Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience a delightful twist on your appetizer game with these Chicken Pillows, filled with tender chicken and enveloped in a flaky pastry. Topped with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures perfect for any gathering. Serve them warm for an unforgettable start to your meal!
These Chicken Pillows are not just delicious; they're also perfect for sharing with loved ones at any gathering. The flaky pastry hides tender chicken and is enhanced by a luxurious Parmesan sauce that brings everything together.
A Delicious Start to Any Meal
Chicken Pillows are not only a great appetizer but also a fantastic way to surprise your guests with something a little different. The flaky, golden pastry combined with the rich, cheesy filling makes each bite a delightful explosion of flavors. These pillows are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied and impressed.
One of the best things about Chicken Pillows is their versatility. You can customize the filling according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Add in some spinach, bell peppers, or even swap the chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. The flaky crescent roll dough creates the perfect vessel to hold your favorite ingredients, making it a dish that can be tailored to suit any palate.
The Perfect Pairing: Creamy Parmesan Sauce
No Chicken Pillow is complete without the addition of the creamy Parmesan sauce. This sauce elevates the dish, adding a rich and luxurious layer that enhances the flavors of the chicken and cheese filling. By combining heavy cream and grated Parmesan with garlic, you create a sauce that’s not only indulgent but also incredibly easy to whip up in just a few minutes.
This sauce is also highly adaptable; consider adding herbs like basil or thyme to introduce an aromatic freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add an exciting kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Drizzling this sauce over your Chicken Pillows transforms a simple appetizer into an unforgettable gastronomic experience that guests will rave about.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Pillows
To ensure your Chicken Pillows come out perfectly every time, make sure not to overstuff them. While it may be tempting to load them up with filling, doing so will make sealing the edges difficult and may cause them to burst while baking. A generous spoonful in the center is plenty for each triangle. This careful balance ensures a beautifully baked, well-shaped pillow.
When baking, keep an eye on the color of your pillows. Everyone’s oven is different, and baking times may vary slightly. Aim for a golden brown color, indicating that the pastry is flaky and fully cooked. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will make handling them easier and gives the filling time to set slightly, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Pillows
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare all the ingredients before you start assembling the pillows.
Instructions
Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
Assemble the Pillows
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle. Fold the dough over to create a pillow shape and seal the edges tightly.
Bake the Pillows
Arrange the pillows on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve
Drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce over the baked chicken pillows and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious chicken pillows while they’re still warm!
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, making Chicken Pillows a nourishing option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Combined with the healthy fats from cream cheese and heavy cream, you're looking at a balanced dish that provides energy and satiety. Furthermore, if you add vegetables to your filling, you’ll boost the nutritional value even more, adding essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health.
While these Chicken Pillows are definitely a treat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Serve them with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a complete meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. This way, you can indulge a little while still focusing on maintaining nutritious choices.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, Chicken Pillows can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the flaky texture of the pastry, ensuring they taste just as good reheated.
For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked Chicken Pillows. Assemble them, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a quick and easy meal.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the dining experience, consider serving Chicken Pillows alongside a variety of dipping sauces. A zesty marinara or a tangy ranch dressing can add extra flavor and excitement to each bite. Pairing these pillows with a light salad dressed in vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread and a side of your favorite roasted vegetables. The savory flavors of the bread and veggies complement the creamy Chicken Pillows, making for a delicious and satisfying dinner option that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the chicken pillows ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pillows and refrigerate them before baking. Bake just before serving for best results.
→ Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.
Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Experience a delightful twist on your appetizer game with these Chicken Pillows, filled with tender chicken and enveloped in a flaky pastry. Topped with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures perfect for any gathering. Serve them warm for an unforgettable start to your meal!
Created by: Ella Townsend
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Pillows
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle. Fold the dough over to create a pillow shape and seal the edges tightly.
Arrange the pillows on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce over the baked chicken pillows and serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 15g