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Comforting Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 34 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles as marked on the packaging.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.