Canned Chicken And Crescent Rolls Affordable Recipes For College Students
As college students, we often find ourselves juggling studies, social activities, and maybe even part-time jobs. With a busy schedule, cooking can sometimes fall to the wayside. However, with a few affordable ingredients, you can whip up delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. One of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your pantry is canned chicken. Paired with crescent rolls, it creates easy recipes that are perfect for any meal. Let’s explore some tasty canned chicken and crescent rolls recipes that are budget-friendly and student-approved!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why Canned Chicken?
Canned chicken is an incredibly convenient ingredient. It’s pre-cooked, making it easy to add to a variety of dishes. It’s also high in protein, which is essential for maintaining energy levels during those long study sessions. Plus, canned chicken is often quite affordable, making it an ideal choice for college students on a budget.
Ingredients You Will Need
Basic Ingredients
- 1 can (12.5 oz) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 package (8 oz) of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of diced green onions
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe 1: Cheesy Canned Chicken Crescent Roll Ups
This recipe is a quick and easy way to create a savory snack or meal. The creamy filling, combined with the flaky crescent roll dough, makes for a delightful dish that you can enjoy anytime.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and separate it into triangles.
- Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll the triangle tightly, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the point.
- Place each rolled crescent on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe 2: Canned Chicken and Crescent Roll Casserole
This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. It’s filling and can be easily reheated, making it ideal for those busy days when you need a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can (12.5 oz) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 package (8 oz) of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, mixed vegetables, and cream of chicken soup. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until well combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and layer them over the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the crescent rolls.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe 3: BBQ Chicken Crescent Roll Bites
If you’re a fan of BBQ flavors, this recipe is for you! These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a quick meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 can (12.5 oz) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 package (8 oz) of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the drained canned chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- Place a spoonful of the BBQ chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken.
- Roll up each triangle tightly and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Recipe 4: Canned Chicken Salad with Crescent Roll Sandwiches
This is a refreshing and light option for lunch or a quick snack. The chicken salad pairs perfectly with the buttery crescent rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 can (12.5 oz) of canned chicken, drained
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of diced celery
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (8 oz) of refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and unroll the crescent rolls.
- Separate the crescent rolls into triangles and bake according to package instructions until golden brown.
- Once the rolls are baked and cool enough to handle, slice them in half horizontally.
- Fill each crescent roll with a generous scoop of chicken salad.
- Serve immediately for a delicious and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked fresh chicken. Just make sure it is shredded and seasoned to taste.
2. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze these recipes?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared rolls before baking. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
4. What other ingredients can I add to the chicken mixture?
You can customize the filling by adding vegetables, different cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.
Canned chicken and crescent rolls are not just affordable options; they are the foundation of countless quick and easy recipes perfect for college students. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create meals that are both delicious and satisfying, allowing you to focus on your studies and enjoy your college experience without the stress of complicated cooking. Happy cooking!
