If you’re in the mood for ultimate comfort food with show-stopping flair, Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants will absolutely steal the spotlight at your table. Flaky, golden croissants get stuffed with a creamy blend of shredded chicken, soft cream cheese, savory mozzarella, and a hit of fresh green onion for brightness. Baked until perfectly crispy and bubbling inside, this recipe is everything you’d want for a weeknight dinner or an impressive take-along treat for brunch. Every bite is a celebration of flavor that’s so easy and irresistible, you’ll be searching for reasons to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants lies in its staple ingredients, each playing a unique role to create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. Gather these essentials and let them work their magic — you’ll see how they come together for something truly special.
- Croissants: Choose large, bakery-fresh croissants for best flakiness and an indulgent texture.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and gives delicious, tender meat; any leftover cooked chicken works too.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The creamy base that binds it all together, lending an ultra-smooth filling.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible stretch and subtle flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions: Freshness and a gentle bite to cut through all that creamy goodness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a lovely savory edge without any fuss.
- Paprika: Infuses gentle warmth and a touch of color — smoky or sweet both work!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season the filling just right to enhance every flavor in play.
- Butter (melted): Brushed on top for next-level golden color and a glossy finish.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle for pop of color and fresh, herbal lift at the end.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your cooked, shredded chicken with the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped green onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the filling is smooth and evenly blended — the cream cheese should wrap around the chicken for a creamy, hearty mix with specks of green and red from the onions and paprika. At this stage, sneak a little taste to adjust the seasoning to your liking!
Step 2: Make the Croissant Pockets
Take each croissant and, using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice them horizontally, stopping just before cutting through the other side. You want to create a deep pocket, not two halves — this way, all the delicious filling will stay tucked inside and the croissant stays beautiful and whole.
Step 3: Fill the Croissants
Spoon the chicken and cream cheese mixture evenly into each croissant pocket. Be generous but gentle, making sure you don’t split the croissant open. Stuff right to the edges so every bite is filled with that luscious, cheesy chicken blend.
Step 4: Get Ready to Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set your filled croissants on the sheet a little apart. Then, using a pastry brush, paint the tops with melted butter. This step ensures your Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants will come out glistening and golden to perfection.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The croissants should turn a deep, appetizing golden color and the filling will be piping hot and melty inside. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine — it’s hard not to peek before they’re done!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once baked, remove the croissants from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top, if desired. This final touch adds color and freshness to the creamy, cheesy chicken filling. Serve these beauties while they’re warm for the ultimate experience.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, scatter chopped fresh parsley or chives over the warm croissants right before serving. If you like a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and spice. Sometimes I even add a little extra mozzarella over the top for gooey appeal!
Side Dishes
Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants shine alongside light, fresh sides — think a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. For heartier fare, pair with a bowl of hot roasted tomato soup or creamy potato soup. Even some sweet potato fries or a fruit platter turn it into a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Play with presentation by slicing the croissants in halves or even thirds, arranging them fan-style on a platter for a party. For brunch, serve individually with little ramekins of dipping sauce like herbed ranch or garlic aioli. Stack them in a basket lined with a cheery napkin for a casual family dinner — they look gorgeous no matter what!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it doesn’t happen often in my house!), place cooled Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, staying soft and flavorful — perfect for a grab-and-go lunch!
Freezing
These croissants freeze surprisingly well. Wrap each stuffed croissant individually in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. When a craving hits, thaw overnight in the fridge. This way, you always have a comforting snack or meal ready with minimal effort.
Reheating
To recapture their just-baked beauty, warm croissants in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes; this keeps the filling gooey and the pastry crisp. If you use the microwave for speed, do it in 20-second bursts to avoid sogginess, then finish in a toaster oven for extra texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned crescent rolls instead of croissants?
You can, though the texture and flavor will be different. Crescent rolls are softer and less flaky than bakery croissants, but they still create a tasty hand-held treat if that’s what you have!
What’s the best chicken to use for Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants?
Rotisserie chicken is my shortcut of choice because it’s moist and flavorful, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh will work. You can even use leftover grilled or roasted chicken for extra flavor depth.
Can I make this filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and cream cheese mixture up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just fill and assemble the croissants, then proceed as usual.
How do I make a vegetarian version?
Simply substitute the chicken with a vegetarian alternative like shredded, seasoned jackfruit, cooked chickpeas, or a store-bought plant-based chicken. All the flavor and comfort, minus the meat!
Can I add extra ingredients to the filling?
This recipe is totally flexible — try diced jalapeños for heat, sun-dried tomatoes for tang, or even a handful of fresh spinach for a touch of green. Have fun making it your own signature Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants creation!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a new comfort classic, Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants could just become your go-to favorite. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and utterly delicious — the type Main Course, Snack. Give them a try, and be ready for lots of happy requests for seconds!
Print
Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants are a delicious and easy-to-make savory treat that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying snack. Flaky croissants are stuffed with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and flavorful seasonings, then baked to golden perfection. With a hint of garlic and green onions, these croissants are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Croissant:
- 4 large croissants
Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Croissants: Slice each croissant horizontally without cutting all the way through to create a pocket. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into each croissant.
- Bake: Place the stuffed croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
- These croissants can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed croissant
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
