Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Pillows are a classic comfort-food favorite that combines tender chicken, creamy filling, and flaky pastry into one irresistible dish. Each pillow is soft and golden on the outside, with a warm, savory center that feels cozy and satisfying. This is the kind of recipe that works just as well for family dinners as it does for casual entertaining, because it looks impressive while being surprisingly easy to prepare.
I love this recipe because it is dependable and endlessly comforting. I tested it with both leftover roasted chicken and freshly cooked chicken breast, and both worked beautifully. The creamy filling stays rich without being heavy, and the pastry bakes up light and tender every time. These Chicken Pillows are especially great when you want something hearty, familiar, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
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Chicken Pillows That Are Creamy, Comforting, and Perfectly Baked
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 pillows
- Diet: Halal
Description
Soft and flaky chicken pillows made with a creamy chicken and cheese filling wrapped in buttery dough, baked until golden and perfect for dinner or parties.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Separate crescent roll dough into triangles.
- Spoon chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll dough around the filling and pinch edges to seal, forming pillow shapes.
- Dip each pillow into melted butter.
- Roll in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Seal edges well to prevent filling from leaking.
- Serve with gravy or creamy sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken
Chicken provides the hearty, protein-rich base of the filling and should be finely chopped for even texture.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese creates a smooth, rich filling and binds the chicken together.
Unsalted butter
Butter adds richness and helps keep the filling flavorful and moist.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds gentle savory depth without overpowering the filling.
Onion powder
Onion powder enhances flavor and complements the chicken.
Salt
Salt balances the creaminess and seasons the filling.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild warmth and contrast.
Crescent roll dough
Crescent dough forms the soft, flaky exterior of the pillows.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs add a lightly crisp coating on the outside.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a savory, salty finish to the breadcrumb topping.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cream cheese, softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the seams to fully enclose the mixture and form a pillow shape.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Roll each stuffed pillow gently in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Arrange the pillows seam-side down on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 chicken pillows.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 25 minutes, and resting time is 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Chicken Pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through to maintain the flaky texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the pastry.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Pillows are easy to adapt. You can add finely chopped herbs such as parsley or chives to the filling for freshness. A small amount of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, can be mixed in for extra richness.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also substitute crescent dough with puff pastry, adjusting baking time as needed. Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling creates a more complex flavor profile while keeping the dish comforting.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich and filling, providing protein from chicken and fats from dairy and pastry. It contains gluten and dairy. Portion control is recommended as part of a balanced meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Seal the edges well
Properly sealing prevents filling from leaking during baking.
Even filling
Use similar amounts of filling for consistent baking.
Golden finish
Bake until lightly golden for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Pillows ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them ahead and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze Chicken Pillows?
Yes, freeze unbaked pillows for up to two months.
What chicken works best?
Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works well.
Can I use puff pastry?
Yes, adjust baking time and temperature accordingly.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped spinach or mushrooms work well.
How do I keep them crispy?
Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
Can I make them smaller?
Yes, divide dough into smaller portions.
Do I need a dipping sauce?
They are flavorful on their own but pair well with gravy.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Conclusion
Chicken Pillows are a timeless comfort-food recipe that delivers creamy filling wrapped in soft, golden pastry. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, they are perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals. This recipe offers dependable results and a warm, familiar flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
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