Delicious Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Delicious Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce offer a comforting and flavorful twist on classic chicken dishes. Wrapped in flaky crescent dough, filled with a creamy chicken mixture, and topped with a rich Parmesan sauce, these pillows are perfect for dinner or a special appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons salted butter (for sauce)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 chicken bouillon cube or granules
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
• 1.5 cups milk (whole milk or buttermilk)
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the cooked, shredded chicken breast with softened cream cheese, dried chives, dried minced onion (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and press two triangles together to form rectangles.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto each rectangle. Fold the corners over and seal tightly to form pillows.
5. Step 5: Dip each pillow into melted butter, then roll in Panko breadcrumbs to coat.
6. Step 6: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: To make the Parmesan sauce, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
8. Step 8: Gradually whisk in milk, then add the chicken bouillon, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
10. Step 10: Serve the warm chicken pillows drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add freshly chopped parsley as a garnish before serving.
• You can substitute green onions for dried chives if preferred.
• Use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko if that’s what you have on hand.
• Mozzarella cheese can replace Parmesan in the sauce for a milder taste.

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 to maintain crispiness or in the microwave for convenience. Keep the Parmesan sauce refrigerated separately and reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, homemade puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used as a substitute, but cooking times may vary slightly. Ensure the dough is rolled out to a similar thickness.

Is it possible to prepare the chicken pillows ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pillows and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Delicious Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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Delicious Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Bliss is a savory baked appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken enveloped in flaky crescent roll dough, coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and served with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines a crispy exterior with a cheesy, flavorful filling, perfect for dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 pillows 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Filling

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (cooked and shredded prior for best results)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
• 1 tablespoon dried chives (or substitute with green onions)
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (optional for lighter flavor)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Dough

• 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough (store-bought)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted (used for dipping the pillows)

For the Crunchy Coating

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed)

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 chicken bouillon cube or equivalent granules
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups milk (whole milk or buttermilk for richness)
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Mozzarella can be a lighter alternative)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast with softened cream cheese, dried chives, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press two triangles together to form a rectangle shape. This provides enough surface area to hold the filling securely.
4. Assemble the Pillows: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the corners over the filling, sealing tightly to form parcels or ‘pillows’ that will hold the filling during baking.
5. Coat the Pillows: Dip each formed chicken pillow into the melted butter, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Then roll it in the Panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy exterior after baking.
6. Bake: Arrange the coated pillows on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: While the pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the chicken bouillon cube, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens, then mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Serve: Remove the baked chicken pillows from the oven and serve warm, drizzled generously with the creamy Parmesan sauce for a decadent finish.

Notes

• Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter cheese flavor, substitute Parmesan with Mozzarella in the sauce.
• You can omit the dried minced onion from the filling for a milder taste.
• For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the pillows in butter and breadcrumbs before baking.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened for smooth filling consistency.

Keywords: chicken pillows, creamy parmesan sauce, baked chicken appetizer, crescent roll recipe, savory pillows, panko breadcrumb coating, easy chicken snacks