Introduction

These comforting Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are perfect for a cozy meal that feels indulgent yet easy to make. Tender shredded chicken wrapped in flaky crescent dough is elevated by a rich, cheesy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.

The image shows two golden brown crab cakes placed on a white plate, each crab cake topped with a smooth, creamy white sauce that drips down the sides and is sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper. Around the crab cakes, there are fresh, vibrant green leafy herbs for garnish. The crab cakes appear crispy on the outside with a rich texture. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
2 (8 oz) tubes refrigerated crescent rolls
1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
1 cup (60g) Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons (60g) butter (for sauce)
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240ml) milk
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste (for sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles as per the packaging.
Step 4: Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Fold and roll the dough toward the narrow end, sealing the edges tightly to form pillows.
Step 5: Dip each pillow into the melted butter, then coat thoroughly with the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: While the pillows bake, make the creamy Parmesan sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1–2 minutes without browning.
Step 8: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Serve the warm chicken pillows topped with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, mix a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika into the chicken filling before assembling the pillows.
Swap the cooked shredded chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a delicious twist.
Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of seasoned ones if you prefer to control the seasoning yourself.
If you want a spicier sauce, add a small amount of red pepper flakes when whisking the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy. The Parmesan sauce can be stored separately and gently reheated on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white plate with a breaded crab cake cut open to show shredded white crab meat inside, topped with a smooth, light yellow sauce. The crab cake has a golden brown crispy outer layer and a moist, flaky inner layer. To the left side of the plate, there are fresh green salad leaves and a small portion of yellow scrambled eggs in soft texture. The plate rests on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the chicken pillows ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pillows and store them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?

You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or a soft goat cheese for a different texture and flavor, though cream cheese provides the best creamy consistency.