Ingredients Needed
-
Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: One 8-count tube of your favorite brand.
-
Breaded Chicken Tenders: 8 fully cooked chicken tenders (frozen or from the deli).
-
Marinara Sauce: Your favorite jarred pasta sauce.
-
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend.
(Optional: Dried oregano or parsley for garnish as seen in the photo.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the rolls don’t stick.
2. Assemble the Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into the eight triangles. Place one cooked chicken tender on the wide end of each triangle. Spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with a generous pinch of mozzarella cheese.
3. The Roll-Up
Carefully roll the dough from the wide end to the point, tucking the chicken inside. Place the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet with the point side down.
4. The Topping
Spoon a small amount of extra marinara sauce over the top of each crescent roll. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. If you have dried Italian herbs on hand, sprinkle a little over the top for a professional finish.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is a deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Expert Tips for Success
-
Don’t Over-Sauce: While it’s tempting to load up on marinara, too much sauce inside the roll can make the dough soggy. Save the extra sauce for dipping!
-
Check the Chicken: If using frozen tenders, ensure they are heated through or follow the package instructions for pre-cooking before rolling them into the dough.
-
Golden Crust: For an even more golden-brown finish, you can brush the dough with a little bit of melted butter or an egg wash before baking.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch of the crescent dough, reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes rather than using a microwave.
