Description
Tender Chicken Pillows are soft, flaky pastry bundles filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken and cheese, baked to a golden perfection and served with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting dish combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture, making it an ideal main course for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken Pillows Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken pillows evenly.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful filling.
- Prepare the dough: Separate the crescent roll dough into rectangles and press the seams together firmly to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
- Fill the pillows: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each dough rectangle.
- Shape the pillows: Fold the dough carefully around the filling to form sealed pillow shapes, making sure edges are pinched tightly.
- Coat the pillows: Dip each pillow into melted butter, then roll it in breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust once baked.
- Bake the pillows: Place the prepared pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 18–20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Prepare the cream sauce: While the pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1–2 minutes without browning.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and starting to thicken.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the warm chicken pillows and drizzle generously with the creamy Parmesan sauce for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for this recipe, providing cooked and seasoned chicken effortlessly.
- For added flavor and nutrition, consider mixing in spinach or sautéed mushrooms with the chicken filling.
- Ensure the crescent dough seams are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the cream sauce.
- The breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture to the pillows, but you can substitute panko for an even crispier crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
