Chicken Bundles

This Chicken Bundles recipe is a delightful combination of shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, these bundles are both comforting and easy to prepare. With their delicious flavor and appealing presentation, they stand out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The creamy chicken filling infused with herbs and spices creates a savory taste that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Serve these bundles as a side dish or main course; they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to potlucks.
• Kid-Friendly: Children will enjoy the fun shape and delicious flavors, making it an excellent option for family meals.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the bundles ahead of time and bake them just before serving, saving you time when entertaining guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Cooking spray
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix your ingredients without spills.
• Electric hand mixer: Saves time and ensures a smooth mixture for the filling.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking of the Chicken Bundles for a golden brown finish.

Ingredients

This Chicken Bundles recipe features shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough.

For the Chicken Filling

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Dough

• 2 cans crescent roll dough
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Bundles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a large sheet tray with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, can of chicken soup, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley flakes, black pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until thoroughly combined. Using an electric hand mixer makes this step easier.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Open the cans of crescent roll dough. Take two rolls from one can and pinch the seams together to form a rectangle. Place this on your prepared sheet tray.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon about a heaping 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each dough rectangle.

Step 5: Form Bundles

Pull up all four corners of the crescent rolls over the filling and pinch them together along the seams to create bundles. Ensure they are sealed tightly so that filling does not escape while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Brush melted butter over the tops of each bundle. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle more dried parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bundles hot!

How to Serve Chicken Bundles

Chicken Bundles are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that complements the savory flavors of Chicken Bundles.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch adds a cool contrast to the warm bundles.

Add a Side of Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper for a healthy touch.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, perfect for balancing the richness of the bundles.

How to Perfect Chicken Bundles

To make your Chicken Bundles even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Opt for store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
• Don’t Overfill the Dough: Keep the chicken mixture within 1/4 cup to ensure proper sealing.
• Seal Tightly: Pinch the seams well to avoid any leakage during baking.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try adding mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesiness.
• Brush with Garlic Butter: For enhanced flavor, mix minced garlic into your melted butter before brushing.
• Let Them Rest: Allow the bundles to sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Bundles

When it comes to side dishes, pairing is key to creating a balanced meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Chicken Bundles.

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and absorb any sauces.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a bit of zing to your plate.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs nicely with savory chicken flavors; grill or boil it to perfection.
4. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans complement the richness of the bundles beautifully.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks add an extra layer of indulgence to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies offers a healthy crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Bundles, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. To ensure your bundles turn out perfectly, keep these common mistakes in mind.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese can make it hard to mix. Always soften cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth filling.

• Overfilling the dough: Adding too much chicken mixture can cause the bundles to burst open while baking. Stick to about 1/4 cup of filling for each bundle to ensure they seal properly.

• Not sealing the seams: If the seams of the crescent rolls aren’t sealed well, the filling may leak out during baking. Make sure to pinch and seal all corners tightly before placing them in the oven.

• Skipping the butter: Brushing butter on top enhances flavor and helps achieve a golden crust. Don’t skip this step for better taste and texture.

• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bundles as they bake. Remove them when they are beautifully golden brown, even if it takes a few extra minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Bundles in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Bundles

• Wrap each bundle tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Bundles

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place bundles on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Chicken Bundles?

Chicken Bundles are savory pastries made by wrapping shredded chicken, cream cheese, and seasonings in crescent roll dough. They are deliciously baked until golden brown.

Can I make Chicken Bundles ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Chicken Bundles in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake them. This makes them a great option for meal prep.

How do I customize my Chicken Bundles?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to the chicken mixture. Ingredients like spinach or bell peppers can complement the flavors well!

What dipping sauces go well with Chicken Bundles?

These bundles pair nicely with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an added kick.

Can I use other types of dough instead of crescent rolls?

Absolutely! Puff pastry or biscuit dough can be great alternatives if you want a different texture or flavor profile for your Chicken Bundles.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Bundles are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With endless customization options, you can tailor them to suit any palate. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings!