Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring Recipe with Easy Ranch Recipe
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REVIEWS)
PREP:
10 minutes
TOTAL:
30 minutes
SERVES:
16
Game day just isn’t the same without some killer snacks on the table. This Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring checks all the boxes – it’s quick, packed with buffalo flavor, wrapped in buttery crescent rolls that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re putting a tailgate party together this football season, hanging out with the family, or your next party this dish brings the heat. And let’s not forget the homemade ranch – super easy to whip up and the perfect dip to balance out the spice.
I’ve made this plenty of times for my family on a lazy Sunday game day, and it’s always a hit! Plus, the leftovers? They make an awesome after-school snack for the kids the next day!
Ingredients Needed for Buffalo Chicken Ring Recipe
For the Buffalo Chicken Ring
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the base that holds everything together in the buffalo chicken mix. It adds creamy richness that perfectly balances out the heat from the hot sauce. I recommend full-fat cream cheese for the best melt and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, reduced-fat works, but avoid fat-free varieties as they won’t give you the same results.
- Frank’s Red Hot: This is the gold standard for buffalo sauce. It provides just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the dish. Stick with Frank’s for that authentic buffalo flavor, but if you like it hotter, feel free to add a dash of sriracha or cayenne for an extra kick.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken makes this dish so convenient. It shreds beautifully and already has a depth of flavor, especially if you’re using a well-seasoned rotisserie chicken. If you’re cooking your own, check out my instant pot shredded chicken recipe!
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack melts perfectly, creating a gooey texture that ties the filling together. Its mild flavor complements the buffalo sauce without competing. If you’re in the mood for something sharper, you can swap it out for cheddar or toss in some bleu cheese for more depth.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Canned crescent roll dough is the hero of this dish, forming the buttery, flaky crust that makes this ring so irresistible. It’s quick, easy, and bakes up golden brown every time. Find it in the refrigerated dough section of your grocery store.
For the Homemade Ranch
This part of the recipe isn’t 100% necessary. If you want to grab off the shelf Ranch or blue cheese dressing for the dipping sauce. But hey, we’re going to have a good 20 minutes at our disposal might as well make some fresh ranch while you’re at it!
Here’s what I use for my homemade ranch recipe:
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the ranch. I prefer using a high-quality full-fat mayo like Duke’s or Hellmann’s because it gives the dressing that rich, thick consistency.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a slight tang and helps lighten the mayo without compromising the creamy texture. If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, sub in some Greek yogurt, but know that it’ll give the dressing a slightly thicker texture and a bit more tang.
- Buttermilk or Regular Milk: Buttermilk is ideal for that classic ranch tang, but regular milk works well if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. Buttermilk will give you a thicker consistency, while regular milk will result in a thinner, more pourable ranch.
- Fresh Dill Weed: Dill adds that signature fresh, herbal note to the ranch dressing. If fresh isn’t available, dried dill can work in a pinch, but remember to use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Fresh Chives: These bring a mild oniony flavor to the dressing without being overpowering. Fresh chives are always best, but dried will work in a pinch.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These two pantry staples are what give ranch its classic, savory flavor. They pack a punch without the sharpness of raw onion or garlic, making them ideal for this smooth dressing.
- Fine Sea Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Sea salt enhances all the flavors in the dressing, while freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle bite. Don’t skimp on these — they are essential to a well-rounded ranch.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens up the dressing and cuts through the richness of the mayo and sour cream. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste, adding more if you like a tangier finish. Freshly squeezed is always best, but bottled works if that’s what you’ve got.
Recommended Equipment
- Baking Sheet: I like going with a flat cookie baking sheet that has no rims, it’ll allow you to slide the crescent ring off without fussing with trying to pick it up and move it and risk it falling apart. If you don’t have one yet, I recommend a heavy-duty, non-stick baking sheet like this one .
- Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. It also prevents the crescent dough from sticking and helps achieve a crisp bottom.
- Pro tip: If you don’t have parchment paper, a silicone baking mat works just as well and can be reused. Here’s my go-to parchment paper for all my baking needs.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large bowl to easily combine the buffalo chicken filling. Make sure it’s big enough to stir everything together without spilling over the sides. I always opt for a stainless steel mixing bowl since it’s durable, easy to clean, and great for all kinds of kitchen prep. Check out this affordable set of mixing bowls I use regularly
- Mason Jar: For the homemade ranch dressing, a 16oz mason jar will do the trick. You want one that’s just the right size to whisk your dressing ingredients without making a mess. Plus you can just shake up all the ingredients without making a mess!
