Anastasia Rice November 22, 2025

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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Name: Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken; 8 oz Cream Cheese; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Onion Powder; 1 tsp Dried Parsley; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 2 tbsp Melted Butter; 1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough; 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (optional); 1 large Egg (beaten for egg wash); 4 tbsp Butter (for roux); 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour; 1 cup Whole Milk; 1/2 cup Heavy Cream; 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (for sauce); 1/2 tsp Salt (for sauce); 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (for sauce)

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As the crisp air settles in for the season, there’s something truly special about gathering around a table overflowing with warmth and comfort. Picture a cozy evening, your loved ones nestled close, the inviting aroma of baked goodness wafting through the air. That’s exactly what you’ll experience when you serve up Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce. These delightful, pillow-like pastries filled with tender chicken and smothered in a luscious sauce will undoubtedly become a staple in your home on chilly nights.

Why You’ll Adore Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Evenings

What makes Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce so irresistible? For starters, these delightful pockets bring together a symphony of flavors and textures, combining tender chicken with creamy, cheesy goodness, all enveloped in a flaky crust. It’s the perfect dish to create a sense of togetherness, as families gather to savor every delicious morsel.

Hearty and comforting
Quick to prepare with rotisserie chicken
Creamy sauce that’s simply heavenly
Flaky outer pastry that’s inviting and warm
A dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters

Main Ingredients for Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Evenings

Great meals begin with quality ingredients. This recipe is designed to be simple, so feel free to substitute where necessary. You can easily use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time, and instead of traditional bacon, swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch. Below are the essentials you’ll need:

2 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken (Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quick prep.)
8 oz Cream Cheese (Best at room temperature for easy mixing.)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (This adds savory depth.)
1 tsp Onion Powder (Enhances the overall taste.)
1 tsp Dried Parsley (Fresh can be used if available.)
1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust according to your taste preferences.)
1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground offers a stronger kick.)
2 tbsp Melted Butter (Adds a delightful richness.)
1 pkg Crescent Roll Dough (Provides a flaky and buttery crust.)
1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional for extra crunch.)
1 large Egg (Beaten for the egg wash.)
4 tbsp Butter (For the roux.)
1/4 cup All-purpose Flour (Thickens the sauce beautifully.)
1 cup Whole Milk (Creates the creamy sauce base.)
1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Adds richness.)
1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is best.)
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (For flavor balance.)
1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
1/4 tsp Black Pepper (For depth in the sauce.)

How to Create Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Evenings

Bringing these delightful chicken pillows to life is both simple and satisfying. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready in no time:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A warm oven is the first step toward golden, flaky perfection.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy.
Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. You’ll see how easy it is to form into pillows.
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle, then roll them up, tucking in the sides to seal the filling inside. It’s like wrapping a cozy blanket around a warm heart!
If you’re opting for a crunchy topping, roll each pillow in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Arrange the chicken pillows on a greased baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and deliciously puffed.
While your pillows are baking, prepare the creamy parmesan sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for about a minute. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened.
Stir in the grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until melted and creamy.
Serve your chicken pillows hot, drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 20 minutes, Total ~ 40 minutes, Servings ~ 4-6, Kcal ~ 500-600 (estimate).

Prepare Ahead for Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

You can save time by preparing components in advance. The chicken filling can be made a day ahead, stored covered in the refrigerator for easy assembly later. The crescent roll dough typically needs to be used fresh, but you can prep everything else and roll them out just before baking. This way, when it’s time for a cozy meal, you can slip them in the oven with minimal fuss.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked chicken pillows wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. For reheating cooked leftovers, pop them in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. A great freshness cue is that delicious aroma when they’re warmed up again!

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

When deciding what to serve alongside Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce, consider these delightful options that complement the comfort food vibe:

A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables tossed in olive oil
Creamy mashed potatoes for added richness
Garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce
Steamed green beans for a fresh crunch
A light tomato basil soup for the ultimate comfort meal

Variations and Swaps to Make Chicken Pillows Your Own

Let your creativity shine by experimenting with the filling and sauce. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary journey:

Swap out the shredded chicken for shredded turkey for an equally delightful flavor.
Mix in diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Consider adding different spices, such as paprika or Italian seasoning, for a flavor twist.
Use a different cheese like mozzarella or cheddar to create a unique twist on the creamy sauce.
Replace the cream cheese with ricotta for a slightly lighter filling.
Add sautéed mushrooms to the chicken filling for an earthy flavor contrast.
Try using a gluten-free crescent roll option if needed to accommodate dietary preferences.

Pro Tips for Optimal Results with Chicken Pillows

To achieve perfect chicken pillows, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Roll out the dough gently to avoid tearing, ensuring you get good pockets to contain the filling.
Give each chicken pillow enough space on the baking sheet to expand while cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pillows; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let the pillows rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and be less runny.

Your Questions, Answered: Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Leftover turkey works just as well and adds a lovely flavor.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick? If your sauce gets too thick, simply whisk in a bit more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Substitute the chicken with a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough? You can use puff pastry or even homemade dough if you prefer a more traditional pastry.
How can I make the meal more filling? Serve the chicken pillows with a hearty side of mashed potatoes or a rich pasta dish, which makes for a satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

One bite of Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is sure to warm your heart and soul. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings loved ones together for delightful evenings filled with laughter and comfort. With its warm embrace and satisfying flavors, we encourage you to gather your ingredients and make this cozy dish soon — you won’t regret it!

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful, pillow-like pastries filled with tender chicken and smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for cozy evenings.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until creamy.
Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle and roll them up, tucking in sides to seal.
If using, roll each pillow in panko breadcrumbs.
Arrange on a greased baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Meanwhile, prepare the creamy parmesan sauce: melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened.
Stir in parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melting and creamy.
Serve chicken pillows hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce.

Notes

You can prepare the filling a day in advance for quicker assembly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American