Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pillows

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Welcome to a world of comforting, easy-to-make dinner magic! This recipe for Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan sauce is a family favorite that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Imagine golden, buttery crescent rolls wrapped around a savory, cheesy chicken filling. Then, envision them bathed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that ties everything together beautifully. These delicious pillows are perfect for busy weeknights, offering a homemade taste without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Chicken Pillows

• Delicious & Kid-Friendly: Everyone loves these comforting Chicken Pillows With Creamy filling. They are simply irresistible.
• Simple Ingredients: Only a few ingredients create impressive results. Making Chicken Pillows With Creamy dishes is easy.
• Versatile: Perfect for meal prep or freezing. They suit various occasions well.
• Elevated Classic: Enjoy homemade taste that feels special. This recipe elevates comfort food.
• Weeknight Winner: Get a crowd-pleasing dinner fast. Assembly is quick and baking is simple.

Ingredients

Creating delicious Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan sauce starts with simple, fresh ingredients. You will need these items for perfect Chicken Pillows With Creamy results.

For the Chicken Pillows

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 – 3 pounds), cooked and shredded or diced
• 2 packages (8-ounces each) light or regular cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 batch buttery crescent rolls, prepared according to recipe (or store-bought dough for a shortcut)

For the Coating

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cube chicken bouillon, or 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: Use rotisserie, leftover, or pre-cooked chicken for quick assembly. Shred finely for consistent texture.
• The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure food safety.
• Dough: Store-bought crescent roll dough is a fantastic shortcut, yielding flaky, buttery results.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat for richest flavor and creamy texture. Light cream cheese works if preferred.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated is non-negotiable for authentic flavor in both filling and sauce.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat provides richness and tang to sauce. Plain Greek yogurt is a suitable substitute.
• Bouillon: Powdered or cube chicken bouillon both add essential savory depth beautifully.

Equipment

You will need a large mixing bowl, a saucepan, and a whisk for the sauce. Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. A rolling pin helps with dough, and a pizza cutter is optional for portioning your Chicken Pillows With Creamy treats.

Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Pillows

1. Prepare Chicken Filling: Cook and shred chicken breasts, or use pre-cooked chicken. In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined and perfectly seasoned. This forms the delicious filling for your Chicken Pillows With Creamy center.
2. Roll and Cut Dough: Prepare your buttery crescent roll dough. After the first rise, deflate and divide into two pieces. Roll each piece into a 13×20-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into 12 uniform pieces (half lengthwise, then six pieces from each half).
3. Form Pillows: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto each flattened dough piece. Fold up all sides of the dough around the filling and firmly pinch the seams together to create a secure seal. Repeat for all individual Chicken Pillows With Creamy bundles.
4. Coat Pillows: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan. Dip each formed chicken pillow into melted butter, then roll thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture until evenly coated. This creates each of your Chicken Pillows With Creamy crusts.
5. Bake Pillows: Arrange coated pillows seam-side down on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches between each. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
6. Make Parmesan Sauce: While pillows bake, prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes until golden roux forms. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring in chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Stir in ¾ cup Parmesan until melted. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Thin with milk if needed.
7. Serve: Drizzle the warm, creamy Parmesan sauce generously over the freshly baked Chicken Pillows With Creamy golden crust. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Pillows

• Chicken Prep: Shred your chicken finely and evenly for consistent filling texture. Proper chicken prep is key when making your Chicken Pillows With Creamy filling.
• Dough Handling: Handle crescent dough gently to avoid tough pillows. Aim for tender, flaky results.
• Sealing: Pinch seams firmly to prevent filling leakage. A tight seal ensures beautifully intact Chicken Pillows With Creamy centers.
• Even Coating: Roll each pillow thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture for consistent crispiness and a golden finish.
• Lump-Free Sauce: Whisk constantly, adding milk slowly to the roux. This prevents lumps for a silky-smooth sauce that complements your Chicken Pillows With Creamy perfectly.
• Temperature Control: Adjust sauce heat constantly to prevent scorching. This ensures a perfectly smooth and flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

These creamy Parmesan chicken pillows make a wonderfully satisfying meal. Explore these options for your Chicken Pillows With Creamy dinner.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls complement it perfectly.
• Rice or pasta works as a hearty side.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add cooked broccoli or spinach to the filling.
• Swap Protein: Swap protein with cooked ham or turkey.
• Cheese Twist: Experiment with Swiss or mozzarella cheese.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered for 3-4 days.
• Freeze Unbaked: Freeze unbaked pillows on a tray, then bag. Bake from frozen.
• Freeze Baked: Freeze baked after cooling. Reheat in oven/air fryer.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delightful Chicken Pillows With Creamy goodness. This information provides a helpful guide, but actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. It highlights that this dish offers a hearty, satisfying meal for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Chicken Pillows With Creamy Sauce:

• Can I use canned crescent rolls? Yes! Using store-bought canned crescent rolls is a fantastic and time-saving shortcut. They perform beautifully.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the filling and assemble pillows, then refrigerate or freeze unbaked. This makes Chicken Pillows With Creamy preparation very flexible for busy schedules.
• How do I reheat frozen chicken pillows? Bake from frozen at lower temperature, or thaw first. Adjust time accordingly to ensure they heat evenly.
• What if my sauce is too thin/thick? Adjust with more milk or a cornstarch slurry for the Chicken Pillows With Creamy dish. This ensures perfect consistency.
• Can I bake these in an air fryer? Yes, air fry at about 350°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This ensures a crispy finish.

Conclusion

These Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan sauce are more than just a meal; they are a delightful culinary experience that combines comfort and simplicity. We hope you feel inspired to try this customizable and incredibly delicious recipe for yourself. It delivers a homemade taste that truly satisfies and makes every family dinner feel special. Whether for a busy weeknight meal or a gathering with loved ones, these pillows are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the smiles around your table!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pillows

These Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pillows feature tender shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and seasonings, encased in buttery crescent roll dough. Each pillow is then coated in a crispy panko-Parmesan mixture and baked until golden brown, served with a rich, homemade Parmesan cream sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Filling

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2 1/2 – 3 pounds
• 2 packages light or regular cream cheese 8-ounces each, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Pillows & Coating

• 1 buttery crescent rolls batch
• ½ cup butter melted
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Parmesan Cream Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 chicken bouillon cube, or 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sour cream light or regular

Equipment

• Slow cooker (optional)
• Medium bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper or Silpat liner
• Flat dish (e.g., pie plate)
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk

Method

 

Chicken Preparation & Filling

1. Cook and shred chicken, then combine it with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl; mix well and set aside.

Forming the Pillows

1. Prepare crescent roll dough, then deflate, divide into two, and roll each piece into a 13x20-inch rectangle, cutting each into 12 pieces. Flatten each dough piece, spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into the center, and pinch all sides together to seal, forming the pillows.

Coating & Baking Preparation

1. Mix panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a flat dish. Dip each chicken pillow in melted butter, then roll in the panko-Parmesan mixture, and place seam-side down on lined baking trays, spaced 2 inches apart.

Baking

1. Bake the chicken pillows in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and thoroughly baked.

Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. While baking, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour for 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in milk, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until thickened and bubbly, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, thinning with milk if needed.

Serving

1. Serve the warm chicken pillows drizzled with the prepared Parmesan cream sauce.

Notes

Consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time. If making your own crescent roll dough from scratch, ensure to factor in the rising time. The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated.