Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Pillows are everything you crave in comfort food: tender chicken, a creamy filling, and a crispy, golden crust. The decadent Parmesan sauce takes it to the next level, making this dish feel elegant enough for dinner parties but easy enough to make on a weeknight. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Pillows:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. If you’re using crescent dough sheets, cut them into squares for an even shape.
Step 4: Assemble the Pillows
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Fold the corners and edges around the filling to form a sealed pillow shape. Be sure to pinch the edges tightly to keep the filling inside.
Step 5: Coat the Pillows
Brush each pillow with melted butter and roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated, giving it a nice crispy exterior.
Step 6: Bake the Pillows
Place the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the chicken broth and half-and-half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken pillows are baked and golden brown, remove them from the oven and spoon the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over them. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, indulgent meal!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings (2 pillows per serving)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with cooked, chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Twist: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Additions: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the filling for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes! You can substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry or biscuit dough for a different texture and flavor.
2. Can I use cooked chicken breast instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken breast. Just shred or chop it into small pieces to incorporate into the filling.
3. How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly when forming the pillows to seal in the filling. You can also double-check that the filling is not too wet by adding extra breadcrumbs if needed.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken pillows up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
5. Can I freeze these chicken pillows?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pillows. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it on low heat until it thickens. You can also add a little extra flour to the roux if needed.
7. Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
8. How do I serve these chicken pillows?
These chicken pillows can be served as an appetizer, a main dish with a side salad, or alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
9. Can I make the creamy Parmesan sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently over low heat before serving.
10. What can I serve with chicken pillows?
Serve these chicken pillows with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are an indulgent yet simple dish that brings together rich flavors and textures. The creamy chicken filling paired with the crispy dough and savory Parmesan sauce makes for a delicious and comforting meal. Whether you’re making them for dinner or a special occasion, these chicken pillows will surely be a hit with everyone!
Chicken Pillows Recipe: A Decadent Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 pillows per serving)
Description
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a decadent yet easy-to-make dish featuring a crispy crescent dough crust, a creamy chicken filling, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. If using crescent sheets, cut into squares.
- Assemble the Pillows: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each dough triangle. Fold the dough around the filling to form a sealed pillow. Pinch edges tightly.
- Coat the Pillows: Brush each pillow with melted butter and roll in seasoned breadcrumbs until coated.
- Bake the Pillows: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half-and-half, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thick, then stir in Parmesan and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Once the pillows are baked, spoon the creamy Parmesan sauce over them. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chopped vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, use puff pastry or biscuit dough for a different texture.
Double the sauce for extra creamy goodness!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pillow
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
