Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a delightful blend of tender chicken and rich, cheesy sauce wrapped in flaky crescent dough. This comforting dish offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy texture that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Parsley (or fresh if available)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground recommended)
• 2 tbsp Melted Butter
• 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 large Egg (beaten for egg wash)
• 4 tbsp Butter (for the roux)
• 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (for sauce)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands.
4. Step 4: Place a generous spoonful of the creamy chicken filling in the center of each dough triangle.
5. Step 5: Fold the dough edges over the filling to create a pocket, sealing the seams tightly.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops of the filled Chicken Pillows with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top if using.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.
8. Step 8: While the pillows bake, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes without browning.
9. Step 9: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
10. Step 10: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
11. Step 11: Once the Chicken Pillows are golden and crisp, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over them before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken filling or sauce.
• If you don’t have crescent roll dough, puff pastry can be a great alternative.
• To make these ahead, assemble the pillows and freeze them on a baking sheet before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Keep the creamy Parmesan sauce separate and gently rewarm it on the stove before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken from a different recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe, as it adds flavor and saves time.

Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs on top?

No, the panko breadcrumbs are optional but add a nice crunchy texture. You can skip them if you prefer a softer crust.

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 57 reviews

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are flaky crescent dough pockets stuffed with a savory mixture of shredded chicken and cream cheese, topped with a rich, homemade creamy Parmesan sauce. This comforting and flavorful dish combines a crisp golden crust with a smooth, cheesy sauce, perfect for an easy yet indulgent meal.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Pillows Filling

• 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quick prep)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (Best at room temperature for easy mixing)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Parsley (Fresh can be used if available)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust according to your taste preferences)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground offers a stronger kick)
• 2 tbsp Melted Butter (Adds a delightful richness)

For the Dough

• 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough (Provides a flaky and buttery crust)
• 1 large Egg (Beaten for the egg wash)
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional for extra crunch)

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 4 tbsp Butter (For the roux)
• 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour (Thickens the sauce beautifully)
• 1 cup Whole Milk (Creates the creamy sauce base)
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Adds richness)
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is best)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (For flavor balance)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (For depth in the sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken pillows.
2. Prepare Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and evenly combined.
3. Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands to make them easier to fill and seal.
4. Fill the Dough: Place a generous spoonful of the creamy chicken filling in the center of each triangle to ensure each pillow is well-stuffed.
5. Seal the Pillows: Fold the dough edges over the filling, carefully sealing all seams tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Add Toppings: Brush the tops of the filled Chicken Pillows with the beaten egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. If desired, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
7. Bake: Arrange the prepared pillows on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Make the Sauce Roux: While baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
9. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
11. Serve: Once the Chicken Pillows are golden brown and out of the oven, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow before serving for a rich, flavorful finish.

Notes

• For an extra crispy top, brushing with egg wash and sprinkling panko breadcrumbs enhances texture.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to mix smoothly with the shredded chicken.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality in the sauce.
• Adjust salt and pepper in both filling and sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly to reduce prep time.
• To keep the pillows sealed, pinch dough edges tightly or use a fork to crimp the seams.

Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Crescent Roll Recipes, Stuffed Chicken, Easy Appetizer, Comfort Food