Description
These Comforting Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a delightful, savory treat featuring shredded chicken and cream cheese wrapped in buttery crescent dough, baked to golden perfection, and paired with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy family dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe brings together crispy, cheesy, and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Coating
- 2 (8 oz) tubes refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
- 1 cup (60g) Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 4 tablespoons (60g) butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well integrated to create a creamy filling.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles as marked on the packaging.
- Add Filling: Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken filling onto the wide end of each triangle, spreading it slightly but leaving edges clear for sealing.
- Shape Pillows: Fold and roll each dough triangle from the wide end over the filling toward the point, sealing the edges securely to enclose the filling completely, forming pillow shapes.
- Coat Pillows: Dip each chicken pillow into the melted butter, ensuring an even coat, then roll them in the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior once baked.
- Bake: Arrange the coated pillows on the greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1–2 minutes until it is bubbly and lightly golden, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue simmering the mixture until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken pillows and generously spoon the creamy Parmesan sauce over them. Serve warm for the best comforting flavor experience.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate to save time on cooking day.
- For extra crispiness, broil the pillows for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover chicken pillows reheat well in the oven to maintain crisp texture versus microwaving.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor in the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauce preparation.
