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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights Recipe

5 from 28 reviews

These Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a perfect cozy night meal featuring flaky crescent roll pockets filled with a savory creamy chicken mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious homemade Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Filling

  • 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quick prep.)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Best at room temperature for easy mixing.)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (This adds savory depth.)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder (Enhances the overall taste.)
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley (Fresh can be used if available.)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust according to your taste preferences.)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground offers a stronger kick.)
  • 2 tbsp Melted Butter (Adds a delightful richness.)

Pastry and Finishing

  • 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough (Provides a flaky and buttery crust.)
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional for extra crunch.)
  • 1 large Egg (Beaten for the egg wash.)

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • 4 tbsp Butter (For the roux.)
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour (Thickens the sauce beautifully.)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (Creates the creamy sauce base.)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Adds richness.)
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is best.)
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (For flavor balance.)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (For depth in the sauce.)

Instructions

  1. Preparation Steps: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Mix Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well blended.
  3. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and flatten each triangle gently with your hands to create a slightly larger surface for filling.
  4. Fill and Seal: Place a generous spoonful of the creamy chicken filling in the center of each dough triangle. Fold the dough edges over the filling to create a tight pocket, making sure to seal all seams properly.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs: Brush the tops of each filled Chicken Pillow with beaten egg wash to promote browning. Sprinkle the optional panko breadcrumbs on top if you desire extra crunch.
  6. Bake: Arrange the prepared pillows on the lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and flaky.
  7. Make the Parmesan Sauce: While the pillows bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Finish the Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  9. Serve: Once your Chicken Pillows are baked to a golden crisp, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce over each pillow or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie or leftover chicken speeds up preparation time and enhances flavor.
  • The panko breadcrumbs topping is optional but adds a nice crunch to the pillows.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to mix easily without lumps.
  • Seal the dough edges tightly to prevent filling leakage while baking.
  • The Parmesan sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
  • Adjust salt and pepper in both filling and sauce according to personal preference.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute dairy ingredients with suitable alternatives but expect changes in texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Crescent Roll Recipe, Cozy Dinner, Savory Appetizer, Baked Chicken Pockets