Name: Chicken Parmesan Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can crescent roll dough sheet; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 3 fried chicken tenders, cooked and chopped; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Cooking spray or a little oil for the pan

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I love how these Chicken Parmesan Cups turn a classic comfort dish into a fun, handheld meal. I get crispy chicken, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce all wrapped inside buttery crescent dough cups. They feel cozy and familiar, but also perfect for parties, quick dinners, or even lunch leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly versatile. I can make it with leftover chicken, serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, and customize it with different cheeses or sauces. I also enjoy how each cup bakes up golden and crisp on the outside while staying cheesy and saucy on the inside.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 can crescent roll dough sheet
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
3 fried chicken tenders, cooked and chopped
½ cup marinara sauce
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking spray or a little oil for the pan

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a muffin tin. I roll out the crescent dough sheet and cut it into equal squares, then gently press each piece into the muffin cups to form small dough cups.

I add a spoonful of marinara sauce to the bottom of each cup, followed by chopped chicken and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. I repeat with a little more sauce, then finish with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

I bake the cups for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Once they cool slightly, I carefully remove them from the pan and serve them warm.

Servings And Timing

I usually get about 8 cups from this recipe.
Prep time is around 10 minutes, and bake time is about 15 minutes, so everything is ready in roughly 25 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes swap mozzarella for provolone or a mozzarella-provolone blend for extra flavor. When I want a little heat, I add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. I also like using grilled chicken instead of fried chicken for a lighter version, or adding a small basil leaf on top after baking for freshness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to keep the dough crisp. I avoid the microwave if possible because it softens the crust.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

I can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge, then bake them right before serving.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Cups?

I usually freeze them after baking and cooling. I reheat them straight from frozen in the oven until warmed through.

What kind of chicken works best?

I like using crispy fried chicken tenders, but grilled or baked chicken works just as well.

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

I can use homemade pizza or biscuit dough, but I roll it thin so it bakes evenly.

Are these good for kids?

I find they’re very kid-friendly because they’re cheesy, familiar, and easy to hold.

Conclusion

I enjoy making Chicken Parmesan Cups because they deliver all the flavors I love in chicken parmesan in a simple, portable form. They’re easy to prepare, adaptable to different tastes, and always disappear fast once they hit the table.