Comforting Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These Comforting Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a delightful blend of tender chicken wrapped in buttery crescent dough, topped with a rich and savory sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 (8 oz) tubes refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
• 1 cup (60g) Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons (60g) butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles as indicated on the package.
4. Step 4: Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle.
5. Step 5: Fold and roll the dough over the filling to form a pillow shape, making sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking.
6. Step 6: Dip each pillow in melted butter, then coat evenly with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Step 8: For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about one minute.
9. Step 9: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, continue stirring and simmer until the sauce thickens.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
11. Step 11: Serve the chicken pillows warm, generously topped with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs to the filling mixture.
• Use fresh Parmesan for the best creamy sauce texture and flavor.
• Swap cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter filling.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the chicken filling for a vegetable boost.

Storage

Store leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Keep the Parmesan sauce in a separate container and gently reheat on the stove, stirring to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time on preparation.

Can I freeze the chicken pillows before baking?

You can freeze the assembled pillows before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Comforting Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

These Comforting Chicken Pillows are golden, crispy crescent rolls filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and green onions, baked to perfection and served with a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect as a cozy appetizer or a hearty snack that everyone will love.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 chicken pillows 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Pillows:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 (8 oz) tubes refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
• 1 cup (60g) Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (60g) butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
3. Roll Crescent Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles as per package instructions.
4. Fill and Shape Pillows: Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken filling at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully fold and roll the dough towards the tip, sealing the edges tightly to form a pillow shape.
5. Coat Pillows: Dip each pillow into the melted butter, then thoroughly coat with the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy crust.
6. Bake: Arrange the coated pillows on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Make Parmesan Sauce: While the pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, then simmer the sauce until it thickens.
8. Finish Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
9. Serve: Serve the warm chicken pillows topped generously with the creamy Parmesan sauce for a rich and comforting bite.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing with the chicken.
• Seal the crescent edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• You can substitute Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs with plain breadcrumbs and additional Italian herbs if desired.
• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: chicken pillows, crescent roll appetizer, creamy Parmesan sauce, baked chicken bites, party appetizers, easy chicken snacks