Total Time: 45 minutes | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min
A Warm, Comforting Dinner Worth Sharing
There’s something magical about cozy evenings spent at home with a warm, satisfying meal. These Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are exactly that kind of recipe. Imagine tender, flavorful chicken wrapped in flaky crescent dough, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance—perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a solo night in with a good movie.
The combination of creamy filling and buttery pastry creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from last night’s roast, this recipe makes the most of simple ingredients with delicious results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Using crescent roll dough keeps prep time quick and fuss-free.
- Family favorite: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in a buttery crust.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main course, appetizer, or even a party dish.
- Comforting flavors: The garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan blend into a luxurious, savory filling that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for cozy nights: This dish brings that “homemade hug” feeling to the dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works perfectly)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh if available)
- ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 pkg crescent roll dough
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt, to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet + parchment paper
- Saucepan + whisk
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
2. Assemble the Pillows
Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands.
Spoon a generous amount of filling onto the center of each triangle. Then, fold the edges over the filling to create a secure pocket, pinching the seams closed.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top if you’d like extra crispiness.
3. Bake
Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the pillows bake, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer for about 5–7 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
5. Serve
Once baked, remove the chicken pillows from the oven and let them rest for a minute. Drizzle the warm Parmesan sauce generously over each pillow before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken pillows shine as a main course. Pair them with:
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Garlic mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
They also make a fantastic appetizer for parties—simply make them smaller and serve with sauce on the side for dipping.
🌿 Recipe Variations
- Spinach & Artichoke: Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the filling for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper or drizzle hot honey over the top.
- Mushroom Lovers: Sauté mushrooms and mix them into the filling for extra umami depth.
- Cheese Swap: Try swapping Parmesan for sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare in advance: Assemble the pillows up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Freeze for later: Freeze unbaked pillows on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Sauce storage: The Parmesan sauce can be made 1–2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat.
Notes
- For the best texture, use softened cream cheese so the filling mixes smoothly.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and milk.
FAQ
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
A: Yes, puff pastry works beautifully! Just adjust the baking time slightly until the pastry is golden and flaky.
Q: How do I keep the pillows from bursting open?
A: Press the edges firmly and avoid overfilling. Brushing the seams lightly with water before sealing can also help.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You can substitute gluten-free crescent dough and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce to adapt this recipe easily.