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These Chicken Pillows with that rich, creamy Parmesan sauce really hit the spot in our house Tender chicken wrapped up in fluffy crescent dough and then served with a cheesy, homemade topping that’s just out of this world
Making these really breaks up those boring weeknights My kids get a kick out of rolling the dough and honestly the cheese sauce gets eaten by the spoonful every time
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: the main protein Filling can be rotisserie or chicken you’ve just cooked up fresh
- Cream cheese: for tanginess and smoothness Go full fat for best results
- Dried chives: for a mild onion lift and green bits Look for brands that keep their freshness and color
- Dried minced onion: adds extra bite and savory flavor Try to find the type that’s minced evenly
- Salt and pepper: lifts and ties flavors together Fresh pepper makes a difference
- Canned crescent roll dough: gives you a puffy shell Pillsbury’s always a safe bet
- Salted butter: helps breadcrumbs cling and brings big flavor Pick one that tastes great on its own
- Panko breadcrumbs: make things crunchy and light Japanese panko is the crispiest
- Salted butter (for the sauce): builds the sauce base with richness
- All purpose flour: thickens the sauce nicely Go for unbleached if possible
- Chicken bouillon: adds deep savory notes “Better Than Bouillon” or any favorite cube works
- Salt (for the sauce): balances out the sauce Taste and adjust as you go
- Black pepper: adds depth and a gentle kick
- Milk: makes everything creamy and smooth Whole milk’s your go-to for richness
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: sharp flavor and a little nuttiness Always grate it fresh—it melts better
Step by Step Guide
- Start with the Sauce:
- Before you get into baking, go ahead and melt some butter in a saucepan Stir in the flour and keep whisking until it’s golden Pour in the milk a little at a time, then add bouillon, salt, and pepper Let it cook until it thickens up and gets creamy, then add Parmesan and stir until it’s melted Toss in a splash of milk if you need to thin it out
- Prep Your Pillows:
- While the sauce is going, heat your oven to 350 F and set out a pan lined with parchment or just brushed with oil In a big bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cream cheese, chives, onion flakes, salt, and pepper so you’ve got a creamy, well-mixed filling
- Shape Everything:
- Pop open the crescent dough and connect two triangles to make one big rectangle Press all the seams closed Fill each one with a few tablespoons of that chicken mix Fold every corner in tight, then pinch the edges shut so nothing leaks out Make each one into a ball
- Get Crunchy:
- Dip those stuffed balls in melted butter so they’re fully coated Then roll them in panko for extra crunch Set them on your baking tray with a bit of space between each
- Bake and Finish:
- Slide the tray onto the middle oven rack Bake for about 20–25 minutes until totally golden and crisp Top with that dreamy Parmesan sauce and eat while they’re hot for the best experience
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I can’t get enough of that shiny Parmesan sauce It takes me right back to my grandma’s table where she turned simple foods into something special I love how these little pillows fill my kitchen with that same cozy feeling
Storing Leftovers
Pop leftover chicken pillows in a sealed container and keep them chilled up to three days They get crispy again if you reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven Skip the microwave if you want them flaky Keep the Parmesan sauce by itself in the fridge and stir in milk when warming it up to make it smooth again
Ingredient Swaps
If you have leftover turkey, go ahead and sub that for the chicken Want more flavor? Toss in fresh herbs like tarragon or thyme instead of chives If you can't find crescent dough, puff pastry sheets actually work—even flakier Or if crunchy isn’t your thing, swap with regular Italian breadcrumbs
How to Serve It
These pillows stand alone for a quick weeknight meal Serve them with a crisp salad tossed in a zesty dressing—really brightens things up Sautéed greens with garlic or some simple broccoli pair awesome too If you want a full comfort meal, try them over buttered noodles with extra Parmesan sauce
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Family Throwback
I started making these after a cousin raved about anything stuffed inside dough It’s become a fun family thing—kids love rolling and tucking in the filling Everyone feels like they helped dinner happen Try serving them up on your favorite big platter for a little extra weekday magic
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the chicken mix so smooth?
Stir shredded chicken together with room-temp cream cheese, onions, and chives. That'll help everything blend and stick together inside the bundle.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?
Absolutely! Just pull the meat apart into fine shreds, then mix it with your cream cheese and seasonings.
- → How do I keep the filling inside while they bake?
Pinch every edge and seam on the dough nice and tight so the good stuff stays put during baking.
- → Why's the Parmesan sauce taste so good?
Freshly shredded Parmesan and a scoop of chicken bouillon turn this simple sauce into real comfort food—super cheesy with a deep, savory kick.
- → How should I serve these?
Pour lots of hot Parmesan sauce over the warm pillows right out of the oven, and let everyone dig in while they're still crispy and creamy.