Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups Recipe

Imagine warm, buttery crescents hugging a creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli filling—all baked into a perfect handheld cup. These Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups are pure comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes, and almost too easy to make. Whether you’re juggling after-school activities, work deadlines, or just a serious case of the “I need dinner now,” these little cups come to the rescue. They’re a fun, kid-approved, and crowd-pleasing solution for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Expect a golden, flaky outside, melty cheese inside, and a savory chicken and veggie mix that frankly puts all other cup-shaped foods to shame.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No need to hunt down specialty ingredients—just a few fridge and pantry staples will do the trick. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Pillsbury Crescents: The star of the show, creating that golden, flaky cup.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds freshness, vibrant color, and a little boost of nutrition.
• Butter: To sauté the veggies and add a rich, savory undertone.
• Cream Cheese: Makes the filling lusciously creamy—absolutely non-negotiable.
• Milk: Loosens the filling just enough for easy scooping.
• Onion: For subtle sweetness and a touch of bite.
• Garlic Powder: No peeling or mincing required—brings background warmth.
• Salt: To make all the flavors pop.
• Cooked Chicken: A fantastic way to use up leftovers, rotisserie or poached.
• Shredded Parmesan: For that umami-packed, melty cheese layer on top and in the mix.
• Note: Cooking spray helps release the cups easily from the muffin tin, so don’t skip it!

Variations

There are so many delicious ways to put your own spin on these crescent cups:

• Veggie Swap: Out of broccoli? Use diced sweet bell peppers, peas, sweet corn, or a handful of chopped baby spinach.
• Cheese Choices: Try mozzarella for extra melt, or a sharp cheddar for tangy depth.
• Protein Twist: Substitute chopped ham, leftover turkey, or even cooked sausage for a flavorful change.
• Spice It Up: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for gentle heat.
• Mini Size: Use mini muffin tins for party-ready bites—just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups

Step 1: Prep the Crescents

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Open your tube of crescents and unroll them. Separate into four rectangles, pressing those diagonal seams together so they don’t split. Cut each in half to make 8 squares total.

Step 2: Microwave the Veggies

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, toss the diced broccoli and onion with salt, melted butter, and a tablespoon of water. Microwave on high for 90 seconds—it’ll quickly soften everything without dirtying an extra pan.

Step 3: Create the Filling

Add the cream cheese, milk, and garlic powder straight into your bowl. Stir until it all comes together into a creamy, savory mixture. Fold in the diced or shredded chicken and a generous scoop of shredded Parmesan. You want every bite to be packed with goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Cups

Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray (trust me, you’ll be grateful later). Gently press a crescent square into each cup, molding it up the sides. Spoon roughly 1/4 cup of that irresistible chicken filling into the center of each. Finish each with a mound of shredded Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for fragrant, bubbling cups with “just-right” golden brown tops. Let them rest a minute, then use a butter knife to gently loosen each cup before serving warm.

How to Serve

These Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups are so versatile:

• Simple Meal: Serve with a fresh side salad or some crunchy carrot sticks for an easy dinner or lunch.
• Appetizer Spread: Place on a platter as a party appetizer—just slice in half for bite-sized nibbles.
• Lunchbox Star: Pack cooled cups into lunchboxes with a few grape tomatoes and apple slices.
• Soup Companion: Serve warm alongside a bowl of classic tomato soup or chicken noodle for the ultimate comfort combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any extras into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze fully cooled crescent cups in a single layer, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep nicely in the freezer for up to 2 months. Perfect for those nights you need instant dinner.

Reheating

Simply microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes (from the fridge) or 2-3 minutes (from frozen, after a quick thaw) until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes for a crispy edge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Broccoli Crescent Cups are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They’re savory, satisfying, and so much fun to eat—and you’re completely in charge of swapping and experimenting with your favorite fillings. Next time you want comfort food without hours in the kitchen, give these a try and watch everyone reach for seconds!

Print