Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

These Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are perfect for cozy nights in. Flaky crescent roll pockets filled with a savory chicken mixture and drizzled with a rich, cheesy sauce make a comforting and delicious meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great)
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature for easy mixing)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley (fresh can be used if available)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 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
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: 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. Mix well until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands.
4. Step 4: Place a generous spoonful of the creamy chicken filling in the center of each dough triangle.
5. Step 5: Fold the dough edges over the filling to create a pocket, sealing the seams tightly to prevent leaks during baking.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops of the filled Chicken Pillows with the beaten egg wash. If you like, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky.
8. Step 8: While the pillows bake, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
9. Step 9: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
10. Step 10: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
11. Step 11: Once the Chicken Pillows are golden brown, remove them from the oven and drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives in the filling for a brighter flavor.
• Substitute cooked turkey or shredded ham for the chicken for a different twist.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Brush the pillows with melted butter instead of egg wash for a slightly different crust texture.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crescent dough and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to retain crispiness. The creamy Parmesan sauce can be warmed gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the pillows for easier handling.

What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry can be used as a flaky alternative, or biscuit dough for a softer crust, but baking times may vary slightly.

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 535 reviews

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a cozy, comforting dish featuring flaky crescent roll dough stuffed with a creamy chicken and cream cheese filling, baked until golden and crispy, then topped with a luscious homemade Parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy yet indulgent weeknight dinner or a hearty appetizer.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling

• 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken preferred)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature for easy mixing)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Parsley (fresh optional)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 2 tbsp Melted Butter
• 1 pkg 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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Prepare 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. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
3. Prepare Dough Base: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and gently flatten each triangle with your hands to create an even layer for filling.
4. Fill the Dough: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken filling onto the center of each dough triangle, ensuring enough space around the edges for sealing.
5. Form Pillows: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching and sealing all seams tightly to encase the filling completely and prevent leaks during baking.
6. Apply Egg Wash & Breadcrumbs: Brush the top of each filled pillow with the beaten egg to promote golden browning. Optionally, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for an added crunchy texture.
7. Bake: Arrange the pillows spaced evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Make Parmesan Sauce: While baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
9. Add Dairy: Gradually pour in whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
10. Finish Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11. Serve: Once Chicken Pillows are golden and crispy, remove from oven and drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow before serving for a rich, comforting meal.

Notes

• Using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
• Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to blend smoothly with the chicken filling.
• Panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a softer top.
• The crescent roll dough provides a flaky, buttery crust but can be substituted with puff pastry if preferred.
• The creamy Parmesan sauce has a smooth and rich texture; adjust seasoning to taste.
• For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with additional milk or use a reduced-fat cheese alternative.
• Chicken Pillows can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Crescent Roll, Comfort Food, Baked Chicken Appetizer, Easy Chicken Recipe