Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a tasty and fun twist on two favorite party flavors: spicy buffalo chicken and soft, buttery crescent rolls. This ring is filled with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and cheese, all wrapped up in flaky crescents that get golden and crispy in the oven. It’s a perfect mix of spicy, cheesy, and flaky that’s sure to grab everyone’s attention at the table.
I love making this when friends come over because it’s easy to pull together but feels a little special. One of my favorite tricks is to add a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping—it cools the heat perfectly and makes every bite more satisfying. Plus, you can customize the filling with as much buffalo sauce as you like, so it’s great whether you want a tiny kick or full-on heat.
This crescent roll ring looks great on a party platter and is super shareable, which makes it a hit for game day or casual get-togethers. I like to serve it with celery sticks or carrot sticks for a fresh crunch alongside. It’s the kind of recipe that keeps everyone coming back for another slice, and honestly, I find myself sneaking bites even when no one else is around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This gives the ring its flaky, buttery texture. If you prefer, you can use refrigerated puff pastry dough for an even flakier crust. Just keep an eye on baking time as puff pastry cooks faster.
Shredded Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook chicken breasts or thighs ahead of time. For a quicker option, pre-cooked deli chicken works too.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any buffalo-style hot sauce works. Adjust the amount for heat level – use less if you want it milder or add a dash of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great punch of flavor, and mozzarella adds gooey meltiness. Feel free to add or swap in pepper jack for more spice or use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: This is optional but adds creaminess and balances the heat. Use vegan or dairy-free versions if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do You Fold the Crescent Dough Without the Filling Leaking?
Folding the crescent dough properly keeps all that cheesy, spicy chicken inside the ring and prevents messes in your oven. Here’s how to do it:
- Spread the filling evenly but leave about a 1-inch border clear around the edges.
- When folding the wide ends over the filling, gently tuck the edges underneath the dough to seal.
- Overlap each folded piece slightly to make sure there are no gaps.
- If dough tears, pinch the edges together or use a little water to help seal.
- Brushing melted butter on top before baking helps the dough brown evenly without drying out.
Taking your time with these steps will give you a neat, golden ring with gooey filling inside every slice!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Round baking pan or sheet – I recommend a large, shallow pan to give the ring room to hold its shape and cook evenly.
- Rolling pin – makes it easier to combine and flatten the crescent dough into a large rectangle.
- Mixing bowls – for coating the chicken and mixing the buffalo sauce and dressing.
- Pastry brush – to spread melted butter evenly over the top for a golden finish.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurately measuring ingredients like sauces and cheeses.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked ground turkey or beef for different flavors or use vegetarian crumbles with salsa and beans for a meatless version.
- Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar and mozzarella for a spicier kick.
- Add chopped green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños to the filling for extra freshness and heat.
- Mix in your favorite vegetables like diced bell peppers or sliced red onions for more crunch and flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough & Filling:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional, for filling)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20–25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have a delicious Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring ready to enjoy in about 40 minutes, making it a quick and tasty choice for game day or any get-together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round baking pan or line it with parchment paper to keep the crescent ring from sticking.
2. Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce. If you like, add a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing for creaminess. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface. Press the perforations together between triangles to form one large rectangle.
4. Shape the Ring:
Arrange the dough on your prepared pan in a large circle, leaving a hole in the center just like a ring. Make sure the pointy ends of the triangles face outward.
5. Add the Filling and Cheese:
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
6. Fold the Dough Over the Filling:
Take the wide ends of each triangle and fold them over the filling, tucking the edges under to seal and slightly overlapping the dough pieces. This will hold the filling inside while baking.
7. Final Touches and Baking:
Brush the melted butter over the top of the dough to give it a beautiful golden shine. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top for a fresh touch. Let the ring cool slightly before transferring it to a serving plate. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and mixing it with the buffalo sauce. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ring a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it fresh for the best flaky texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! Use more or less buffalo wing sauce to control the heat. Adding ranch or blue cheese dressing to the filling also helps mellow the spice.
