Chicken Packets
Juicy chicken-filled dough packets with a creamy center, crispy coating, and flavorful crouton crunch, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or savory snacks for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped chives, milk, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to make the filling.
- Unroll the refrigerated crescent rolls; each tube contains 4 rectangles with diagonal perforations.
- Press along each perforation to seal the rectangles so they do not separate.
- Place about 1/4 cup of chicken mixture into the center of each rectangle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal tightly.
- Dip each packet in melted margarine to coat.
- Then roll or sprinkle the coated packets with crushed seasoned crouton crumbs.
- Place the prepared packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer filling, consider adding shredded cheese or diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can substitute the cream cheese with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great. Make sure to seal the edges of the crescent rolls well to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken packets as a delightful appetizer or main dish. Pair them with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also go well with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue. For a comforting side, consider serving them alongside Mrs. Jessie'S Broccoli Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken packets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but it may result in a softer crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Packets contains roughly 115 calories, with 5g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1033mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the chicken packets before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled chicken packets before baking. Wrap each packet tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the wrapping and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What other seasonings can I add to the filling?
Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor. You might also try adding some Italian seasoning for a different twist or incorporating some fresh herbs from your garden.
Can I use a different type of dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! You can substitute crescent rolls with puff pastry or biscuit dough for a different texture. Just be aware that baking times may vary, so keep an eye on them as they cook to ensure they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).