If you are craving something utterly comforting and packed with cheesy, creamy goodness, the Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine golden, flaky crescent dough pillows bursting with a rich chicken and cheese filling, all smothered in a luscious Parmesan sauce that’s decadently smooth and savory. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect blend of textures and flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of basic ingredients will bring this dish to life. Each one is simple yet plays an essential role in creating the harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe so irresistible.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Provides protein and the hearty base for the filling with tender, flavorful bites throughout.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness that blends the filling together beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty gooeyness that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 can crescent roll dough: The flaky, golden blankets that wrap everything up into perfect pillows.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce a savory, nutty depth and irresistible umami punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the Parmesan sauce silky smooth and indulgently creamy.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick to brighten the taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings fresh color and a mild herbaceous note as a finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to get the oven hot so your crescent dough can crisp up nicely as it bakes, creating a perfect golden exterior for those delicious pillows.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and the flavors blend seamlessly. This filling will be the tasty surprise inside every pillow.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Open your crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles. These triangles are going to serve as little pouches to hold your flavorful filling.
Step 4: Fill the Dough
Place a generous spoonful of chicken filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Then gently fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together tightly to seal it, trapping all that cheesy, creamy goodness inside. The perfectly sealed edges will ensure nothing escapes during baking.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lightly grease a baking sheet to keep those pillows from sticking, then arrange each filled crescent pillow on the sheet with some space between them. Giving them room helps each pillow bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden brown crust.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Now, let’s create the luscious sauce that makes this dish unforgettable. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky smooth. This sauce will elevate those chicken pillows to a whole new level of indulgence.
Step 7: Bake with Sauce and Finish
Pour half of the creamy Parmesan sauce over the arranged pillows on the baking sheet. Slide the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns a gorgeous golden brown. When they’re out of the oven, drizzle the remaining sauce on top to add extra creamy richness and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top adds a pop of vibrant green color and a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dish. Feel free to add a little cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes for an added kick and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Because Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are so rich and flavorful, pairing them with lighter sides works beautifully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or garlic roasted broccoli are all great options. These sides provide a refreshing contrast and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and inviting presentation, serve the pillows stacked on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of extra parmesan sauce on the side for dipping. You can also plate them individually with a delicate drizzle of sauce arranged in a pretty pattern, making every serving feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Pillows are just as delicious when stored properly. Place any uneaten pillows in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy a quick snack or a second meal without any hassle.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, you can freeze unbaked filled pillows by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, reheat the Chicken Pillows gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the dough is crisp again. For the sauce, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut that works perfectly in this Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. Just shred it well before mixing with the cheeses and spices.
What can I substitute for crescent roll dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough on hand, puff pastry sheets or refrigerated biscuit dough can be great alternatives. Just adjust baking time as needed until golden brown and cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after cooking?
Freezing the pillows after baking isn’t recommended as the dough can lose its flaky texture. It’s best to freeze before baking for the most delicious results when you’re ready to enjoy them.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and approachable, featuring gentle seasoning with garlic and onion powder and just a touch of black pepper. If you enjoy spice, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the filling or sauce.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
The Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration with every bite. It’s warm, cheesy, and comforting, yet surprisingly simple to prepare with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to make this your go-to recipe when you want to impress everyone without spending hours in the kitchen. I cannot wait for you to give it a try and then watch it become a beloved favorite in your own home!
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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 chicken pillows
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a delicious and comforting baked appetizer featuring crescent roll dough stuffed with a creamy shredded chicken and cheese filling. Topped with a rich, smooth parmesan cream sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, this delightful recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Dough
- 1 can crescent roll dough
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the chicken pillows evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy filling.
- Roll Out Dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles along the perforations.
- Fill Dough: Place a spoonful of the prepared chicken mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal the pillows, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Grease a baking sheet lightly. Arrange the filled chicken pillows on the sheet, spacing them evenly to allow room for expansion as they bake.
- Make Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Bake: Pour half of the creamy Parmesan sauce over the arranged pillows on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, remove the pillows from the oven and drizzle the remaining Parmesan sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add color and freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with the other filling ingredients for a smooth texture.
- Seal the crescent dough edges tightly to prevent filling spillage during baking.
- The creamy Parmesan sauce can be made ahead and warmed gently before serving if desired.
- Serve these chicken pillows as an appetizer or alongside a green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
