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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 111 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently flatten each triangle with your hands to slightly enlarge the base for more filling.
  4. Fill Dough: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken filling onto the center of each triangle.
  5. Shape Pillows: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form pockets, sealing the seams tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, stirring continuously to combine and avoid lumps.
  10. 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.
  11. 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