If you’re looking for a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish with a buttery, flaky crust and a creamy chicken filling, this Savory Crescent Chicken Squares Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines the richness of cream cheese and butter with tender cooked chicken, fresh chives, and a subtle hint of pimiento, all wrapped in a golden crescent dough shell topped with crunchy, seasoned croutons for the perfect texture contrast. Whether you’re planning a potluck, family dinner, or just craving a comforting homemade treat, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple but uses each ingredient thoughtfully to build layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy softness of the cream cheese to the crispy topping of seasoned croutons, every component plays a key role in making this dish irresistible.
- Cream Cheese, 3 ounces, softened: Adds a rich, smooth base that keeps the filling luscious and creamy.
- LAND O LAKES® Butter, 1 tablespoon softened: Brings a beautiful buttery flavor that enhances the filling’s richness.
- Cooked Chicken, 2 cups cubed: The savory main star, providing hearty protein and texture.
- Chopped Fresh Chives or Onion, 1 tablespoon: Offers a gentle oniony bite that brightens up the creaminess.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- Pepper, ⅛ teaspoon: Adds just a touch of warmth and balance.
- Milk, 2 tablespoons: Smooths the filling mixture, making it perfect for spreading.
- Chopped Pimientos, 1 tablespoon (optional): Brings a sweet, tangy pop of color and flavor.
- Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls or Crescent Recipe Creations® Refrigerated Seamless Dough Sheet, 1 can: Provides the flaky, buttery outer shell essential to this dish’s charm.
- LAND O LAKES® Butter, 1 tablespoon melted: For brushing the top, helping achieve that gorgeous golden finish.
- Seasoned Croutons, ¾ cup crushed: Adds a fantastic crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft interior.
How to Make Savory Crescent Chicken Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the cubed chicken, chopped chives, salt, and pepper, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned. Finally, stir in the milk carefully to loosen the filling just enough so it’s spreadable but still thick. If you like a bit of extra color and sweetness, toss in the chopped pimientos now.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base
Unroll the crescent dough or the seamless dough sheet onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the seams firmly to seal if using the crescent rolls, creating one solid sheet of dough. This will form the base of your squares that holds all the delectable filling inside.
Step 3: Add the Filling Layer
Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the dough, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface but leaving a small border around the edges. This helps keep the filling securely inside while baking.
Step 4: Top with Butter and Croutons
Brush the melted LAND O LAKES® butter over the exposed dough edges and the top of the filling. Then generously sprinkle the crushed seasoned croutons across the top, creating that signature crunch and extra savory burst.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the assembled crescent chicken squares in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until the dough is beautifully golden brown and the croutons are toasted to crisp perfection. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into squares to allow the filling to set slightly for neat serving.
How to Serve Savory Crescent Chicken Squares Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional fresh chives over the top brightens the dish with a pop of freshness and adds a lovely color contrast to the golden squares. A light drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or creamy dressing can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing these savory squares with a crisp green salad or some steamed seasonal vegetables balances the richness. A simple tomato basil salad or roasted asparagus with lemon would complement the buttery, cheesy chicken squares wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the baked dish into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a serving platter for a welcome appetizer or party snack. You can also stack them into a layered casserole dish for a heartier presentation or serve with dollops of sour cream and salsa for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Savory Crescent Chicken Squares Recipe store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their texture and flavor, so you can enjoy them just as much the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save the squares for longer, freeze them wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, remove from the freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm the squares in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. This keeps the crust flaky and the filling creamy, just like when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken from a rotisserie?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a quick and tasty shortcut for this recipe. Just cube the meat and it’s ready to mix with your filling ingredients.
What can I substitute for seasoned croutons?
If you don’t have seasoned croutons, crushed buttery crackers or even panko mixed with a pinch of herbs and garlic powder work wonderfully as a crunchy topping.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Yes, the Savory Crescent Chicken Squares Recipe freezes very well. Make sure to wrap tightly and thaw before reheating for the best results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, try substituting the chicken with cooked mushrooms, spinach, or a blend of your favorite sautéed veggies for a rich and satisfying alternative.
How do I know when the crescent dough is fully baked?
The dough should be golden brown all over, with a firm but flaky texture. The top will look beautifully toasted, especially with the crouton topping, and it should feel slightly firm to the touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and special about the Savory Crescent Chicken Squares Recipe that makes it a beloved favorite. It’s an effortless way to bring joy to your table with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, yet the outcome feels like a delicious celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a go-to recipe for your family’s cozy meals and gatherings!
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Savory Crescent Chicken Squares Recipe
These Savory Crescent Chicken Squares are a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring tender cubed chicken mixed with cream cheese and fresh herbs, wrapped in buttery crescent dough, and topped with crushed seasoned croutons for a crispy finish. Perfect for parties and family gatherings.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped pimientos (optional)
Dough and Topping
- 1 can Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury™ Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
- 1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted
- ¾ cup seasoned croutons, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, cubed cooked chicken, chopped fresh chives or onion, salt, pepper, milk, and chopped pimientos if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent dough or press the crescent recipe creations dough sheet onto a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, shaping into a rectangular layer without perforations if using crescent rolls.
- Assemble Squares: Spread the chicken filling evenly over the prepared dough sheet.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll up the dough with filling inside, starting from a long edge to form a log. Slice the log into approximately 1-inch squares and place the squares cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Brush and Top: Brush the tops of the squares with melted butter, then sprinkle the crushed seasoned croutons evenly over each piece.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. These squares are best served warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs according to preference, like parsley instead of chives.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from previous meals.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add some minced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- For a gluten-free variation, look for gluten-free crescent dough alternatives and gluten-free croutons.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
