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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

4.8 from 86 reviews

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce offer a delightful blend of flaky crescent roll dough filled with a savory, creamy chicken mixture, topped with a rich homemade Parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe combines tender shredded chicken, aromatic spices, and a luxurious sauce for an irresistibly comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Pillows

  • 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quick prep.)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Best at room temperature for easy mixing.)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Adds savory depth.)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder (Enhances overall taste.)
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley (Fresh can be used if available.)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust according to your taste preferences.)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground offers a stronger kick.)
  • 2 tbsp Melted Butter (Adds delightful richness.)
  • 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough (Provides a flaky and buttery crust.)
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional for extra crunch.)
  • 1 large Egg (Beaten for the egg wash.)

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • 4 tbsp Butter (For the roux.)
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour (Thickens the sauce beautifully.)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (Creates the creamy sauce base.)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Adds richness.)
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is best.)
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (For flavor balance.)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (For depth in the sauce.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the Chicken Pillows.
  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 thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
  3. Shape Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and gently flatten each triangular piece with your hands to even out the thickness.
  4. Fill Crescents: Place a generous spoonful of the creamy chicken filling in the center of each dough triangle to ensure a hearty bite.
  5. Seal Pillows: Fold the dough edges over the filling, carefully sealing the seams to create pockets that will hold the filling securely during baking.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the tops of each Chicken Pillow with the beaten egg wash to promote browning and shine. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top if you desire a crunchy texture.
  7. Bake: Arrange the pillows on the lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
  8. Make Parmesan Sauce: While the pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  9. Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
  10. Finish Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook until the cheese has melted fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  11. Serve: Once the Chicken Pillows are golden and crisp, transfer them to serving plates and drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow before serving for a rich, comforting finish.

Notes

  • For best results, use cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
  • Fresh parsley can be substituted for dried parsley for a brighter flavor.
  • Panko breadcrumbs are optional but add a nice crunch to the tops of the pillows.
  • Ensure the seams of the dough are well-sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  • You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor.
  • The creamy Parmesan sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated when ready to serve.

Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Crescent Roll Chicken Recipe, Cozy Chicken Dinner, Comfort Food