Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring is a delightful recipe perfect for casual family dinners, game-day snacks, or even as an appetizer. This dish features a combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch-flavored filling, all wrapped in buttery crescent rolls. It’s easy to prepare and reheats beautifully, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2 (8 oz) tubes of crescent rolls
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
  • 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onion
  • 12 slices Colby Jack cheese (divided use)
  • 1-2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Ranch dressing for dipping (optional)

Directions

  1. Prepare Filling:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in chicken, bacon, and green onion. Cover and chill for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Preheat Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray it with cooking spray.
  3. Assemble Crescent Ring:
    Place a ramekin or small bowl in the center of the baking sheet to guide the dough placement. Arrange crescent roll triangles in a circle around the ramekin, with the pointed ends facing outward.
    Break 5 slices of cheese in half and layer them around the base of the crescent rolls. Spoon the chicken mixture over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining slices of cheese.
  4. Wrap and Finish:
    Fold the pointed ends of the crescent rolls over the filling, tucking them underneath. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake:
    Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let it stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives if desired. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrients

Per serving (based on 16 servings):

  • Calories: 338 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 47 mg
  • Sodium: 515 mg
  • Calcium: 131 mg

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring draws inspiration from the popular trio of chicken, bacon, and ranch—a combination that has become a staple in comfort food. These flavors are often found in sandwiches, salads, and wraps, but this recipe elevates them by incorporating them into a crescent roll ring.

The crescent ring concept adds a unique twist, transforming basic ingredients into a centerpiece-worthy dish. The buttery, flaky crust complements the rich and savory filling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe stands out for several reasons:

  1. Universal Appeal: The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch is universally loved, making this dish a safe bet for any gathering.
  2. Ease of Preparation: Using crescent roll dough simplifies the process, allowing even beginner cooks to achieve professional-looking results.
  3. Perfect for Sharing: The crescent ring shape makes it easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for parties and potlucks.
  4. Customizable: This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to switch up the filling or toppings to suit your preferences.

The Harmony of Flavors

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to its deliciousness:

  • Chicken: Tender rotisserie chicken adds a juicy and savory base to the filling.
  • Bacon: Crispy bacon pieces provide a salty, smoky element that complements the other ingredients.
  • Ranch Dressing Mix: The tangy, herbaceous flavor of ranch ties the filling together.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness, balancing the savory components.
  • Crescent Roll Dough: The buttery, flaky texture of the crescent rolls contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy filling.
  • Cheese: Colby Jack cheese adds a gooey, melty layer that enhances the overall indulgence.

Why It’s Perfect for Any Occasion

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring is incredibly versatile and suits a variety of occasions:

  • Family Dinners: Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Game-Day Snacks: Its hand-held slices make it a convenient snack for watching the big game.
  • Appetizers: The crescent ring shape creates easily sharable portions, perfect for serving as an appetizer at parties.
  • Potlucks: This dish travels well and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for potluck gatherings.

Health Benefits and Considerations

While this dish leans towards indulgence, it does offer some nutritional benefits:

  1. Protein-Packed: With chicken and bacon as primary ingredients, this recipe is a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
  2. Calcium-Rich: The cheese adds calcium, supporting bone health.
  3. Portion Control: The crescent ring design allows for easy portioning, helping to manage serving sizes.

For a lighter version, consider the following modifications:

  • Use reduced-fat cheese and cream cheese.
  • Substitute turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.
  • Replace some of the crescent dough with whole wheat options, if available.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Chill the Filling: Allowing the filling to chill before assembling helps it hold together better during baking.
  2. Overlap the Dough Properly: When wrapping the crescent rolls, ensure they overlap enough to prevent the filling from leaking out.
  3. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  4. Watch the Bake Time: Crescent rolls can brown quickly, so keep an eye on the oven to avoid overcooking.
  5. Let It Rest: Allow the ring to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Creative Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to put your own spin on the Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring:

  • Buffalo Style: Swap the ranch dressing mix for buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles for a spicy kick.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes.
  • Mexican-Inspired: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and jalapeños to the filling, and serve with salsa and sour cream.
  • Italian Twist: Use Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce for dipping.
  • Breakfast Ring: Substitute the chicken with scrambled eggs and the bacon with breakfast sausage for a brunch-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:

  • Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
  • Vegetable Platter: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add color and nutrients to your plate.
  • Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy aioli make excellent accompaniments.
  • Soup: Pair with a hearty soup like tomato bisque or chicken noodle for a comforting meal.

Why It’s a Hit with Everyone

This recipe’s appeal lies in its ability to bring people together. The familiar flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch evoke comfort and satisfaction, while the crescent ring presentation adds a touch of elegance. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, adventurous foodies, or health-conscious diners, this dish offers something for everyone.

Its ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, while its show-stopping appearance ensures it shines at gatherings and special occasions. The combination of practicality and deliciousness is what makes the Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.

Conclusion

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring is more than just a dish—it’s an experience that combines great taste with easy preparation and stunning presentation. Its buttery crescent roll crust, rich ranch-flavored filling, and crispy bacon make it a comfort food classic that’s sure to please any crowd.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this crescent ring is a versatile and reliable option for any occasion. Customize it to suit your tastes, pair it with complementary sides, and watch it become a new family favorite. With its balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring is a must-have recipe in your culinary repertoire.

 

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