Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works beautifully here)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Substitution tips: If you want to lighten things up, try using part-skim mozzarella. For a gluten-free option, you can experiment with gluten-free crescent dough found in specialty stores, though baking times may vary. If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, dried Italian seasoning will still provide that comforting flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I like to prep this first thing, so the pockets go into the oven as soon as they’re ready—no waiting around!
- In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This filling is the heart of the pockets—make sure everything is well combined but not too saucy.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and separate it into four triangles along the pre-scored lines. Repeat with the second can for a total of eight triangles.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the wider end of each triangle. Be generous but careful not to overfill—the last thing you want is filling oozing out and making a mess in the oven.
- Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle tightly towards the pointed end, enclosing the filling. Gently tuck the ends underneath to seal the pocket.
- Place the pockets seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pocket with the beaten egg to get that beautiful golden-brown finish. This is a step I never skip because it makes such a difference in appearance and texture.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the pockets have a nice crust and the filling is hot and bubbly inside.
- Let the pockets cool for a few minutes before serving. I find this is the perfect time to set the table and get everyone’s favorite dipping sauces ready.
One tip from my experience: If you want to add a bit of crunch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan over the pockets before baking. It gives a lovely, slightly crispy topping that my kids adore.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International