Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Rolls bring together everything you love about the traditional dish—tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese—wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. This simplified version transforms a classic entrée into an approachable, family-friendly meal or appetizer that feels both comforting and impressive.
The first time I made these, I was looking for a quicker alternative to traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, which can be time-consuming. Using crescent roll dough not only saved preparation time but also added a light, buttery texture that paired beautifully with the creamy filling. The aroma while baking is simply irresistible. These rolls are ideal for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even casual entertaining. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy a dish that tastes elegant without requiring complicated techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers the flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in a quick and convenient format. The crescent dough creates a flaky exterior while the filling remains creamy and savory. It is easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and versatile enough for both main courses and appetizers.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Rolls: A Buttery, Cheesy Classic Made Easy
Ingredients
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough
Crescent roll dough forms the flaky outer layer, providing buttery flavor and convenience.
Cooked Chicken Breast
Shredded or finely chopped chicken serves as the hearty protein base of the filling.
Sliced Ham
Ham adds a savory, slightly salty element that defines traditional cordon bleu flavor.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese melts beautifully and delivers a mild, nutty taste that complements the ham and chicken.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese enhances the filling with smooth texture and richness.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds subtle tang and depth without overpowering the dish.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder provides gentle seasoning that enhances the savory flavors.
Black Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds mild heat and balances the creamy filling.
Egg
An egg wash brushed on top ensures a golden, glossy finish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped ham, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place a small spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Top with a small piece of Swiss cheese.
Starting at the wide end, carefully roll each triangle toward the narrow tip, enclosing the filling. Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Beat the egg and lightly brush it over the tops of the rolls to promote even browning.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to help the filling set.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 crescent rolls, serving 4 people as a main dish or 6 to 8 as an appetizer. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 12–15 minutes, bringing the total time to roughly 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to maintain flakiness. Avoid prolonged microwaving, as it may soften the pastry.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Rolls are highly adaptable. For a richer flavor, substitute Gruyère cheese for Swiss cheese. The deeper, nuttier taste enhances the traditional cordon bleu profile.
If you prefer extra crispness, sprinkle a light coating of seasoned breadcrumbs over the egg wash before baking. This adds a subtle crunch reminiscent of the classic breaded version.
For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and lean turkey instead of ham. I once tried using smoked turkey slices, and the subtle smokiness elevated the overall flavor.
You can also incorporate finely chopped spinach into the filling for added color and nutrition. A touch of fresh thyme or parsley can brighten the flavor further.
To create a dipping sauce, whisk together Dijon mustard and a small amount of honey for a balanced sweet-and-savory accompaniment.
These rolls can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated unbaked for several hours before baking, making them convenient for entertaining.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per roll (based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overfill
Using too much filling may cause the rolls to open during baking.
Seal Edges Well
Gently press seams to prevent leakage of melted cheese.
Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allow a few minutes for the filling to set and avoid burns.
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
Brush Evenly
Apply egg wash lightly for an even golden finish.
FAQs
Can I freeze these crescent rolls?
Yes, freeze baked rolls after cooling and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes, Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella can be substituted.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for several hours before baking.
Why did my filling leak out?
Overfilling or not sealing the edges tightly can cause leakage.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though fresh or rotisserie chicken offers better texture.
Are these suitable as appetizers?
Absolutely, they are perfect bite-sized options for gatherings.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Rolls offer a simple yet flavorful twist on a beloved classic. With buttery pastry, savory filling, and melted cheese, they provide comfort and elegance in every bite. Easy to prepare and adaptable to various preferences, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Once you try them, they are likely to become a regular addition to your meal rotation.
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