Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. It combines the delightful flavors of tender chicken wrapped in flaky dough and topped with a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is simple enough for weeknight meals, and it impresses anyone who tries it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken or that store-bought rotisserie chicken.
how to make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quick prep.)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Best at room temperature for easy mixing.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (This adds savory depth.)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (Enhances the overall taste.)
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley (Fresh can be used if available.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust according to your taste preferences.)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground offers a stronger kick.)
- 2 tbsp Melted Butter (Adds a delightful richness.)
- 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough (Provides a flaky and buttery crust.)
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional for extra crunch.)
- 1 large Egg (Beaten for the egg wash.)
- 4 tbsp Butter (For the roux.)
- 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour (Thickens the sauce beautifully.)
- 1 cup Whole Milk (Creates the creamy sauce base.)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Adds richness.)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is best.)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (For flavor balance.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (For depth in the sauce.)
Directions:
- Preparation Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is well combined.
- Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a portion of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll them up, starting from the wide end to the point. Place them seam side down on a baking tray.
- Brush the tops with the melted butter and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
how to serve Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Serve the chicken pillows warm with a generous drizzle of the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top. You can add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balance. Enjoy with your family and friends!
how to store Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Leftover chicken pillows can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce can also be kept in a separate container. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
tips to make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Rotisserie chicken adds flavor with minimal effort.
- Don’t skip letting the cream cheese come to room temperature. This makes mixing easier.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs or vegetables.
variation
For a twist, try adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken mixture. You can also use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making my own?
- Yes, if you’re short on time, feel free to use a jarred Alfredo or marinara sauce.
- Can I freeze the chicken pillows?
- Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just wrap them tightly and bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- What can I serve with Chicken Pillows?
- These chicken pillows pair nicely with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
A comforting dish combining tender chicken wrapped in flaky dough and topped with a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Pillows
- 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quick prep.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Best at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Adds savory depth.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder Enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley Fresh can be used if available.
- 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust according to your taste preferences.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground offers a stronger kick.
- 2 tbsp Melted Butter Adds a delightful richness.
- 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough Provides a flaky and buttery crust.
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Optional for extra crunch.
- 1 large Egg Beaten for the egg wash.
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter For the roux.
- 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour Thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup Whole Milk Creates the creamy sauce base.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Adds richness.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is best.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder For flavor balance.
- 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper For depth in the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is well combined.
- Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a portion of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll them up, starting from the wide end to the point. Place them seam side down on a baking tray.
- Brush the tops with the melted butter and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Serving
- Serve the chicken pillows warm with a generous drizzle of the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
Notes
Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Rotisserie chicken adds flavor with minimal effort. Don’t skip letting the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs or vegetables. For a twist, try adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken mixture. You can also use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile. Leftover chicken pillows can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
