Mama’s Chicken Roll-Ups have a special place in many households, serving as a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flaky crescent rolls creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that appeal to both children and adults.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, shredded
1 can crescent rolls
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 can chicken broth (use the cream of chicken soup can for measurement)
1/2 can milk (use the cream of chicken soup can for measurement)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
6 oz shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken breasts in a pot, covering them with water, and bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot, reserving the broth, and shred it once it has cooled.
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Roll-Ups: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese on each triangle, then place a generous amount of shredded chicken at the wider end. Roll each triangle up, starting from the wide end, and place them in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce around and lightly over the roll-ups, ensuring they are mostly covered but not drenched.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the roll-ups for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle a little more cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken into a gravy-like consistency.
Introduction and Variations
Mama’s Chicken Roll-Ups are a testament to the comforting power of simple ingredients combined thoughtfully. This recipe brings together the tender juiciness of chicken, the creamy richness of a homemade sauce, and the buttery flakiness of crescent rolls. It’s a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Historical Context and Popularity
Chicken roll-ups have been a staple in many American households for decades. This particular version, often referred to as “Mama’s Chicken Roll-Ups,” emphasizes ease of preparation without compromising on taste. The use of canned soup as a base for the sauce harkens back to mid-20th century cooking, where convenience foods began to dominate kitchens. Despite the rise of gourmet cooking, this dish remains popular for its nostalgic value and undeniable comfort.
Variations to Explore
One of the great aspects of Mama’s Chicken Roll-Ups is their versatility. Here are some variations to consider:
Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be mixed with the shredded chicken before rolling it into the crescent dough.
Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is a popular choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Alternative Soups: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to change the taste of the sauce.
Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Herbs and Seasonings: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the sauce for added aroma and taste.
Substitutions for Dietary Preferences
Whether due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences, there are several substitutions you can make to adapt Mama’s Chicken Roll-Ups to suit different needs:
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the canned soup used is also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or soy milk, and use dairy-free cheese. Make sure the crescent rolls and soup are free from dairy ingredients.
Low-Sodium: Opt for a low-sodium soup and use homemade chicken broth without added salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring it fits within your dietary needs.
Low-Fat: Use reduced-fat crescent rolls, low-fat cheese, and skim milk to lower the overall fat content of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Mama’s Chicken Roll-Ups are quite filling on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with:
Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the roll-ups.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for healthy and colorful sides.
Mashed Potatoes: For an extra hearty meal, serve the roll-ups with creamy mashed potatoes, which complement the gravy-like sauce perfectly.
Leftovers and Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the rolls may lose some of their crispiness.
Conclusion
Mama’s Chicken Roll-Ups are more than just a meal; they’re a comforting hug on a plate, reminiscent of home-cooked dinners and family gatherings. Their simplicity and adaptability make them a beloved dish in many households. Whether you’re making them as a quick weeknight dinner or a centerpiece for a casual family dinner, these chicken roll-ups are sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Feel free to experiment with the variations and substitutions to make this dish your own. Cooking is, after all, about creativity and personal expression. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
