Description
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and delicious recipe perfect for cozy nights. Flaky crescent roll dough encases a savory mixture of shredded chicken and cream cheese, baked to golden perfection. Topped with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish combines warm, buttery flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish, making it a delightful treat for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 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 (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 2 tbsp Melted Butter
Dough and Topping
- 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 large Egg (beaten for egg wash)
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 (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until a creamy, well-combined filling forms.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands, creating a smooth surface for filling.
- Assemble Pillows: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken mixture onto the center of each dough triangle. Carefully fold the dough edges over the filling and pinch to seal tightly, forming a pocket.
- Add Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the tops of the filled pillows with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and flaky.
- Prepare Parmesan Sauce: While pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Once the Chicken Pillows are baked and golden, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over them. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily into the chicken filling.
- Freshly ground black pepper enhances flavor better than pre-ground pepper.
- Panko breadcrumbs are optional but add a nice crunch to the pillows.
- If preferred, fresh parsley can replace dried parsley for a brighter herbal note.
- Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best authentic taste in the sauce.
- Leftover cooked chicken is a great shortcut and prevents extra cooking time.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream cheese and milk products with vegan options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pillow with sauce (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Crescent Roll Chicken, Comfort Food, Baked Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Cozy Night Meal
