Delicious Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pillows 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
