If you’re craving a comforting yet fun twist on traditional enchiladas, this Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups Recipe is absolutely the way to go. It takes simple, familiar ingredients and transforms them into bite-sized delights packed with creamy, cheesy, and mildly spiced chicken filling wrapped in golden, flaky crescent rolls. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a standout appetizer for game day, these roll-ups deliver satisfying flavor and melt-in-your-mouth textures with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial, each playing an essential role in building the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory notes that make this Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups Recipe so irresistible.
- Cooked chopped chicken (2 cups): The hearty and tender protein base that soaks up all the spices and cheese.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): Adds luscious creaminess and keeps the filling moist and luscious.
- Southwestern seasoning or taco seasoning (1 tsp): Brings a warm, smoky kick to the chicken filling for authentic enchilada flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1½ cups): Acts as both a melty binder inside and a golden topping that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Canned refrigerated crescent rolls (1 8-oz can): The perfect flaky container that puffs up and browns to hold all the deliciousness inside.
- Red enchilada sauce (1 19-oz can): Pouring this over the roll-ups infuses each bite with bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that connect every part of the dish.
How to Make Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, getting it ready to bake those roll-ups to golden perfection. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, which will prevent sticking and help the bottoms brown evenly without fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, southwestern seasoning, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture should be creamy, well-seasoned, and packed with cheesy goodness. It’s important that the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a uniformly smooth filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Open your crescent roll dough and separate it into eight triangles. On the largest end of each crescent triangle, spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture. Then, carefully roll each triangle up, starting with the large end to neatly enclose the filling. Be gentle to avoid squeezing out the mixture, but firm enough to hold together while baking.
Step 4: Arrange and Add Sauce
Place the filled roll-ups seam side down in your prepared baking dish, arranging them snugly in a single layer. Pour the entire can of red enchilada sauce evenly over the roll-ups, making sure each one is bathes in that vibrant sauce. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Delicious
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed, golden brown, and the sauce is bubbly around the edges. This step melds all the flavors together and transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast.
How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish wonderfully. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a pop of herbal freshness, while dollops of sour cream or guacamole balance the savory heat with creamy coolness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors beautifully and adds a lovely tang to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your roll-ups with classic Mexican-style sides for a well-rounded meal. Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice complements the saucy roll-ups perfectly, while black beans or refried beans add protein and heartiness. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with avocado and a zesty vinaigrette refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, serve these roll-ups on a large platter garnished with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce to mimic a taqueria vibe. Alternatively, cut each roll-up in half and arrange them upright for easy grabbing at casual gatherings. These visual touches turn a simple Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups Recipe into a festive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them with a little extra enchilada sauce to prevent drying out. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat for a cozy, satisfying meal without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well before baking. Assemble the roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to serve, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. This makes your Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups Recipe perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the roll-ups with foil to prevent over-browning and warm them in a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid sogginess or dryness.
FAQs
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, providing convenience without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure the chicken is well-drained and not overly moist to prevent soggy roll-ups.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Try adding chopped jalapeños to the filling or use a spicier enchilada sauce to kick up the heat while keeping the delicious balance of flavors intact.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. These will offer slightly different flavors and melting properties, but all work wonderfully in this recipe.
What if I don’t have crescent rolls? Can I use tortillas?
While crescent rolls create that flaky and buttery texture unique to this dish, you can use flour tortillas to make traditional enchiladas or roll-ups, although the texture will differ slightly.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables, beans, or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable-based enchilada sauce to keep it vegetarian while still packing in lots of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups Recipe is a joyous way to bring friends and family together over a plate filled with creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully seasoned bites. It’s simple to make yet feels special enough for any occasion. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becoming one of your go-to treasures for quick dinners or fun gatherings.
Print
Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups are a delicious and easy-to-make twist on classic enchiladas. Creamy chicken mixed with southwestern seasoning and cheddar cheese is rolled inside flaky crescent dough, topped with rich red enchilada sauce and more cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a quick family dinner that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp southwestern seasoning or taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Assembly
- 1 (8-oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls (8 triangles)
- 1 (19-oz) can red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, southwestern or taco seasoning, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Separate the canned crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. Spread a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the large end of each crescent triangle, then carefully roll each one up toward the pointed end.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place each rolled crescent seam-side down in the prepared 9×13-inch pan, arranging them evenly.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the entire can of red enchilada sauce evenly over the arranged roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crescent rolls are golden brown.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Southwestern seasoning can be substituted with taco seasoning or your preferred Mexican spice blend.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese varieties.
