Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are perfect for cozy nights when you crave something warm and comforting. These flaky pillows filled with savory chicken and cream cheese pair beautifully with a rich, cheesy sauce that’s easy to make. They’re an indulgent treat that you can whip up quickly for family or friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works well)
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature for easy mixing)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley (fresh can be substituted)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 package crescent roll dough
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• For the creamy Parmesan sauce:
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: 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 until well blended.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands.
4. Step 4: Place a generous spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each triangle.
5. Step 5: Fold the dough edges over the filling to create a pocket, sealing the seams tightly to prevent filling from escaping.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops of each filled chicken pillow with the beaten egg wash. If using, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.
8. Step 8: While the pillows bake, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux.
9. Step 9: Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream to the roux while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
10. Step 10: Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
11. Step 11: Remove the chicken pillows from the oven and drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over them before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to make mixing easier and the filling smoother.
• Use fresh parsley instead of dried for a vibrant, fresh flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle heat boost.
• Substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry for a different but equally flaky texture.
• Make the sauce ahead and reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently.

Storage

Store leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. The creamy Parmesan sauce can be stored separately in the fridge and warmed gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the filling?

Yes! Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is perfect and saves time while adding great flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute regular crescent roll dough with a gluten-free version, and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in the sauce and topping. Just be sure each ingredient specifically states gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 107 reviews

These Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are the ultimate cozy comfort food for chilly evenings. Flaky crescent roll dough envelopes a rich, creamy chicken filling made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and aromatic spices. Baked until golden and crispy, and then drizzled with a luscious homemade Parmesan sauce, these pillows bring warmth and decadence in every bite.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 Chicken Pillows 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works best)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley (fresh can be used if available)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 package crescent roll dough
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Mix well until thoroughly combined and creamy.
3. Prepare Dough Triangles: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands to even out the thickness, preparing for filling placement.
4. Fill and Seal Pillows: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into the center of each triangle. Fold the dough edges over the filling to create a sealed pocket, pressing seams tightly to avoid leakage during baking.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs: Brush the tops of each sealed Chicken Pillow with beaten egg wash to achieve a golden crust. Optionally, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top to add a crunchy texture.
6. Bake the Pillows: Arrange the filled pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top.
7. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
8. Simmer and Season the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
9. Serve: Once the Chicken Pillows are baked to golden perfection, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow before serving for a rich and comforting dish.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and easy-to-mix filling.
• You can store baked Chicken Pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
• Panko breadcrumbs are optional but recommended for an extra crispy topping.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melt quality.
• Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference throughout the recipe.
• For a lighter option, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Keywords: Chicken pillows, creamy Parmesan sauce, crescent roll recipe, cozy comfort food, baked chicken appetizers, creamy chicken filling