If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and so easy to whip up, look no further than this White BBQ Chicken Crescent Bites Recipe. Imagine tender chicken blended with smoky bacon, spicy pepper jack cheese, and tangy white BBQ sauce, all wrapped up in golden, flaky crescent dough. These bites are the perfect finger food for any party, game day, or family gathering, and once you try them, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for effortless deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in balancing the taste, texture, and appearance of these delicious bites.
- 1½ cups cooked chopped chicken: The hearty base that brings protein and substance, ideally leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- ¾ cup cooked chopped bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the creamy and tangy flavors.
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese: Delivers a smooth, melty texture with a subtle kick to keep things exciting.
- â…” cup White BBQ Sauce: The signature tangy, creamy element that gives this recipe its unique, irresistible flavor.
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls: Flaky, buttery pockets of pastry that wrap it all together and bake into golden perfection.
How to Make White BBQ Chicken Crescent Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF so it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your bites are ready to bake. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a snap.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine your chopped chicken, cooked bacon, shredded pepper jack, and generous dollops of white BBQ sauce. Stir everything until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy, savory mixture that will be the star inside your crescent bites.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll both cans of crescent rolls and gently press the perforations to seal each sheet into a solid rectangle. Then, cut each sheet into 8 equal squares, giving you a total of 16 perfect-sized pieces to hold your delicious filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Spoon a hearty amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each crescent square. Bring the four corners of the dough up and around the filling, pinching and sealing the edges firmly so the filling stays tucked inside during baking. Place each bundle on your lined baking sheets, giving them enough space to puff up a little.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your baking sheets into the oven and let those bites bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and irresistible. The crescent dough will turn flaky and buttery, perfectly complementing the creamy, spicy filling.
How to Serve White BBQ Chicken Crescent Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these crescent bites, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and subtle fresh flavor. A light drizzle of extra white BBQ sauce or a touch of ranch dressing on the side also works wonders as a dipping option.
Side Dishes
Serve these bites alongside a crisp garden salad or a tangy coleslaw to add some freshness and crunch. For a heartier meal, pair them with roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of soup to keep the flavors balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the White BBQ Chicken Crescent Bites Recipe on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or ranch chipotle. You can also thread a toothpick through each bite for easy grab-and-go appeal that’s perfect for mingling guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and flakiness while preserving that tasty filling.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked crescent bites by assembling them just as directed, then placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring your bites back to their original crispy and warm glory, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the dough soggy instead of flaky.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and saves cooking time, making your White BBQ Chicken Crescent Bites Recipe even easier to prepare.
Is there a substitute for pepper jack cheese?
If you prefer a milder taste, you can swap pepper jack for mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. These options still melt beautifully and blend nicely with the smoky bacon and tangy sauce.
Can I make the white BBQ sauce from scratch?
Yes! Making your own white BBQ sauce is simple and lets you customize the tanginess and spice levels. It usually includes mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, horseradish, and spices for a creamy kick.
How do I prevent the crescent dough from getting soggy?
Make sure to seal the edges well and avoid overfilling the dough. Baking on parchment paper with enough space between bites also helps the dough crisp up perfectly.
What other dips go well with these crescent bites?
Besides white BBQ sauce, ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy chipotle mayo pair wonderfully, adding extra dimension to the flavor of these bites.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and exciting about the White BBQ Chicken Crescent Bites Recipe that makes it a must-try for your next gathering or cozy night in. It’s an easy, tasty way to impress family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite appetizer!
Print
White BBQ Chicken Crescent Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 crescent bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White BBQ Chicken Crescent Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, pepper jack cheese, and tangy white BBQ sauce all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfectly golden and bursting with flavor, they make a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1½ cups cooked chopped chicken
- ¾ cup cooked chopped bacon
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- â…” cup white BBQ sauce
Dough
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up and set them aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, cooked chopped bacon, shredded pepper jack cheese, and white BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll each can of crescent rolls and press the perforations to seal them into solid sheets. Cut each sheet into 8 squares, giving you a total of 16 squares.
- Assemble Bites: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly onto the center of each dough square. Bring the four corners of each square up over the filling and pinch the edges together tightly to seal the filling inside. Place each bundle seam side down on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the crescent bites in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the white BBQ sauce with your favorite creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to seal the dough edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- These bites can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
