Description
Tender Chicken Pillows are soft pastry bundles filled with creamy chicken and cheese, baked until golden and served with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting and satisfying main dish combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, and spices enveloped in buttery crescent roll dough, then baked to perfection and topped with a luscious homemade Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Pillow Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken pillows.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly blended into a creamy filling.
- Prepare Dough: Separate the crescent roll dough into rectangles and press all seams together firmly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Fill Dough: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough rectangle.
- Seal Pillows: Fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges securely to form a sealed pillow shape.
- Coat Pillows: Dip each filled pillow into melted butter, then roll it in breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior.
- Bake: Arrange the prepared pillows on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Make Sauce Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, then simmer the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavor.
- Serve: Plate the golden chicken pillows and generously drizzle or serve alongside the creamy Parmesan sauce for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe, saving time and adding flavorful shredded meat.
- For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding chopped spinach or mushrooms into the chicken filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
