Introduction

Chicken Pillows are a deliciously creamy and savory treat wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with rich cream cheese and herbs, baked to perfection and served with a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect appetizer or cozy meal that’s sure to impress.

Three golden-brown, crispy rolls are placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface below. Each roll is stuffed with a creamy, shredded filling visible at the ends, giving a textured look of soft layers inside. A smooth, light-colored sauce is poured over the top of each roll, dripping slightly down the sides. The dish is topped with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly on the sauce and scattered around the plate for decoration. The rolls are arranged in a triangular shape, close together but leaving some space around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)
1 package crescent roll dough (forms the outer pastry layer)
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)
1 tablespoon cooking spray or melted butter (for brushing the dough before baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles on a clean surface.
Step 4: At the wider end of each triangle, place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling and fold the narrow end over to seal.
Step 5: Place the filled Chicken Pillows onto the prepared baking sheet and brush with melted butter or cooking spray.
Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Step 7: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring.
Step 8: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Step 9: Serve the Chicken Pillows drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of chives for a different flavor profile.
Brush the tops of the pillows with an egg wash for an extra glossy, golden finish.
Swap the crescent roll dough for puff pastry if you prefer a flakier crust.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. The Parmesan sauce can be refrigerated separately and gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows two golden-brown rolled crepes placed side by side on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface beneath. Each crepe is filled with creamy shredded chicken that slightly spills out at the ends. A smooth, white creamy sauce is generously poured over the top of both crepes, pooling around the base, and sprinkled with finely chopped green chives. The crepes are topped with a light dusting of crispy, golden crumbs, adding texture to the soft crepe surface. The overall look is rich and inviting with a mix of creamy, crispy, and tender textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Chicken Pillows ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pillows and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just bake them fresh before serving to keep them crispy and delicious.

Can I freeze Chicken Pillows?

Absolutely! Freeze the assembled pillows on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.