Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights at home. These golden, flaky pockets of crescent roll dough are filled with a creamy, savory chicken mixture and topped with a velvety Parmesan sauce that takes the dish to the next level. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and buttery crescent dough creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, these chicken pillows are bound to become a favorite.

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights

Ingredients

For the Filling:

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature for easy mixing)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh if available)
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for extra flavor)
2 tbsp melted butter
1 package crescent roll dough
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper

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

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the 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. Stir until well mixed.
Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and flatten each triangle gently with your hands.
Assemble the Chicken Pillows: Place a generous spoonful of the creamy chicken filling in the center of each dough triangle. Fold the edges over the filling to create a pocket, sealing the seams tightly.
Add the Finishing Touches: Brush the tops of the filled chicken pillows with the beaten egg wash. If desired, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Bake the Pillows: Arrange the filled pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Serve: Once the chicken pillows are golden brown and crispy, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 pillows
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a blend of roasted vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño to the chicken filling for some heat.
Herbed Version: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the chicken filling for additional flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and make sure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw and shred it before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I prepare the chicken pillows ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken pillows and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze the chicken pillows?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked chicken pillows. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, but add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What other cheeses can I use in the sauce?

If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano, though the flavor will vary slightly.

5. How do I know when the chicken pillows are done baking?

The chicken pillows are done when they are golden brown and the dough is crispy. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the filling is heated to 165°F (74°C).

6. Can I use a different type of dough?

If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough for a different texture.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, continue simmering it for a few more minutes, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold milk to thicken it.

8. Can I make the creamy Parmesan sauce without flour?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free roux by using cornstarch instead of flour, or you can use a thickening agent like arrowroot powder.

9. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions to the chicken filling for added flavor and texture.

10. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make it spicier, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the chicken filling or the Parmesan sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are the epitome of comfort food, combining flaky, buttery dough with a creamy, savory filling. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. With a rich and flavorful Parmesan sauce to top it off, every bite is a satisfying delight. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to something special, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.