Spicy Chicken Rolls Recipe
If you love the bold flavors of buffalo chicken and crave something that will wow your friends and family, these Spicy Chicken Rolls are about to become your new go-to recipe. Picture a warm, flaky crescent roll stuffed to the brim with creamy, spicy chicken and melty cheddar, then baked until golden and served with your favorite dip—pure snack perfection. Whether you serve them at game night, bring them to a potluck, or whip them up as a quick weeknight treat, Spicy Chicken Rolls are easy to pull together and guaranteed to disappear in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes Spicy Chicken Rolls so irresistible. Each ingredient plays a key role, from providing that fiery flavor punch to ensuring a buttery, tender bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll want every single thing on this list:
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded): Choose rotisserie or poached chicken; its mild flavor is the perfect canvas for all the spicy, creamy goodness.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the filling that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that holds everything together.
- Hot sauce (1/4 cup, like Frank’s RedHot): Brings the signature spicy kick—adjust to taste if you want to dial up or down the heat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/4 cup): Adds sharp, melty richness that makes each bite extra comforting.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Throw in crunch and a pop of fresh, oniony flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the depth of flavor and makes everything taste a little more “homey.”
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of smoky warmth that brings all the flavors together.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and brightens all the savory elements.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry (1 package, 8 triangles): The foundation for that delicious, golden exterior—crescent dough for soft and puffy; pastry for crisp and flaky.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Brushed on top for irresistible color and richness once baked.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for dipping): Cool and creamy dips that pair perfectly with the heat of the rolls.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—a simple but crucial step to achieving that golden, crisp exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so the rolls don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Getting this out of the way ensures you can move through the rest of the recipe with zero stress.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Chicken Filling
Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine your shredded chicken with the softened cream cheese, hot sauce, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until everything looks unified and creamy. The filling should be scoopable but rich, with streaks of cheddar and flecks of green onion. Taste for spice—add a little more hot sauce if you want your Spicy Chicken Rolls extra fiery!
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Dough
Open up your crescent roll (or puff pastry) dough and gently separate it into 8 triangles. At the wide end of each piece, spoon a generous portion of the spicy chicken mixture. Roll each one up towards the narrow tip, tucking as you go to keep all that goodness sealed inside. Don’t worry if some filling escapes—they’ll still bake up beautifully.
Step 4: Arrange and Brush with Butter
Place each roll on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little room to grow while baking. Brush the tops with melted butter. This step may seem small but it delivers maximum impact, helping the rolls turn out deeply golden with a tempting sheen that just begs you to dig in.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes or until they’re puffed, richly golden, and the centers are hot and bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes so nobody burns their mouth—then serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for that perfect creamy contrast.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Rolls
Garnishes
Sprinkle Spicy Chicken Rolls with sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, or even a dusting of extra smoked paprika right before serving. This not only amps up the presentation but also gives your guests a delicious hint about what flavors are hiding inside.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine next to crispy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh slaw to provide cool crunch. For heartier gatherings, offer them alongside potato wedges or a simple garden salad to round things out. The key is balancing the heat and richness with something crisp and refreshing on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Party tray? Game day platter? Arrange Spicy Chicken Rolls in a circle with a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dip in the center for dunking. Hosting a dinner? Serve them in a lined basket or on a rustic wooden board for a more casual, comfort food vibe. You can even skewer each roll with a toothpick and serve them as passed hors d’oeuvres at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Spicy Chicken Rolls hold up beautifully, and the filling stays creamy but not soggy.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze Spicy Chicken Rolls! Cool them completely, layer between parchment, and freeze in a tightly sealed bag for up to one month. When the craving strikes, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed (see below).
Reheating
To keep the rolls crispy, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but the dough won’t stay as crisp—still delicious, though! For best results, skip the microwave and use the oven or even an air fryer for that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that brings extra flavor and shreds perfectly. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones before mixing into your Spicy Chicken Rolls filling.
Are there any alternatives to crescent roll dough?
Yes! Puff pastry works beautifully for a flaky, airy texture. You can also try using egg roll wrappers for an extra crispy result, either baked or air-fried for a lighter twist.
How spicy are these rolls?
They have a noticeable but not overwhelming heat level, thanks to the hot sauce. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less hot sauce, or by stirring in minced jalapeños for an extra kick in your Spicy Chicken Rolls.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the filling and assemble the rolls a few hours ahead, then cover and chill until you’re ready to bake. They may need an extra minute or two in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.
What dipping sauces go best with Spicy Chicken Rolls?
Classic ranch and blue cheese dressing are crowd favorites, but try avocado crema, homemade garlic aioli, or even extra hot sauce for variety. They all complement the savory filling wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack that absolutely delivers on flavor, texture, and fun, Spicy Chicken Rolls are it. I can’t recommend these enough for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Give them a try and see how quickly they become everyone’s new favorite!
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Spicy Chicken Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Spicy Chicken Rolls are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for parties or as a game day snack. A flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and spices is wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked until golden and puffed. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Main Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry (8 triangles)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Place a spoonful of the spicy chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up toward the point.
- Bake: Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with melted butter, and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute the crescent dough with egg roll wrappers and bake or air-fry them for a crispier version.
- These also make a great party appetizer or game day snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
