If you are craving a dish that is both comforting and impressively tasty, you need to try this spectacular Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. These golden, flaky pockets stuffed with tender chicken and a rich, flavorful cream cheese filling, paired with a luscious Parmesan sauce, create a decadent experience that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors that will make this recipe an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is simple but critical to achieving the perfect balance of creamy richness and savory goodness. Every component plays a unique role, from the tender shredded chicken to the flaky crescent roll dough, combining to create a mouthwatering masterpiece.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Adds hearty protein and a tender texture packed with flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Brings a smooth creaminess that beautifully balances the chicken’s savoriness.
- Chopped Chives: Offers a subtle oniony brightness and a pop of color.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth to the filling.
- Onion Powder: Enhances savory flavor in a gentle way.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential to season and elevate all the ingredients.
- Crescent Roll Dough: The flaky, buttery exterior that encases the filling perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty complexity and richness to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, velvety sauce texture that clings to every bite.
- Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid that balances the cream and cheese in the sauce.
- Butter: Used for both the roux and brushing the dough to ensure golden crispness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a perfect silky consistency.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a hint of warm spice to brighten the Parmesan sauce.
- Cooking Spray or Melted Butter: Keeps the baking sheet greased and adds extra flavor to the pillows.
How to Make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready to give your Chicken Pillows that beautiful golden-brown finish while baking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tender shredded chicken, smooth cream cheese, fresh chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your pillows and delivers all the delicious savory flavors packed inside.
Step 3: Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough
Lay out your crescent roll dough on a lightly greased surface or parchment paper. This dough will become the crispy, flaky blanket that wraps around your flavorful filling.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Dough
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully roll the dough up from the wide end to the narrow tip, creating neat little pockets filled with the creamy chicken goodness.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy, creamy texture. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of ground nutmeg for a perfectly balanced richness that complements the pillows beautifully.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place the rolled Chicken Pillows on a greased baking sheet. Brush each pillow lightly with melted butter or cooking spray for a gorgeous crust. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until they puff up and turn golden brown.
Step 7: Serve with Sauce
Once out of the oven, generously drizzle your warm creamy Parmesan sauce over the Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe, allowing every bite to be decadently coated with that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top add a beautiful green touch and an extra burst of herbaceous flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful pillows alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to bring freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the main dish. Garlic mashed potatoes or steamed asparagus also make great accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the pillows on a large platter with individual dipping cups of the creamy Parmesan sauce. You can also place them over a bed of sautéed spinach or penne pasta tossed lightly in olive oil for a heartier meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container, leftover Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked filled pillows by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the dough crispy. Avoid the microwave for reheating if possible, as it can make the dough soggy. Warm the creamy Parmesan sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe, saving you prep time while adding great flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To adapt the recipe for gluten-free needs, substitute the crescent roll dough and flour with gluten-free versions. Many stores offer gluten-free crescent roll dough now, and gluten-free flour is excellent for the sauce roux.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the chicken and cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just fill and bake the pillows when you’re ready to serve.
What type of cheese is best for the sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and provides a robust, savory flavor. Pre-grated cheeses often contain fillers and won’t have the same creamy texture.
Can I substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry?
Yes, puff pastry is a great alternative if you want a flakier and lighter pastry exterior. Just be sure to thaw it properly and handle gently to maintain its layers.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe truly deserves a spot in your recipe collection. It’s a wonderful combination of easy preparation and remarkable flavor that brings comfort and elegance to your table. Give it a try and watch as your friends and family fall in love with every flaky, creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Irresistible Chicken Pillows are a savory and creamy baked appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and chives, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, and served with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. These flavorful pillows are perfect for a comforting snack or party appetizer and come together quickly in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Chopped Chives
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Dough
- 1 package Crescent Roll Dough
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
For Baking
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Spray or Melted Butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken pillows.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup chopped chives, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until evenly mixed.
- Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough: Spread the crescent roll dough out on a lightly greased surface to prevent sticking and prepare for filling.
- Fill the Dough: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each crescent dough triangle, then roll them up tightly to form pillows.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make a roux, cooking for a minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chicken broth. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled chicken pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment or sprayed with cooking spray. Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter or cooking spray for a golden, crisp finish.
- Bake: Bake the pillows in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve with Sauce: Remove the pillows from the oven and drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over them before serving for a rich and flavorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs like parsley or dill for the chives for different flavor variations.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing with the shredded chicken.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a few minutes longer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- These pillows can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
