Get ready to indulge in a soul-satisfying delight with this Irresistible Chicken Pillows Recipe, a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs all wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough. This dish brings together comforting flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures that will quickly become a family favorite or a go-to for impressing guests. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these chicken pillows deliver big on taste and charm, making every bite a joyous experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Irresistible Chicken Pillows Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creaminess of the cheese to the rich, savory sauce—to create a harmonious balance of flavor and texture that feels both fancy and homey.
- 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for a tender filling.
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese: This adds a luscious creaminess that binds the filling perfectly.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Chives: Fresh chives bring a mild oniony freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Provides a warm, savory undertone without overwhelming the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Enhances the filling’s depth with a subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds just the right bit of spice for balance.
- 1 package Crescent Roll Dough: Offers a flaky, buttery exterior that puffs up beautifully.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty finish and added richness in the sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, smooth sauce to drizzle over the pillows.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and moistness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Used both in the filling sauce and to brush the dough for golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce into a creamy coating everyone will love.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Infuses a subtle warmth and complexity to the cream sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Spray or Melted Butter: Keeps the baked pillows from sticking and adds extra browning.
How to Make Irresistible Chicken Pillows Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s perfectly preheated when it’s time to bake. A hot oven ensures your pillows get that beautiful golden puff and crisp edge.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly creates a smooth, flavorful filling that will melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough
Carefully spread out the crescent roll dough on a lightly greased surface. This dough is your delicious vessel, so handle it gently to avoid tearing and keep all its buttery layers intact.
Step 4: Fill the Dough
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Then roll them up tightly but gently, ensuring the filling doesn’t spill out while baking. These little pillows will puff up and seal in all the deliciousness.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Stir in the parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg to finish the sauce with a rich, velvety character.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place your rolled chicken pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased. Brush the tops with melted butter or cooking spray for an irresistible glossy and golden finish after baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the pillows in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and beautifully golden. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure irresistible joy.
Step 8: Serve with Sauce
Once baked, drizzle the warm, creamy sauce generously over the chicken pillows or serve it on the side for dipping. This finishing touch ties the entire dish together, making each bite heavenly.
How to Serve Irresistible Chicken Pillows Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan elevate the visual appeal and fresh taste. If you love a little zing, a tiny dash of smoked paprika on top adds a gentle smoky note that pairs perfectly with the richness.
Side Dishes
These pillows shine on their own but also love company. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting plate that pleases both eyes and palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming appetizer spread, arrange the chicken pillows on a wooden board with small bowls of the creamy sauce and fresh herbs scattered throughout. You can also serve them individually on appetizer spoons for a fun party option that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep well and maintain their flavor, making for easy next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
These pillows are freezer-friendly! Arrange the unbaked rolled pillows on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh-baked feel anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. This keeps that lovely flakiness intact compared to microwaving, which can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and is a fantastic timesaver, providing perfectly cooked, flavorful meat for the filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives, although the texture and richness will differ slightly from the classic version.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken filling can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge, so assembly is quick when you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry is a great alternative if crescent roll dough isn’t available, though the texture will be a bit flakier and less buttery.
How can I make the cream sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, add a touch more flour into the roux or reduce the liquid slightly. For a thinner sauce, increase the chicken broth or cream to your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Chicken Pillows Recipe is a deliciously comforting way to bring people together around the table. With its creamy filling, flaky dough, and luscious sauce, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try, and watch it quickly become your favorite go-to for a satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
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Irresistible Chicken Pillows Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Irresistible Chicken Pillows are golden, flaky crescent rolls filled with a creamy, savory chicken and cream cheese mixture, baked to perfection and served with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting appetizer or an easy weeknight meal, this recipe combines tender shredded chicken, aromatic chives, and a luscious sauce for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Chopped Chives
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Dough
- 1 package Crescent Roll Dough
Sauce
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Other
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Spray or Melted Butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the chicken pillows evenly and achieving a golden, flaky crust.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup chopped chives, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended to create a flavorful and creamy filling.
- Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough: Lay out one package of crescent roll dough on a lightly greased or floured surface. Carefully separate the dough into individual triangles as per package instructions and spread them out for filling.
- Fill the Dough: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each dough triangle. Carefully roll each piece up from the wide end to the tip, forming the pillows, and seal edges gently to enclose the filling.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled chicken pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased surface. Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter or cooking spray to promote browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the pillows are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Serve with Sauce: Remove from the oven and drizzle the warm Parmesan cream sauce over the chicken pillows before serving for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for ease and flavor.
- If desired, substitute crescent dough with puff pastry sheets for a flakier texture.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling.
- Make sure to seal the crescent rolls well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
