Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring is a fun and tasty twist on classic buffalo chicken flavors all wrapped up in flaky, buttery crescent rolls. It’s a ring-shaped appetizer or snack that combines spicy buffalo chicken with gooey cheese and crisp, golden crescent dough. The mix of heat from the buffalo sauce and the melty cheese makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
I love making this because it’s super simple to put together but feels special enough for parties or casual get-togethers. The combination of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese gets tucked inside crescent dough triangles, which bake up perfectly soft and flaky. I usually make a ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce on the side, and that just takes it over the top. It’s one of those recipes that disappears fast whenever I bring it out!
My favorite way to serve the ring is right out of the oven, warm and gooey, with some crunchy celery sticks and a cold drink nearby. It’s great for sharing and makes a fun centerpiece for game day or any casual gathering. Every time I make it, friends ask for the recipe – it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser that feels as good as it tastes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base that gives the ring its flaky, buttery texture. If you don’t have crescent rolls, puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used, but results may vary slightly. I find that crescent rolls puff up nicely and hold shape well.
Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken breast for a lean and tender protein. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here. You can also swap for cooked turkey or even a plant-based shredded chicken alternative if you want a vegetarian version.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds the classic spicy, tangy kick. Adjust the amount based on how hot you like it. For less heat, use a milder wing sauce or mix with a little honey. Alternatively, try BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well—cheddar brings sharpness, mozzarella melts smoothly. Cream cheese adds creaminess that binds the filling. Blue cheese crumbles add classic buffalo flavor but can be left out or swapped for ranch dressing if preferred.
How Do You Shape and Seal the Crescent Roll Ring Without Losing Filling?
Arranging and sealing the dough is key to keeping the filling intact while baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Lay out the crescent triangles in a circle with wide ends together and points outward, overlapping the edges slightly.
- Press the seams firmly to join the triangles into one ring. This prevents the filling from leaking out.
- Spoon the filling evenly on the wide end of each triangle to avoid overfilling.
- Fold the pointed end of the triangle over the filling and tuck it gently under the ring. This traps the filling securely inside but leaves some cheese peeking, which looks nice when baked.
- Make sure each folded piece is snug but not stretched too tight, so the dough can rise during baking without tearing.
Taking your time with these steps helps the ring bake evenly and look beautiful without messy spills. Patience here really pays off!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Round baking pan or pizza stone – I prefer a round pan to shape the ring perfectly and prevent sticking.
- Mixing bowl – For blending the buffalo chicken filling easily and thoroughly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure the wing sauce, cheeses, and other ingredients.
- Bench scraper or sharp knife – Useful for sealing seams and trimming excess dough if needed.
- Baking sheet – Optional, if you want to place the ring on it for easier handling and cleanup.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick, flavorful filling.
- Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue or taco sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Add chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh, herbal twist.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or jalapeños for extra richness and heat.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crescent Dough Ring:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
For The Filling:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing (optional)
For Garnish and Serving:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
- Celery sticks (optional)
Time Needed
You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the ring, plus 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, plan for around 35–40 minutes from start to finish, including a few minutes of cooling time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round baking pan or a pizza stone to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing if using. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
3. Arrange Crescent Dough:
Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. On a clean surface, arrange the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward. Press the seams firmly together to seal them into a ring shape.
4. Add Filling and Shape:
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the wide ends of each crescent triangle. Then, fold the pointed end of each triangle over the filling and gently tuck it underneath the ring to enclose the filling, allowing some cheese to peek out.
5. Bake the Ring:
Place the ring in your prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the ring from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and optional celery sticks for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious and shareable Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring – perfect for game day or cozy snacks!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding and mixing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ring and refrigerate it covered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use a microwave on medium power, covering loosely to retain moisture.
What Can I Serve With the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring?
It pairs wonderfully with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, plus crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks to balance the spicy richness.