Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights. Flaky crescent roll dough envelopes a savory chicken filling, all topped with a rich, cheesy sauce that makes each bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Parsley (or fresh if available)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 2 tbsp Melted Butter
• 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
• 1 large Egg (beaten for egg wash)
• 4 tbsp Butter (for the roux)
• 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour (for thickening the sauce)
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (for the sauce)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste for the sauce)
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (for the sauce)

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 shredded chicken, 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 dough triangle.
5. Step 5: Fold the edges over the filling to create a pocket, making sure to seal all seams tightly.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops of each filled pillow with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top if you want extra crunch.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
8. Step 8: While baking, prepare the sauce: in a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
9. Step 9: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
10. Step 10: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
11. Step 11: Once the Chicken Pillows are baked, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a flavorful base to the filling.
• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce.
• Fresh parsley can brighten the flavor if you have it on hand instead of dried.
• Skip the panko breadcrumbs for a softer top, or use them sparingly for subtle crunch.
• Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispness. Keep any leftover Parmesan sauce refrigerated separately and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Chicken Pillows before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the pillows and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until golden and cooked through.

Can I use another type of cheese in the sauce?

Parmesan provides a distinctive sharpness, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or a mild Asiago for a similar creamy, cheesy flavor.

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 122 reviews

Delight in these savory Chicken Pillows filled with a creamy, flavorful chicken mixture and topped with a luscious Parmesan sauce. Featuring tender shredded chicken blended with cream cheese and aromatic spices, all encased in flaky crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection, and served with a rich, homemade creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy nights and easy entertaining.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 Chicken Pillows 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Pillows Filling

• 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Parsley
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Melted Butter

Dough and Topping

• 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 large Egg (beaten for egg wash)

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
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Filling: 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 thoroughly until creamy and well blended.
3. Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangular piece with your hands to create more space for filling.
4. Fill Dough: Place a generous spoonful of the creamy chicken mixture in the center of each triangle.
5. Form Pillows: Fold the dough edges over the filling carefully to form a sealed pocket, ensuring the seams are tightly closed to prevent filling leakage.
6. Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the tops of each filled pillow with beaten egg to help them brown beautifully. Optionally, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
7. Bake: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed.
8. Make Sauce Base: While the pillows bake, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning.
9. Add Dairy: Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream to the roux while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
10. Simmer and Flavor: Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to add depth and richness.
11. Serve: Once the Chicken Pillows are golden and crispy, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow and serve immediately for a comforting, delicious meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese and use reduced-fat milk.
• Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• The panko breadcrumb topping is optional; you can skip it for a softer crust.
• Ensure the seams of the crescent dough are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for the best flavor and melting quality.

Keywords: chicken pillows, creamy parmesan sauce, crescent roll recipe, savory appetizers, baked chicken pockets