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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

There’s something magical about comfort food that combines crispy, golden pastry with a creamy, savory filling—and these Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce deliver exactly that.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Filling
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken rotisserie or leftovers work well
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 cans crescent roll dough
  • 1 beaten egg for egg wash
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs optional, for topping
  • For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Pastry brush (for egg wash)
  • Sharp knife or kitchen shears (for shredding chicken if needed)
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Saucepan and whisk (for Parmesan sauce)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Optional: Rolling pin (to slightly flatten dough triangles)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare.
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pillows won’t stick and will brown evenly.
  2. Step 2: Make the Filling.
    In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy. The filling should be evenly blended so every bite has the same delicious flavor.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the Dough.
    Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. If needed, use a rolling pin to slightly flatten them for easier filling. Keep dough chilled until ready to work with—it’s easier to handle when cold.
  4. Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pillows.
    Place a generous spoonful of filling into the center of each dough triangle. Fold the corners over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal. This step is important to prevent leaks during baking.
  5. Step 5: Egg Wash and Topping.
    Brush the tops of each pillow with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden shine. For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
  6. Step 6: Bake.
    Place the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes to avoid overbaking.
  7. Step 7: Make the Parmesan Sauce.
    While the pillows bake, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  8. Step 8: Serve.
    Once the chicken pillows are baked, drizzle them generously with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Serve hot and enjoy the contrast of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and velvety sauce.

Notes

Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store baked pillows in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble pillows, freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a container for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for an extra 5–10 minutes.
Freezer (Baked): Store cooled pillows in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.
Expert Tips
✅ Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
✅ Don’t overfill the pillows—too much filling may cause leaks.
✅ Keep dough chilled while working with it for easier handling.
✅ Whisk Parmesan sauce continuously for a silky, lump-free texture.
✅ Brush with egg wash just before baking for that bakery-style golden finish.