This Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring combines the perfect blend of heat and cheesy goodness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. The golden, flaky crescent dough encases a spicy buffalo chicken filling, topped with a creamy dressing drizzle and fresh green onions, adding a burst of flavor in every bite.
This dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious, with the golden crescent ring drawing the eye and the rich buffalo flavors tantalizing your taste buds. It’s perfect for game day, a family dinner, or a fun appetizer at a party. The savory combination of melted cheese and spicy chicken makes this a guaranteed crowd favorite!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
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1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
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1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange it in a circular shape on a large baking sheet, leaving a hole in the center (like a ring).
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In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce until well combined.
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Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the wide end of each crescent dough triangle.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
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Roll the dough triangles up and tuck them under the edges to form a ring.
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Brush the top of the crescent ring with melted butter.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
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Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring: A Perfect Game Day or Party Appetizer
Buffalo chicken is a classic American dish that is beloved for its spicy, tangy flavor and tender chicken. Whether it’s served as wings, dip, or in a sandwich, this dish has captured the hearts of many. However, if you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching way to serve buffalo chicken, the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring is a fantastic choice.
This dish combines the bold flavor of buffalo chicken with the flaky, buttery texture of crescent roll dough, creating a savory, cheesy, and spicy treat that is perfect for any occasion. It’s an appetizer that will make a statement at your next party, family gathering, or game day event. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also makes for a fun and interactive dish where everyone can pull apart pieces of the ring, making it perfect for sharing.
The Allure of Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo chicken has its origins in Buffalo, New York, where it was first served as a wing dish at the famous Anchor Bar in 1964. Since then, the spicy, vinegary sauce has been paired with chicken in countless ways, from sandwiches to wraps, and, of course, the ubiquitous buffalo wings. The key to its appeal lies in the balance of flavors: the tangy heat from the hot sauce, the richness from the butter, and the savoriness of the chicken itself. When combined with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, buffalo chicken becomes a rich, satisfying dish that hits all the right notes.
In this Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring, the spicy and tangy buffalo chicken mixture is enclosed in a ring of flaky crescent dough, which adds a buttery, golden crunch to each bite. The cheesy filling enhances the flavor, while the crispy dough gives the entire dish a comforting, satisfying texture.
Easy and Versatile
One of the best things about this Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring is its versatility. While the recipe itself calls for shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and cheese, you can easily customize it to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. For example, you could use a rotisserie chicken for added convenience, or you can make the dish even spicier by adding more hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
Additionally, you could make the crescent ring even cheesier by adding other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. For those who enjoy a little more crunch, consider topping the crescent ring with a few breadcrumbs before baking for an added texture.
If you have a vegetarian crowd, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like shredded tofu or tempeh, mixed with buffalo sauce for a similar flavor. This makes the recipe incredibly adaptable to different dietary restrictions and preferences.
The Ultimate Game Day Snack
The Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring is especially popular during football season and makes an excellent addition to any game day spread. The beauty of this dish is that it can be made ahead of time, baked just before your guests arrive, and then served warm for a delicious and interactive appetizer. The golden crescent dough forms a beautiful ring that you can pull apart piece by piece, creating a casual yet impressive way to serve food to your guests.
This dish also pairs wonderfully with other game day favorites such as potato skins, nachos, and onion rings. If you want to take your spread to the next level, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces on the side, like blue cheese, ranch, or even a creamy sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
Great for Parties and Gatherings
This buffalo chicken ring is not only perfect for game days but also for any party or social gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal event, this dish will always be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delicious appetizer, but its impressive presentation makes it a showstopper. Guests will love pulling apart the crescent ring and enjoying the cheesy buffalo chicken filling.
It’s an ideal option if you’re planning a potluck-style party or a buffet, as the recipe yields several servings, and it can be eaten with your hands. The ease of sharing and the comfort of a well-loved dish will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring so successful is the balance of ingredients and the way they come together. The crescent dough serves as the perfect base for the spicy buffalo chicken filling. The dough is light, buttery, and flaky, offering the perfect contrast to the bold flavors of the chicken and buffalo sauce.
The shredded chicken, tossed in buffalo sauce, provides the heat and savory elements that everyone loves. The cheese adds richness and ensures that every bite is satisfying. Finally, the drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top finishes the dish, adding a creamy element that complements the heat and ties all the flavors together.
Tips for Making the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring
While this dish is relatively simple to make, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that it turns out perfect every time:
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Use Freshly Cooked Chicken: While store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, freshly cooked chicken will give you the best texture and flavor. You can easily cook chicken breasts or thighs in advance, shred them, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the crescent ring.
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Don’t Overfill the Dough: When adding the buffalo chicken mixture to the crescent dough, be careful not to overfill. You want to ensure the dough can fully close around the filling, which will help keep the shape intact during baking.
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Brush with Butter: Brushing the dough with melted butter before baking helps it achieve a golden, crisp finish. You can even add a sprinkle of garlic powder or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
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Customize the Heat Level: Buffalo sauce can vary in spiciness, so be sure to taste the mixture before adding it to the dough. Adjust the level of hot sauce to suit your preferences. If you’re serving a crowd with varying spice tolerance, consider offering additional hot sauce on the side so guests can add more heat as they desire.
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Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving: The crescent ring will be very hot when it comes out of the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This will help the filling set a little, preventing a mess when you slice it.
Conclusion:
The Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring is a fantastic way to elevate the traditional buffalo chicken into a fun, interactive dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, this recipe will be a hit with your guests. It combines the flavors of buffalo chicken with the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent dough, creating the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and cheesy elements. Easy to make, versatile, and incredibly satisfying, this dish is the perfect addition to any occasion.
So, next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, give the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring a try. It’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.