why make this recipe
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are the perfect dish for cozy nights at home. This recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a flaky crust. It’s an amazing dish that warms you up and satisfies your cravings, making it ideal for family dinners or evenings when you want something comforting and delicious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, especially if you use rotisserie chicken!
how to make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
- 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 (This adds savory depth.)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (Enhances the overall taste.)
- 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.)
- 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough (Provides a flaky and buttery crust.)
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional for extra crunch.)
- 1 large Egg (Beaten for the egg wash.)
- 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.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter until well combined.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll the dough around the filling, starting from the wide end. Pinch the sides to seal the pillows.
- Place the pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you want extra crunch, sprinkle the tops with panko breadcrumbs.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the pillows are baking, make the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Once the chicken pillows are done, remove from the oven and serve them hot with the creamy Parmesan sauce drizzled on top.
how to serve Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Serve the Chicken Pillows warm, topped with the delicious creamy Parmesan sauce. You can also add a side salad or steamed vegetables to make it a complete meal. This dish is perfect for sharing, so gather your loved ones and enjoy!
how to store Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Store any leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the sauce, store it separately in a container. To reheat, warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Adjust spices and seasonings according to your taste.
- For added flavor, try using fresh herbs instead of dried ones.
- Keep an eye on the chicken pillows while baking to avoid over-browning.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the chicken filling for extra nutrition. Another variation is to use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for different flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Pillows ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken pillows and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the refrigerator.
2. What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use puff pastry or even phyllo dough for a flakier texture.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Pillows?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked chicken pillows. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from the freezer, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for quick prep.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Best at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Adds savory depth.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder Enhances the overall taste.
- 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.
- 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough Provides a flaky and buttery crust.
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Optional for extra crunch.
- 1 large Egg Beaten for the egg wash.
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter until well combined.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll the dough around the filling, starting from the wide end. Pinch the sides to seal the pillows.
- Place the pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you want extra crunch, sprinkle the tops with panko breadcrumbs.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the pillows are baking, make the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Once the chicken pillows are done, remove from the oven and serve them hot with the creamy Parmesan sauce drizzled on top.