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Irresistible Chicken Pillows Recipe

4.8 from 145 reviews

Delight in these irresistible Chicken Pillows: flaky crescent roll dough stuffed with a creamy chicken filling, baked to golden perfection and served with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting recipe combines tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, and aromatic herbs wrapped in crispy, buttery pastry, making it perfect for a satisfying appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken 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)

Pillows and Sauce

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the Chicken Pillows.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the filling is smooth and evenly blended.
  3. Shape Pillows: Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles laid out on a clean surface. At the wider end of each triangle, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling and fold the narrower end over to enclose the filling, creating a pillow shape.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Place the filled Chicken Pillows on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter or spray with cooking spray to ensure a golden, flaky crust.
  5. Bake: Bake the pillows in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
  6. Make Parmesan Sauce: While the Chicken Pillows bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to make a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  7. Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  8. Serve: Serve the hot Chicken Pillows drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Using leftover rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves time.
  • You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
  • If fresh chives are unavailable, green onions can be used as an alternative.
  • For a lighter cream sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
  • Brush the dough with melted butter for a richer crust or use cooking spray for a lighter option.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon before serving.

Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Crescent Roll Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken Appetizer, Parmesan Sauce Chicken Pillows, Baked Chicken Pastry