Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups Recipe

These Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups are a game-changer for busy weeknights! Imagine buttery crescent dough filled with a creamy chicken and broccoli mixture, all topped with melty Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, these individual savory cups combine convenience with incredible flavor. They’re perfect for family dinners, lunch boxes, or even as impressive appetizers when you have guests over!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Foolproof: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a complete meal ready faster than delivery would arrive!
• Perfectly Portioned: Each person gets their own delicious cup, making serving a breeze and avoiding family squabbles over who gets the bigger piece.
• Versatile: These cups work for any occasion – from weeknight dinners to game day snacks to potluck contributions. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these cups! The creamy filling and buttery crust are irresistible, while sneaking in some vegetables.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pillsbury crescents: The flaky, buttery base that transforms into delicious cups. Look for the original variety, which is easier to work with.
• Broccoli florets: Adds color, nutrition, and a pleasant texture. Make sure to dice them small enough to cook quickly and fit easily in the cups.
• Butter: Creates richness in the filling and helps the vegetables soften quickly in the microwave.
• Cream cheese: The secret to a creamy, indulgent filling that holds everything together beautifully.
• Milk: Thins the cream cheese just enough to create the perfect consistency for the filling.
• Onion: Provides an aromatic base flavor that enhances the entire dish. The finer you dice it, the better it will incorporate.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering the other flavors. Using powder rather than fresh garlic ensures even distribution.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
• Cooked chicken: The protein star of the show! This is a fantastic way to use up rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken.
• Parmesan cheese: Creates a golden, crispy topping and adds wonderful savory flavor to both the filling and topping.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:

Veggie Swaps

Substitute the broccoli with peas, sweet corn, or baby spinach. Each vegetable brings its own unique flavor and texture to the cups.

Cheese Adventures

Try different cheese combinations! Swap the Parmesan for cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend for completely different flavor profiles.

Protein Options

Don’t have chicken on hand? Use diced ham, browned ground turkey, or even crumbled bacon instead.

Spice It Up

Add a kick with a dash of red pepper flakes, a spoonful of pesto, or a tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the filling.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Open the tube of crescents and spread them out on a clean surface. Separate them into 4 rectangles, pressing the diagonal seams together firmly on each rectangle. Cut each rectangle in half to create 8 squares.

Step 2: Create the Filling

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the diced broccoli, onion, salt, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to quickly soften the vegetables. Add the cream cheese, milk, and garlic powder, mixing until well blended. Gently fold in the diced chicken and 1/3 cup of shredded Parmesan until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Cups

Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Place one crescent square in each of 8 muffin cups, gently pressing the dough so it covers the sides and bottom, creating a cup shape. Scoop 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each crescent cup. Top each filled cup with 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the crescent cups at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until the edges of the crescents turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Once done, carefully run a butter knife around the edges of each cup to loosen them, then remove from the muffin tin. Serve immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is perfectly melty!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Prep ahead: Cook and dice your chicken the day before to make assembly lightning-fast.
• Room temperature cream cheese: Take it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking for easier mixing.
• Don’t overfill: Stick to the 1/4 cup measurement to prevent overflow during baking.
• Seal those seams: Really press the diagonal seams together well, or you’ll end up with filling leaking through.
• Let them rest: Allow the cups to cool for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps them set and makes removal from the muffin tin much easier.

How to Serve

These versatile cups can be served in numerous delicious ways:

Main Course

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete, balanced meal.

Appetizer Spread

Make them as part of a finger food spread alongside veggie platters, dips, and other bite-sized treats.

Brunch Star

Serve them for brunch alongside fruit salad and mimosas for an impressive spread that’s actually simple to prepare.

Lunchbox Hero

Pack a couple in lunchboxes – they’re even delicious at room temperature!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled crescent cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make fantastic grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners on extra busy nights.

Freezing

These cups freeze beautifully! Place cooled cups on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated cups, reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For frozen cups, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as above, or reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Puff pastry makes a deliciously flaky alternative. Cut it into squares that fit your muffin tin. The baking time may need a slight adjustment, so watch them closely as they bake.

How can I make these lighter or lower in calories?
Try using reduced-fat crescent rolls, light cream cheese, and reduce the amount of Parmesan on top. You can also increase the ratio of vegetables to chicken for more nutrition with fewer calories.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare them completely up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving. The texture is best when they’re freshly made, but they reheat beautifully.

How do I know when they’re fully cooked?
The edges of the crescent dough should be golden brown, and if you insert a knife into the center of the filling, it should come out hot. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F to ensure everything is thoroughly heated.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups bring together comfort food flavors in a fun, portable package. They’re the perfect solution when you need something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flaky crust, creamy filling, and cheesy topping hits all the right notes, and the individual portions make serving a breeze. Give them a try tonight – I promise they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

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