Introduction

Chicken Pillows are a delightful and comforting appetizer featuring tender chicken wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Paired with a creamy Parmesan sauce, they make for a perfect snack or party treat that everyone will love.

The image shows four golden brown breaded chicken thighs arranged evenly in a white rectangular dish. Each piece of chicken is covered with a thick layer of creamy white cheese sauce that looks smooth and slightly glossy. The sauce pools around the base of the chicken inside the dish. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled generously on top of the cheese sauce, adding a fresh touch of color. The white rectangular dish sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a blurred plate with small pieces of yellow food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tube (8-count) crescent roll dough
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for added crunch)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles. Lightly press each triangle to flatten and slightly widen the surface.
Step 4: Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto the widest part of each crescent roll triangle. Carefully fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal, forming a small pillow-like shape.
Step 5: Brush each chicken pillow with beaten egg for a golden finish. For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
Step 6: Place the prepared chicken pillows onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: While the chicken pillows bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until slightly golden. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 8: Once the chicken pillows are golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with the warm Parmesan sauce and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken filling.
Try substituting cooked turkey or ham for the chicken to mix things up.
For a crispier texture, use panko breadcrumbs generously and bake until deep golden brown.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage

Store leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness. The Parmesan sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days and gently reheated on the stove, stirring frequently.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular dish with four pieces of crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts covered in smooth, creamy yellow sauce that pools around the base. Each chicken piece is topped with a layer of melted cheese, which is glossy and slightly thick, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The dish is placed on a wooden table with part of a gray cloth visible on one side and a blurred white plate with yellow food in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make chicken pillows ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pillows ahead and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. For best texture, bake just before serving.

Can I freeze chicken pillows?

Absolutely. Freeze unbaked pillows on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake them frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.