If you’re on the hunt for a unique comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. These golden, flaky pillows stuffed with luscious shredded chicken and cream cheese are perfection when paired with a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce. It’s a dish that’s as impressive to serve at a casual get-together as it is satisfying on a cozy family night. The blend of herbs, spices, and that decadent sauce makes every bite utterly crave-worthy. I promise, once you try these chicken pillows, they’ll become an instant favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe, you’ll want to gather some simple but essential ingredients that each play a starring role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy chicken filling to the buttery crust and rich Parmesan sauce, every component matters.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: The tender base of the filling, providing protein and heartiness.
- Cream cheese: Adds smooth creaminess that melds all the filling flavors together.
- Chopped chives: Offers a mild onion bite and fresh green color.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry staples boost savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for brightening and balancing all the flavors.
- Crescent roll dough: The golden, flaky pillow that envelopes the filling perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the sauce, delivering sharp nuttiness and rich umami.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky texture for the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes and thins the sauce just right.
- Butter and all-purpose flour: Work together to make a roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg: A tiny hint that enhances the sauce’s warmth and complexity.
- Cooking spray or melted butter: For brushing the tops to achieve a gorgeous golden finish.
How to Make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to ensure the chicken pillows bake evenly without sticking. This simple prep step ensures a clean bake and perfect crispness.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, gently combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing until smooth and uniform, this filling delivers every bite packed with creamy texture and vibrant flavor, setting the stage for those irresistible pillows.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Pillows
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling at the center of each triangle. Fold the dough over, pinching the edges tightly so the filling is securely sealed inside each little pillow. This sealing stops any delicious juices from escaping during baking.
Step 4: Prepare and Bake
Arrange the filled pillows spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with cooking spray or melted butter for that beautifully golden, shiny finish. Then bake for 12-15 minutes until the dough is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an irresistible aroma you’ll be eager to dive into!
Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden—this is your roux, the foundation of your sauce. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth with no lumps, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, cooking until the sauce thickens and the cheese fully melts. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, creating a sauce so creamy and flavorful it sings alongside the chicken pillows.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, let the chicken pillows cool just slightly. Serve them plated with a generous drizzle of the creamy Parmesan sauce or on the side for dipping. The combination of flaky golden dough, savory chicken filling, and luscious sauce is pure magic.
How to Serve Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or extra chives make perfect garnishes to add a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper on top enhances the visual appeal and depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
Green salads with tangy vinaigrette, steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans, or even roasted potatoes complement these chicken pillows beautifully. They help balance the richness while keeping the meal light and harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these chicken pillows as delightful finger foods at a party by arranging them on a platter with small bowls of the creamy Parmesan sauce for dipping. You can also slice them in half and layer inside a sandwich or wrap for an indulgent lunch treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep well and maintain their taste and texture with proper storage, making them great for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled chicken pillows by placing them on a tray to freeze solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked chicken pillows, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh the crisp crust. Reheat the creamy Parmesan sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the sauce?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is classic for its sharp, nutty flavor, you can try Asiago or Romano for a similar taste. Just keep in mind some cheeses melt differently, and you may need to adjust the thickness of the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based cream and butter substitutes. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to add cheesy flavor, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I make sure the crescent dough seals properly?
Pinch the edges firmly and, if needed, moisten the edges with a little water before pressing to help the dough stick together better and prevent leaks during baking.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed into the chicken filling for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté and drain any veggies to avoid sogginess.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick or thin?
If your creamy Parmesan sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash more chicken broth or cream until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering gently to reduce and thicken it further.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe that makes it hard not to smile after every bite. It’s a perfect blend of cozy comfort and elegant flavor that you can whip up any time you want to impress or simply treat yourself. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and give this recipe a go—you’re in for a deliciously cozy culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.
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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 chicken pillows
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken Pillows filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of shredded chicken and cream cheese are wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. Served with a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is a comforting and elegant appetizer or main course perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) crescent roll dough
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Other
- Cooking spray or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined for a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble Pillows: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal, creating a pillow shape.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the chicken pillows on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Brush the tops generously with cooking spray or melted butter to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake the Pillows: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce: While the pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden to form a roux.
- Whisk in Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Nutmeg: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baked chicken pillows from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Plate the chicken pillows and drizzle with the creamy Parmesan sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping, creating a deliciously satisfying dish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Adjust seasoning in the filling and sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Use cooking spray or melted butter to brush the pillows for a golden finish.
- The chicken pillows can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the sauce.
