Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce combine tender shredded chicken wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection, and served with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This cozy, comforting dish is perfect for an easy yet indulgent meal on chilly nights.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken 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 (or fresh)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 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 (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well incorporated.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands to slightly enlarge the base for more filling.
- Fill Dough: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken filling onto the center of each triangle.
- Shape Pillows: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form pockets, sealing the seams tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs: Brush the tops of each filled pillow with beaten egg for a glossy finish, and optionally sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place 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.
- Make Sauce Roux: While baking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux without browning.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, stirring continuously to combine and avoid lumps.
- Simmer and Season: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Once the Chicken Pillows are baked golden and crispy, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce generously over each pillow before serving to enhance flavor and richness.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends easier and ensures smooth filling.
- Freshly ground pepper adds more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.
- Panko breadcrumbs topping is optional but adds delightful crunch.
- Ensure to seal the dough edges well to avoid leakage during baking.
- The creamy sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated if desired.
- Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust salt levels based on the saltiness of your cheese and filling.
Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Crescent Roll Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Baked Chicken Appetizers, Cream Cheese Chicken Filling