If you’re searching for a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in no time, look no further than Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups. With a golden, flaky crescent roll crust, a creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli filling, and a prep time that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this recipe brings everyone to the table with a smile. They’re portable, packed with flavor, and sure to become a favorite whether you serve them for game day, family dinner, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient plays a unique role in giving these cups their irresistible taste, creamy texture, and mouthwatering appearance.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The secret to those buttery, golden cups that hold everything together.
- Cooked chicken (shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a major time-saver and brings perfectly tender protein to every bite.
- Steamed broccoli (chopped): Adds a pop of green and a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that gooey, melty factor and classic cheesy flavor—feel free to use Swiss or mozzarella if preferred!
- Cream cheese (softened): Lends a luscious creaminess and helps bind the filling together.
- Mayonnaise: Just enough to make the filling extra moist without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the filling.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s flavor.
- Black pepper: For that tiny kick of spice and balance.
- Nonstick cooking spray: An easy way to keep the cups from sticking and guarantee a tidy lift from the muffin tin.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so everything bakes up perfectly crisp and golden. Give your muffin tin a light coating of nonstick spray to make sure those crescent cups slip right out, keeping those beautiful edges intact.
Step 2: Shape the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles. Gently press each triangle into a muffin cup, making sure to press the dough up the sides just a bit. This creates the perfect little shell for your savory filling and makes removal so much easier after baking.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until every bite looks creamy and loaded—this is where all the magic happens. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings if you like things a bit spicier or cheesier.
Step 4: Fill the Crescent Cups
Spoon the rich, cheesy chicken and broccoli mixture into each crescent dough cup, dividing it evenly. Fill them generously, but try not to overfill—about two heaping tablespoons per cup will do the trick.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake the Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for golden, crisp edges and bubbly filling. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before removing to a serving plate—this helps set the cheesy filling and keeps those flaky cups intact.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and a dash of freshness. For a little extra zing, offer a side of your favorite hot sauce or sprinkle with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving.
Side Dishes
These Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups are versatile enough to serve with just about anything. Pair them with a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting, complete meal. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit for brunch or as part of a larger appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these little beauties into a show-stopping party tray by arranging them on a platter with a ramekin of creamy ranch or honey mustard for dipping. Stack them on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece, or serve each cup in a colorful cupcake wrapper for a playful, grab-and-go presentation at potlucks and picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and fresh for up to three days, making lunchtime a breeze.
Freezing
Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap or foil, then store in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready to rescue you from any busy day lunch emergency.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the cups in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. If you’re short on time, the microwave works well too—just heat in 30-second bursts. Let them cool slightly before eating to enjoy the gooey magic at its best.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds rich, savory flavor and saves so much prep time. Just shred it and you’re ready to go.
What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella if you love extra meltiness, or Swiss cheese for a more nutty flavor. Pepper Jack also works if you want to add a hint of spice.
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cups a few hours in advance and refrigerate them covered in the muffin tin. Bake them right before serving for fresh, warm flavor, or reheat baked cups as needed.
Are these cups freezer-friendly?
They sure are. Freeze them after baking and cooling; then just thaw and reheat as needed. It’s a perfect solution for meal prep or kids’ lunches.
Can I add other veggies to the filling?
Of course! Diced red bell pepper, sautéed mushrooms, or even a few spinach leaves would be delicious mixed into the filling. Get creative and make it your own!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for something easy, tasty, and totally satisfying, Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups deliver every single time. They’re my go-to when I want happy faces around the table and zero leftovers. Give them a try and share them with someone you love—you’ll see why they’re such a hit!
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Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent cups 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that the whole family will enjoy. Flaky crescent roll dough filled with a savory mixture of chicken, broccoli, and cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Crescent Cups:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll crescent dough and shape into 8 triangles, pressing them into muffin cups.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill Cups: Spoon the filling into the dough cups evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and hot.
- Serve: Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
- Variations: Try Swiss or mozzarella cheese, or add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- These freeze well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
