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Irresistible Chicken Pillows Recipe for Cozy Comfort Nights Recipe

4.1 from 30 reviews

This Irresistible Chicken Pillows recipe features tender shredded chicken blended with creamy cheese and spices, encased in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. Served with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the perfect cozy comfort food for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken (Use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor)
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Chives (Substitute with green onions if unavailable)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust to taste)

Dough

  • 1 package Crescent Roll Dough (Forms the outer pastry layer)
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking Spray or Melted Butter (For brushing the dough before baking)

Parmesan Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated yields the best results)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter texture)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (Adds depth of flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (Contributes richness to the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (Used for thickening the sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (Complements the cheese)

Instructions

  1. Preparation Steps: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken pillows.
  2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until smooth and well incorporated to create a flavorful filling.
  3. Prepare the Dough: Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles on a clean flat surface, ready for filling.
  4. Assemble the Chicken Pillows: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling at the wider end of each dough triangle. Fold the narrow end over the filling and seal it to create a pillow-shaped pastry.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Place the filled chicken pillows onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Brush each pillow with melted butter or cooking spray to encourage browning and crispness.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the pillows are puffed up and golden brown, ensuring a crisp and flaky crust.
  7. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce: While the chicken pillows bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking until slightly golden. Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  8. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg, continuing to cook and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  9. Serve: Plate the golden chicken pillows and drizzle generously with the creamy Parmesan sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your cozy comfort meal!

Notes

  • Using leftover rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken.
  • For a lighter filling option, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
  • Green onions are a suitable substitute if chives are unavailable.
  • Brush dough with melted butter for richer flavor or use cooking spray for a lighter option.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and sauce texture.
  • Half-and-half can substitute heavy cream in the sauce for a lighter texture without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences in the filling mixture.
  • Ensure the sauce is whisked continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth texture.

Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Crescent Roll Chicken, Parmesan Cream Sauce, Comfort Food, Easy Chicken Recipe, Baked Chicken Pastry