Chicken Parmesan Cups

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

These chicken Parmesan crescent cups bring together juicy fried chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in golden-baked crescent dough. Quick prep and minimal ingredients make them an outstanding choice for busy evenings or gatherings. With each bite, you'll enjoy a blend of creamy cheese, herbaceous sauce, and a satisfying crunch. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra marinara for dipping. Perfect as a main dish or a hearty appetizer, they're a crowd-pleasing option that saves time and delights everyone around your table.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 25 Jul 2025 22:09:25 GMT
Chicken Parmesan Cups with sauce. Save
Chicken Parmesan Cups with sauce. | lilicooks.com

Chicken Parmesan Cups are the answer to those nights when you want something warm and cheesy but only have a handful of ingredients and almost no time. Crispy chicken tenders tucked into golden crescent roll cups with gooey mozzarella and that classic marinara pop make these bites a true family favorite. Whether you are feeding kids or serving up appetizers for friends these have never failed to disappear from the table.

I remember the first time I tried these when my nephew came over for a playdate and we needed something stress free. He ate three in a row and still asked for more. Now I keep a can of crescent dough and chicken tenders on hand for weeknights just in case.

Ingredients

  • Crescent roll dough sheet: tender airy base for the cups check that it is fresh and not cracked
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: provides creamy melt look for part skim mozzarella for best stretch
  • Fried chicken tenders: use fully cooked tenders for quick prep choose tenders with a crisp but not greasy coating
  • Marinara sauce: gives classic Italian flavor use a thick and flavorful jarred sauce or your homemade favorite
  • Fresh chopped parsley: optional for bright color and a fresh pop of flavor select crisp bright green leaves

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Pan:
Lightly spray eight muffin tin cups with baking spray to prevent sticking. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides to ensure easy removal.
Shape the Dough:
Place the crescent dough sheet on a clean surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide it into eight equal pieces. Press each piece into a tin cup shaping gently so it molds to the base and sides with no gaps or tears.
Build the Cheese Base:
Take one cup of shredded mozzarella and scatter half into the bottom of each dough mold. Press the cheese lightly so it settles evenly and creates a gooey lining.
Fill with Chicken:
Cut the chicken tenders into eight pieces. One piece should fit snugly in each cup. Roll each chicken piece in marinara until coated then set atop the cheese.
Add More Sauce:
Use any leftover sauce to spoon a little extra on each chicken piece focusing on coverage for flavor in every bite.
Top with Cheese:
Scatter the remaining half cup of mozzarella over the chicken. Aim for full coverage to help glue the top edges of dough as they bake.
Seal the Cups:
Fold the dough corners gently over the filling. You want to form a loose envelope. It does not need to be perfect just pinch gently to keep the filling inside.
Bake to Perfection:
Place muffin tin into a preheated three hundred seventy five degree oven. Bake for about fifteen minutes or until the tops are deeply golden and cheese is bubbling visibly.
Finishing Touches:
Let cool a minute or two before removing from tin. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with more marinara on the side if desired.
Two chicken Parmesan cups on a plate. Save
Two chicken Parmesan cups on a plate. | lilicooks.com

I always look forward to the moment I open the oven and smell the melting mozzarella. There is something about the mix of gooey cheese and golden crescent dough that makes these irresistible for all ages. My favorite part is sneaking the crisped shred of cheese that oozes from the edge of the tin.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat bake in a toaster oven or standard oven until warmed through and the tops are re-crisped. Microwaving works as well but the dough will be softer. Wrap each cup individually for easy grab and go meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in rotisserie chicken pieces or any cooked chicken if you do not have tenders. Try cheddar or provolone if you are out of mozzarella. Pesto or alfredo can stand in for marinara for a fun twist. You can even sprinkle a little Parmesan on top if you love extra flavor.

Two chicken Parmesan cups on a plate. Save
Two chicken Parmesan cups on a plate. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a leafy green salad with balsamic dressing or set out as a hearty game day snack. Pair with a little cup of warm marinara or ranch for dipping. These also work great as party appetizers since you can eat them with your hands.

Cultural and Historical Note

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian American dish believed to have evolved from the classic Italian melanzane alla Parmigiana or eggplant Parmesan. Turning the main course into playful hand sized cups is a clever American spin that saves time and makes sharing even easier.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover cooked chicken for these cups?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken works well. Just slice and use it in place of fried chicken tenders.

→ Do I need to use crescent dough sheets, or can I substitute with another pastry?

Crescent roll dough is preferred for texture, but puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used if needed.

→ What can I serve with chicken Parmesan cups?

These cups pair nicely with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or extra marinara sauce for dipping.

→ Can I make these cups ahead of time?

They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble them ahead and bake when ready to serve. Reheat leftovers in the oven.

→ Are there any vegetarian substitutions for the chicken?

You can replace chicken with breaded eggplant or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

Chicken Parmesan Cups

Savory chicken, mozzarella, and marinara wrapped in golden crescent dough for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves (8 cups)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 can crescent roll dough sheet
02 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
03 3 fried chicken tenders, cooked but not frozen
04 ½ cup marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
05 Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray 8 sections of a muffin tin with nonstick baking spray and set aside.

Step 02

Roll out the crescent dough on a clean work surface and cut it into 8 even sections. Gently press each piece of the dough into one of the greased sections of the muffin tin.

Step 03

Distribute 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the bottom of all 8 dough cups.

Step 04

Cut each fried chicken tender into 8 pieces. Dip each piece into the marinara sauce and place it inside the cup on top of the cheese. Any leftover marinara sauce can be distributed over the chicken.

Step 05

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken pieces.

Step 06

Fold the corners of the crescent dough over the top of the filling to form a little cup.

Step 07

Top each cup with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 08

Garnish the baked cups with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips

  1. These cups make a quick and easy appetizer or main dish and are perfect for small gatherings.

Required Tools

  • Muffin tin
  • Nonstick baking spray
  • Oven
  • Knife
  • Work surface

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Contains gluten (crescent dough)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 375
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~