They’re perfect for game day gatherings.
* **Potlucks:** Bring them to potlucks and watch them disappear!

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cheesy chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become a little soggy.
* **Freeze:** Freeze unbaked cheesy chicken rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. You can also freeze baked rolls; let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutrition Information (per roll, approximate)

* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 10-15g
* Fat: 12-18g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

Cheesy chicken rolls are a delightful and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory chicken filling, gooey cheese, and flaky crust, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible treats! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature cheesy chicken rolls. Happy cooking!