If you are craving a bite-sized comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely need to try this Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender, creamy chicken filling wrapped in buttery crescent dough, baked to golden perfection and served with a luscious, cheesy Parmesan sauce that ties every delicious element together. This dish is not just satisfying; it’s a show-stopper that will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Each pillow bursts with rich flavor, and the sauce adds the perfect touch of indulgence that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring this Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce Recipe to life, each ingredient plays a starring role. The simplicity of these essentials ensures layers of creamy, savory, and crispy textures that make every bite memorable.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Provides the hearty, tender base packed with savory goodness.
- Cream cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture that makes the filling irresistible.
- Green onions: Bring a fresh, mild bite that brightens the richness of the filling.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors perfectly.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The golden, buttery casing that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Melted butter: Used to brush the pillows for that tempting shine and helps the breadcrumbs stick.
- Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs: Provide a flavorful, crunchy coating.
- Butter (for sauce): Forms the rich base of the sauce with a silky mouthfeel.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the Parmesan sauce for a perfect consistency.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the sauce with savory depth and balances the creaminess.
- Half-and-half: Adds richness without overpowering the sauce’s delicate flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient of the sauce—nutty, salty, and utterly comforting.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle hint of garlic that complements the cheese beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it liberally with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures the chicken pillows bake evenly and slide off the tray with ease after cooking.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions. Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything thoroughly until you have a creamy, well-seasoned filling. This mixture is where all the cozy, flavorful magic happens!
Step 3: Shape the Pillows
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles; if you have crescent dough sheets, simply cut them into squares. Spoon around 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the wide end of each dough piece. Fold the corners and edges over the filling carefully to form sealed “pillows,” making sure the filling is well enclosed so nothing leaks during baking.
Step 4: Coat the Pillows
Brush each pillow generously with melted butter. Then roll them in the Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated. This crispy breadcrumb layer is what gives the pillows their irresistible crunch and added flavor once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the prepared pillows on the lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden brown crust that signals they are perfectly cooked through and ready to serve.
Step 6: Make the Parmesan Sauce
While the pillows bake, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, whisking continuously to keep the sauce silky and lump-free. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. This sauce is the luxurious finish these chicken pillows deserve.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Once the chicken pillows are golden and hot from the oven, spoon the warm Parmesan sauce over them liberally and serve immediately. The marriage of textures and flavors here is simply unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the dish, creating a restaurant-quality presentation right at your table.
Side Dishes
Pair these Chicken Pillows with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that offers both richness and freshness. Garlic roasted asparagus or a simple Caesar salad work beautifully to complement the creamy and crunchy main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pillows on a rustic wooden board with dipping bowls filled with extra Parmesan sauce or even a tangy marinara for variety. You can also present them as appetizers at a party by cutting each pillow in half to showcase the creamy filling inside, making it easy for guests to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well, so you can enjoy this delicious dish again without compromise.
Freezing
To freeze, place the unbaked pillows on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. The Parmesan sauce freezes well separately in a sealed container and can be reheated gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the pillows in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. For the sauce, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture without breaking.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Parmesan sauce?
Absolutely! While Parmesan gives a nutty, salty richness, you can experiment with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a mild cheddar for a different twist. Just keep the cheese finely grated to melt smoothly into the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with a hearty vegetable like sautéed mushrooms or spinach combined with cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth when making the sauce.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
You sure can. The chicken and cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a covered container. This makes assembling the pillows much quicker when you’re ready to bake.
What is the best way to ensure the pillows don’t burst open while baking?
Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly by pinching them well. Also, avoid overfilling each pillow; about 2 tablespoons of filling per piece works perfectly to ensure they stay intact.
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Definitely. A homemade puff pastry or biscuit dough can add a unique texture. Just keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly depending on the dough’s thickness and moisture content.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a delightful, comforting dish that brings joy with every bite. Its perfect blend of creamy filling, crispy crust, and luscious sauce makes it a true crowd-pleaser. I warmly encourage you to give it a try—it’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and I promise it will soon find a special place in your recipe collection!
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Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Pillows are a deliciously indulgent appetizer or meal featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and green onions, wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, coated in Italian breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection, and served with a rich Parmesan garlic sauce.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dough and Coating
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
Parmesan Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix chicken filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Prepare dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and divide it into 8 triangles. If you have crescent dough sheets, cut them into squares suitable for filling.
- Assemble pillows: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal completely and form a pillow shape.
- Coat pillows: Brush each pillow generously with melted butter, then roll them in Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs to fully coat the outside.
- Bake the pillows: Arrange the coated pillows on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Make Parmesan sauce: While the pillows bake, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the warm Parmesan sauce over the freshly baked chicken pillows and serve immediately for a rich, comforting dish.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Ensure the pillows are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- For a crispier exterior, you can broil the pillows for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- The Parmesan sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to keep the breading crispy.
