Description
Easy Creamy Dreamy Chicken Pillows feature tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy cheeses and herbs, wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection, and served with a rich, homemade Parmesan cheese sauce. This comforting and flavorful dish makes an ideal appetizer or main course perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Dough & Topping
- 2 (8-ounce) tubes crescent rolls
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it's ready for baking the chicken pillows.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, parsley, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended and creamy.
- Roll Crescent Dough: Lay out the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
- Assemble Pillows: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the widest part of each crescent triangle. Carefully fold and seal the edges around the filling, forming a pillow shape.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange all the filled chicken pillows on a baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter to help them brown and add flavor.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the buttered pillows, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Cheese Sauce: While the pillows bake, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Create Roux: Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is slightly browned to form a roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Cook for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Then, add salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat once cheese melts completely.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the baked chicken pillows, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick, flavorful filling with minimal prep.
- Pressing breadcrumbs into melted butter ensures a crunchy, golden topping.
- The cheese sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute crescent rolls and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American