Instant Pot Chicken Crescent Rolls With Cream Cheese

Name: Instant Pot Chicken Crescent Rolls with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 3/4 pound chicken breasts; 1 cup water; 2 8-ounce cans crescent rolls; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 bunch green onions (chopped); 1/4 cup bell pepper (diced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter (softened); 2 tablespoons skim milk

Chicken crescent rolls are perfect for a quick and tasty dinner that’s guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. The combination of tender chicken with gooey cream cheese wrapped in a golden, flaky crescent roll is simply irresistible comfort food. Plus, using an Instant Pot makes the cooking process a breeze, saving you both time and effort.

A white plate of Three Chicken crescent rolls with an instant pot on the side.

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You’ll love how versatile this dish is too. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to mix things up a bit. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a delicious meal idea, this chicken crescent roll recipe with cream cheese will become a go-to in your meal rotation.

If you are on the hunt for more delicious Instant Pot recipes, I have a few more you might want to try. If you still have some chicken to use up, you could make Instant Pot chicken marsala. Or, for a simple appetizer, use the Instant Pot to make stuffed peppers.

Still in the mood for more chicken? Why not try making this classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta?

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy Preparation: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal in no time, even on busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: The combination of chicken, cream cheese, and flaky crescent rolls creates a comforting dish that will become a family favorite for weeknight dinners.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your family’s tastes, making it a versatile meal option with simple ingredients.
Minimal Cleanup: With the Instant Pot handling most of the cooking, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash, making cleanup a breeze.

What’s In This Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe?

Ingredients of Chicken crescent rolls sitting on a white countertop.

Chicken breasts: Use fresh or frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender and juicy filling. Cook them in the Instant Pot for ultimate convenience and flavor.
Water: Essential for creating steam in the Instant Pot, which helps cook the chicken evenly and quickly.
Crescent rolls: These pre-made dough sheets are incredibly convenient and bake into a light, flaky crescent dough crust that perfectly houses the creamy chicken filling.
Cream cheese: Provides a rich and tangy flavor that complements the chicken, adding a creamy texture to each bite.
Green onions: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor that enhances the overall taste of the filling without overpowering it.
Bell pepper: Offers a slight sweetness and a bit of crunch, contributing both flavor and texture to the dish.
Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables, ensuring the filling is well-seasoned.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky smooth filling when combined with cream cheese and milk.
Skim milk: Lightens the mixture without sacrificing creaminess, binding everything together for a cohesive filling.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

A white plate of Crescent rolls with chicken mixture.

Substitutions and Additions

Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred it and mix it with the cream cheese filling before wrapping it in the crescent rolls.
Cream cheese: For a lighter option, you can substitute with reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Green onions: If you prefer a different flavor, swap for chopped chives, leeks, or red onions.
Bell pepper: Feel free to use other types of peppers, like poblano or jalapeño, for a bit of heat, or even omit it if you prefer no peppers.
Skim milk: Depending on your dietary preferences, you can use any type of milk, including whole milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Additions: A great way to enhance the dish is with extra ingredients like shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack), sautéed mushrooms, or even chopped spinach for added nutrients.
Spices and herbs: For additional flavor, add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme. A pinch of garlic powder or paprika can also elevate the taste profile.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls (step-by-step directions)

Collage of creating Chicken crescent rolls.

Add your trivet to the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of water. Place your chicken breasts on the trivet, sprinkling each side with a pinch of salt and pepper. Use tongs to flip the breasts and season the other side as well. (Photo 1)
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the valve to seal. Set the Instant Pot for 12 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, open the tube of crescent rolls and lay out the dough. The dough comes in triangles, but you’ll want to form rectangles by pinching the crescent roll triangles together. You might need to pinch both sides.
When the chicken is done, carefully open the sealing valve using a hot pad or towel to release the pressure. Once the pressure is released, open the lid and set the chicken aside. Drain the water and remove the trivet from the Instant Pot.
Preheat your oven to 350℉
Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and shred it using a fork or hand mixer. Add the remaining ingredients (except the crescent rolls) and mix well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. (Photos 2, 3 & 4)

Place 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each crescent rectangle. Bring the corners of the dough to the center and place the crescents on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until the crescents are golden brown. (Photos 5 & 6)

Chicken crescent rolls on a white plate.

Recipe Tips

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For easier mixing and a smoother filling, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before combining it with the chicken.
Pre-Cooked Chicken Option: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal. This will significantly cut down on the preparation time.
Uniform Size: When forming the crescent rectangles, try to keep them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
Extra Flaky Crust: Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with melted butter before baking to achieve an extra flaky and golden crust.
Avoid Overfilling: Be mindful of the amount of chicken mixture you place in each triangle to prevent the crescents from bursting open during baking.
Check for Doneness: If unsure whether the crescents are fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of one roll. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Customize Your Filling: You can adjust the seasonings or add extra cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Prevent Dough Sticking: When working with the crescent dough, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.

Storing Tips

To store any leftover Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can freeze leftover Chicken Crescent Rolls. After baking, allow the rolls to cool completely. Then, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

For refrigerated rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.

To reheat frozen rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F. There’s no need to thaw them first. Place the frozen rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier crust, uncover for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Crescent rolls with chicken mixture on a white plate.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls can complement various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Fresh garden salads with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crescent rolls.

Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a nutritious and colorful element to your plate. Pair the rolls with a soup like creamy tomato basil or double noodle soup for a heartier option.

A side of garlic compound butter rice can also enhance the meal, offering a flavorful and filling complement.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance. Store the prepared filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use it. This can save time when you are ready to assemble the rolls.

How do I prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy?

Ensure that the chicken filling is not too wet to prevent soggy rolls. Drain any excess liquid from the shredded chicken mix before placing it on the crescent dough. Also, do not overfill the rolls.

Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry or even biscuit dough if needed. Remember that cooking times and textures may vary, so keep an eye on the rolls as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook.

What should I do if the rolls start to brown too quickly?

If you notice the rolls browning too fast before the insides are fully cooked, tent them with aluminum foil. This will allow them to cook through without burning the exterior.

Need More Chicken Recipes? Try These:

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One Comment

Kim Schob says:

July 15, 2024 at 8:13 am

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that will please the whole family, this recipe is perfect. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do!

A slice of peach cheesecake topped with streusel and whipped cream mixture.

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