Chicken Pillows Creamy Parmesan

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce have become a cherished comfort food in my kitchen combining a warm creamy chicken filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough and finished with the irresistible richness of a homemade Parmesan sauce

This recipe turned ordinary weeknights into something special for my family My kids love rolling up the pillows and the cheesy sauce is everyone’s favorite part

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken breast: gives structure and protein to the filling Choose freshly cooked or use rotisserie for convenience
• Cream cheese: delivers creamy tang and moisture Go for full fat for the best texture
• Dried chives: offer subtle onion flavor with a hint of color Opt for a brand with vibrant green flecks
• Dried minced onion: adds texture and savory depth Look for evenly minced pieces
• Salt and pepper: highlight all the flavors Freshly ground pepper makes a difference
• Canned crescent roll dough: ensures a fluffy and flaky shell Pillsbury is reliable for this recipe
• Salted butter: adds a buttery coat that helps breadcrumbs adhere Choose high quality butter for flavor
• Panko breadcrumbs: give crunch and golden color Japanese style panko creates the lightest crust
• Salted butter (for the sauce): makes a rich roux which thickens the sauce
• All purpose flour: gives body to the sauce Use unbleached for best results
• Chicken bouillon: elevates the savory note Better Than Bouillon or a good bouillon cube works well
• Salt (for the sauce): sharpens all the flavors Taste as you go
• Black pepper: offers warmth and balance
• Milk: achieves a creamy base Whole milk gives the richest texture
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: brings sharp nutty notes Always grate fresh for melting power

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough and Filling:

Set your oven to three fifty degrees F Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment or a light coating of oil In a large bowl blend the cooked chicken cream cheese chives minced onion salt and pepper until the mixture is creamy with even chicken shreds

Shape the Pillows:

Open the crescent dough Carefully press together two triangles to make a single rectangle Pinch the seams closed Fill each rectangle with approximately three tablespoons of chicken mixture Fold each corner to cover the filling completely and gently seal the edges shaping each into a ball

Bread and Bake:

Dip each formed pillow into melted butter coating all sides then roll in panko breadcrumbs for a full crunchy coating Place each pillow on the prepared baking sheet with space between for even cooking Bake in the center of the oven for twenty to twenty five minutes until the pillows are deeply golden and crisp

Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

While the pillows bake melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat Stir in flour and cook for one to two minutes whisking constantly until the mix smells toasty and looks golden Bit by bit pour in the milk whisking smoothly Stir in bouillon salt and pepper and let bubble until thick and creamy about five to ten minutes Add Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until fully melted If the sauce is too thick whisk in a splash of extra milk

Serve:

Right before serving drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce over the hot chicken pillows Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture

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My favorite part of this recipe is the golden Parmesan sauce It reminds me of dinners at my grandmother’s house where simple ingredients always turned into something special I love how these pillows bring back her kitchen memories

Storage Tips

Chicken pillows stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container Reheat in a toaster oven or convection oven for the crispiest results Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the flaky texture The Parmesan sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge Stir in a bit of milk while reheating to keep it silky

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out the chicken for leftover turkey if you have it For extra flavor add a teaspoon of fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon instead of dried chives If crescent dough is not available puff pastry sheets work well though they will be even flakier You can also use Italian breadcrumbs for a less crispy finish

Serving Suggestions

Chicken pillows make a fantastic weeknight dinner on their own Serve with a green salad tossed in a tart vinaigrette to balance the richness Garlic sautéed greens or simply steamed broccoli also pair well I sometimes serve them over buttered noodles with plenty of Parmesan sauce for extra comfort

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A Little Family History

This dish is one I started making after a cousin shared her love of all things wrapped in dough It became a family tradition to let the kids help roll and fill each pillow making everyone part of dinner prep Serve them on a special platter for extra weeknight joy

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the chicken filling creamy?

Combine shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, dried chives, and minced onion for a perfectly creamy texture that holds together inside the dough.

→ Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well. Just shred it finely and mix with cream cheese and seasoning as described.

→ How do I keep the filling from leaking during baking?

Press the dough seams tightly around the filling to fully enclose it, so nothing escapes while baking.

→ What makes the Parmesan sauce so flavorful?

Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chicken bouillon in the sauce adds extra richness and a savory depth that stands out.

→ What is the best way to serve them?

Serve the pillows warm right from the oven with a generous drizzle of Parmesan cream sauce over the top for the ultimate comfort food experience.