Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are the definition of comforting, home-style cooking. Tender chicken wrapped in soft, golden dough and finished with a rich, velvety sauce creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. This recipe is especially popular because it turns simple ingredients into something that looks and tastes special without requiring complicated techniques.
What makes this dish stand out is the contrast in textures. The baked pillows are lightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, while the creamy Parmesan sauce adds richness and depth. I tested this recipe with different fillings and found that the classic chicken and cream cheese combination delivers the best balance of flavor and texture. It is a family-friendly meal that works well for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even casual entertaining. If you enjoy comforting baked dishes with a creamy finish, this recipe is one you will want to keep.
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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce – A Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 chicken pillows
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Soft, flaky chicken pillows filled with seasoned chicken and cream cheese, baked until golden and served with a rich, creamy parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Separate crescent dough into triangles.
- Spoon chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Fold dough over filling and pinch edges to seal, forming pillows.
- Dip each pillow in melted butter, then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and nutmeg until smooth.
- Serve chicken pillows warm with parmesan sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Seal edges well to prevent filling from leaking.
- Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.
- Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken
Cooked chicken provides the savory base for the filling. Finely chopped or shredded chicken ensures even distribution inside each pillow.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the filling, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful during baking.
Crescent roll dough
Crescent roll dough creates the soft, flaky exterior. It bakes up golden and tender, perfectly encasing the filling.
Butter
Butter is used for brushing the dough and building the sauce, adding flavor and richness.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning enhances the filling with subtle herbal notes that complement the chicken.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds depth and savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, giving it a smooth and luxurious texture.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty flavor that defines the sauce.
Salt
Salt balances and enhances all the flavors in both the filling and sauce.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and complexity.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each piece of dough. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, forming pillow-shaped bundles. Arrange them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Brush lightly with melted butter.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pillows are golden brown and cooked through. While the pillows bake, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove the chicken pillows from the oven and allow them to rest briefly. Serve warm, generously drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
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, serving 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 25 minutes. Total time required is roughly 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Store the sauce separately if possible for best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are easy to adapt to different tastes. For added flavor, sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be mixed into the chicken filling. A small amount of shredded mozzarella can also be added for extra richness.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still flavorful. For a sharper taste, increase the Parmesan or add a pinch of nutmeg.
This recipe also works well with leftover turkey instead of chicken, making it a great option after holiday meals. You can even experiment with different seasonings in the filling, such as paprika or dried herbs, to create subtle flavor variations while keeping the method the same.
FAQs
Can I make chicken pillows ahead of time?
Yes, they can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving.
Can I freeze chicken pillows?
Yes, freeze them unbaked or baked, then reheat in the oven.
What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works very well.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry can be used, though baking time may vary.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Seal the dough edges firmly and place them seam-side down.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, simmer it slightly longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and creamy.
Can I add herbs to the sauce?
Fresh parsley or thyme can be added for extra flavor.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes work well.
Can I make this without sauce?
Yes, the chicken pillows are still delicious on their own.
Conclusion
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender filling, soft baked dough, and a rich, flavorful sauce. With simple preparation and flexible ingredients, this recipe is ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions. It is a classic comfort food that continues to earn its place at the table.
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