Introduction

Comforting Chicken Pillows are a deliciously satisfying appetizer or snack, featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in buttery crescent dough and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to please family and guests alike.

A close-up image of a round golden-brown crab cake topped with creamy pale yellow hollandaise sauce sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and small orange bits, placed in the center of a clean white plate. To the right, there is a small heap of fresh bright green salad leaves, slightly blurred. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, giving a fresh and elegant look. 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
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
4 tablespoons (60g) butter
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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles.
Step 4: Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
Step 5: Carefully fold and roll each triangle to form a pillow shape, sealing the edges tightly to keep the filling inside.
Step 6: Dip each pillow in the melted butter, then coat evenly with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
Step 7: Arrange the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: While the pillows bake, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 9: Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 10: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the sauce until it thickens.
Step 11: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm.
Step 12: Serve the warm chicken pillows topped with the creamy Parmesan sauce for a comforting and tasty treat.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil in the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the chicken mixture.
Swap Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for panko to get an even crispier coating.
Make the dish vegetarian by substituting chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Prepare the pillows ahead of time and freeze before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage

Store leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to keep the exterior crispy. The Parmesan sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days and gently reheated on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

A golden-brown fried cake sits in the center of a white plate, topped with a creamy pale yellow sauce that drapes lightly over the sides. The sauce is speckled with small green herbs and a few tiny red bits, adding color contrast. Behind the cake, on the right side, there is a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holding a fork is reaching in from the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred it finely and make sure it’s well drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can I prepare the chicken pillows in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pillows and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked and bake from frozen when ready.