Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
If you are craving a comforting and elegant dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, look no further than this Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. These little pockets of tender chicken wrapped in flaky crescent dough, paired with a luxuriously smooth Parmesan sauce, create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you want an impressive appetizer, a hearty snack, or a delightful dinner option, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in harmony to create this dish. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy filling to the flaky dough and the rich Parmesan sauce—ensuring every bite is pure joy.
- Cooked and shredded chicken (2 cups): The star protein, tender and easy to fold into the pillows.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling.
- Chopped chives (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle oniony freshness that brightens the flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle garlicky depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances savory notes in the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 ounces each): Creates the golden, flaky pillows that encase the filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Infuses the sauce with a nutty, tangy richness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a savory backbone to the sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used for richness both in the sauce and for brushing the pillows.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a warm hint of spice that uniquely complements the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Cooking spray or melted butter: For achieving that beautiful golden crust on the pillows.
How to Make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the cooked, shredded chicken with softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Add the chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it forms a smooth, creamy mixture. This filling is packed with flavor and creamy texture which will contrast beautifully with the crisp crescent dough.
Step 2: Shape the Chicken Pillows
Unroll your crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Spoon about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of each triangle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, creating little pillow shapes. This folding step is delightful and a bit therapeutic—plus, it’s the key to keeping all the delicious filling safely inside during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the chicken pillows on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to space them evenly. Brush each pillow with melted butter or cooking spray to encourage a golden-brown crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the dough is puffed up and beautifully browned.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the pillows are baking, start your sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook it for a minute or two until it turns a light golden color. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a thick, velvety sauce. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Once the chicken pillows are out of the oven and slightly cooled, plate them up and generously drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top or serve the sauce alongside for dipping. This finishing touch takes the dish to a new level of indulgence and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra chopped chives, parsley, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can give your presentation a pop of color and a boost of fresh flavor. A light dusting of grated Parmesan on top never hurts either—it hints at what’s inside and smells heavenly.
Side Dishes
These Chicken Pillows go wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a simple bowl of soup for a cozy meal. Light sides balance out the richness of the dish and keep the meal feeling well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gathering, try serving the pillows on a large wooden board with small ramekins of the creamy Parmesan sauce for dipping. You could also make mini versions and place toothpicks in them for easy finger food. Either way, they are sure to disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate in a lidded jar or bowl to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
Chicken Pillows freeze beautifully! Arrange the uncooked pillows on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. The sauce is best made fresh but can be frozen in small amounts for convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pillows in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. The sauce warms gently on the stovetop or microwave—stir frequently to keep it smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time, making it perfect for this Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe.
Is there a substitute for crescent roll dough?
You can use puff pastry dough for a flakier texture, or even homemade biscuit dough for a heartier bite. Each will add a slightly different but delicious twist to the Chicken Pillows.
Can I make the creamy Parmesan sauce dairy-free?
Yes, with some adjustments! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and a vegan Parmesan substitute. The sauce may be slightly different in flavor but still delightful.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is mild and comforting, making it perfect for all ages. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a subtle kick if you like.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare and shape the pillows in advance and freeze them. Bake fresh just before serving and whip up the sauce at the same time for a stress-free, impressive dish.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the satisfaction of serving Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe to friends and family and seeing everyone’s faces light up with delight. The combination of flaky pillows, tender chicken filling, and luscious Parmesan sauce is simply irresistible. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that impresses every time.
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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approximate, based on crescent dough package size) 1x
Description
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are delicious baked crescent dough pockets filled with a creamy chicken and herb mixture, served with a rich and velvety Parmesan sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying meal, these pillows combine tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, and fragrant chives inside golden-brown pastry, complemented by a luscious homemade sauce.
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
Finishing
- 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 prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended to create the creamy filling.
- Assemble Pillows: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough triangle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a pillow shape without leaks.
- Arrange and Brush: Place the assembled chicken pillows on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Brush the tops with cooking spray or melted butter to promote browning and add flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Meanwhile, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a lightly golden roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow it to thicken.
- Finish Sauce: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the chicken pillows from the oven and let them cool slightly to make handling easier and to allow filling to set.
- Serve: Serve the warm chicken pillows drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce or offer the sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing each bite with rich flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the crescent dough is sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute chives with green onions or parsley if preferred.
- For easier melting, grate Parmesan cheese fresh rather than using pre-grated varieties.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated to save time.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream or broth as desired.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
