Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