How to Make a Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the crescent ring will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden brown color. Trust me, you don’t want an uneven bake here!
Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, mix cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, shredded chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The filling should be creamy with a nice kick from the hot sauce, but not too runny.
Pro Tip: If your cream cheese is still too firm, microwave it for about 15 seconds to soften it up. This will make mixing much easier and result in a smooth filling.
Prepare the Crescent Dough
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Open the cans of crescent roll dough and carefully separate the triangles. Arrange them in a circular pattern on the baking sheet with the wide ends slightly overlapping, forming a ring with the points facing outward. Be sure to leave a hole in the center like a wreath.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if the dough tears – you can pinch it back together easily. You could also try puff pastry for an even flakier texture!
Fill the Crescent Ring
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto the wide ends of the crescent triangles, making sure to spread it around the entire ring. Don’t skimp here – you want every bite to be packed with buffalo chicken goodness! Just be careful not to overfill, so you still have space to fold the dough over.
Fold and Tuck the Dough
Take the pointed ends of the crescent triangles and gently fold them over the buffalo chicken filling, tucking them underneath the wide ends of the dough. This will create that signature crescent ring look.
Pro Tip: use an egg wash before tossing in the oven to get a beautiful golden brown color
Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked. You’ll know it’s done when the top is deep golden and the dough is flaky and crisp.
Pro Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the ring with aluminum foil during the last few minutes to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook.
Cool Slightly and Serve
Once the crescent ring is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This short cooling period helps the filling set and prevents the bottom layer of dough from getting soggy. After cooling, slice it into portions and serve these buffalo chicken crescent rolls with your homemade ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Pro Tip: Garnish with chopped chives or a sprinkle of extra cheese when it comes out of the oven to add a little extra flair!
FAQ
Yes! If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or even pizza dough as an alternative. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as puff pastry may cook faster, and pizza dough might take a little longer.
To avoid any sticky situations, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Not only does this make cleanup easier, but it also helps ensure the crescent ring bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
If the dough is undercooked in the middle, it could be because the filling was too wet or the oven temperature wasn’t hot enough. Make sure to preheat your oven properly, and consider adding a little less filling if it seems too wet. You can also bake the ring on the lower rack of the oven to ensure the bottom cooks through.
For that perfect golden brown crust, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F before baking. You can also brush a light layer of melted butter or an egg wash over the dough before baking to enhance browning.
Let the ring cool for a few minutes on a wire cooling rack before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set a bit and makes the slices hold together better. Using a serrated knife to gently cut through the dough can also help keep everything intact.
Buffalo Chicken Ring Variations You Need to Try
This Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring is versatile, and here are some great ways to mix it up:
- Add Bacon: Crispy bacon bits added to the filling take this recipe to the next level.
- Swap the Cheese: Try using cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Spicier: Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños to the filling or drizzle extra hot sauce before folding the dough.
- Go Dough-less: The filling can double as a buffalo chicken dip! half the amount of chicken, add more cheese and bake. Serve with some pita chips!
- Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: use egg roll wrappers, stuff with the filling ingredients and toss in the air fryer for a fun twist!
More of My Game Day Favorites
If you’re into this Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring, here are some other game-day must-makes:
- Chili Dog Sliders: Loaded with homemade chili and melty cheese.
- Loaded White Bean Queso Dip: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
- Smoked Chicken Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips loaded with smoked chicken, cheese, and jalapeños .
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring with Easy Ranch Recipe
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
- 2 1/2 cups shredded chicken cooked
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded chicken
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup ranch dressing
For the Homemade Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk regular milk is fine too
- 2 tsp fresh dill weed or 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp fresh chives or 1/2 tsp dried
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1-3 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even bake.
Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, shredded chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Prepare the Crescent Dough
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Separate the crescent roll triangles and arrange them in a circle on the sheet, with the wide ends overlapping and the points facing outward to form a ring.
Fill the Crescent Ring
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the wide ends of the crescent triangles.
Fold and Tuck the Dough
- Fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough triangles over the filling and tuck them under the wide ends to secure the ring.
Bake the Ring
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Make the Homemade Ranch Dressing
- While the crescent ring bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir in lemon juice to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the crescent ring from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with homemade ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
Make Ahead: Assemble the ring, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
