Lu-Ann Simon January 9, 2026

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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Name: Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1 package crescent roll dough; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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There is something wonderfully comforting about a tray of golden, pillowy bites that break open to reveal warm, cheesy chicken, and the first steam that rises carries a rich, garlicky aroma that invites everyone to the table. Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are the kind of dish you pull from the oven when you want to impress without fuss, they are perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, casual dinner parties, or a potluck where they will disappear in minutes. If you love creamy Parmesan chicken flavors, you might also enjoy the texture contrast and saucy richness found in this garlic butter chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta recipe, which plays with the same comforting ingredients in a different format.

What Makes This Special

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce combine two beloved textures, a soft, buttery crescent dough exterior, and a luscious, creamy interior that bursts with savory chicken and tangy cheese. The creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together, coating each pillow with a glossy, savory finish that keeps them tender and irresistible. These little parcels work as an appetizer, a main course with a salad, or a shareable snack that feels both indulgent and homey.

Comfort food with an elegant touch, perfect for gatherings and weeknights
Quick assembly, big payoff in flavor and presentation
Easy to customize with herbs, spices, or extra vegetables

Gather These Ingredients

These ingredients form the heart of both the filling and the sauce, cream cheese and Parmesan add richness, while the crescent dough becomes a tender, flaky shell. If you want to lighten the dish a bit try part-skim cream cheese or a lighter crust, but keep the heavy cream for that silky sauce texture.

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 package crescent roll dough
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Cook Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Preheat oven to 375°F, line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it so the pillows release easily and the bottoms brown evenly.
In a bowl, mix together cooked chicken, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stir until the mixture is smooth and studded with bright green onion flecks, taste and adjust seasoning.
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles, the dough should be cool to the touch and springy when pressed.
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle and roll up to enclose the filling, tuck the edges to form neat little pillows so the filling stays inside while baking.
Place the rolled pillows on a greased baking sheet, spacing them so they have room to puff and brown, you should see seams sealed and a smooth dome forming on each piece.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, the butter should sizzle softly and fill the kitchen with a toasty scent, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, the sauce will thicken and become glossy.
Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the chicken pillows, spooning enough to coat the tops and pool slightly around them so each bite will be saucy.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown, the dough will puff, the edges will turn a warm golden color, and the sauce will bubble gently at the edges.
Serve warm, let the pillows sit a couple of minutes so the filling settles, then serve while the sauce is silky and the crust is still tender and slightly crisp.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 20 minutes, Total ~ 35 minutes, Servings ~ 8, Kcal ~ 450 per serving

Prepare in Advance

You can do most of the work ahead without losing the fresh, baked finish. Assemble the chicken filling and store it, roll the filled pillows and keep them ready to bake, or make the Parmesan sauce and reheat it gently when serving. For best texture if you prepare the pillows ahead, assemble them up to the point of baking and refrigerate on the baking sheet covered for up to 24 hours, then pop them straight into the oven from cold, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

If you want to freeze for later, arrange the sealed, unbaked pillows on a tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be baked from frozen, add 8 to 12 minutes to the bake time and bake until the centers are hot and the crust is golden. Keep the sauce separate if frozen, thaw and warm gently on the stove before serving.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce keep well when stored properly, the sauce will mellow as it sits, and the pillows will soften a touch, but gentle reheating brings them back to life. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, make sure the sauce is cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

For longer storage freeze the pillows unbaked as described above, or freeze baked pillows in a single layer then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating from the fridge, warm in a 350°F oven for 8 to 12 minutes to crisp the crust and heat through. From frozen, allow extra time, about 18 to 22 minutes, and tent with foil if the tops brown too quickly. A freshness cue to look for is a bright, savory aroma and a slightly crisp golden crust, if the smell turns sour or the texture is slimy discard it.

Perfect Pairings

Crisp mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon
A simple tomato and cucumber salad for bright, juicy contrast
Buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the creamy Parmesan sauce
Light, lemony risotto or rice pilaf for a heartier dinner option
For a complementary one pan meal try pairing flavors similar to one pan creamy Parmesan chicken and rice for an all-in-one feel

Make It Your Own

Add fresh herbs such as chopped basil or parsley stirred into the filling for brightness and color, they lift the flavor and keep the dish feeling fresh.
Mix in diced roasted red peppers or sun dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy pop that contrasts with the creamy filling, just fold them into the chicken mixture sparingly.
Stir in a little Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard for a gentle tang that plays nicely with Parmesan, start with a teaspoon and increase to taste.
Introduce a vegetable boost by sautéing mushrooms, spinach, or finely diced zucchini and folding them into the filling after excess moisture is cooked off.
For a crispier exterior brush the rolled pillows with an egg wash before baking, the surface will develop a beautiful sheen and deeper golden color.
Make a lighter version by using part-skim cream cheese and a reduced-fat crescent dough while keeping the heavy cream in the sauce to preserve that luxurious mouthfeel.
For extra heat add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or a drizzle of chili oil before serving, it brightens the savory flavors without overwhelming them.
Turn them into handheld appetizers by making smaller pillows using a portioned crescent sheet or biscuit dough, they are perfect for parties and finger food trays.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Keep the crescent dough chilled until you are ready to roll, it will be easier to handle and will puff better in the oven.
Seal the edges firmly when rolling to prevent filling leakage, a little water brushed on the seam helps it stick.
Simmer the Parmesan sauce gently, avoid boiling, so it stays silky instead of separating, stir constantly as the cheese melts into the cream.
Space the pillows evenly on the baking sheet, give them room to expand so they will brown all over and keep their shape.
Use a thermometer if you like, the internal temperature should reach about 165°F for the chicken filling to be safely hot and juicy.
Let the baked pillows rest for 2 to 3 minutes after coming out of the oven, the filling will firm slightly and be easier to serve without losing its saucy quality.

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, it adds flavor and saves time. Just shred it and taste the filling for seasoning before assembling the pillows.
Is there a vegetarian version I can make?
Replace the chicken with a mixture of cooked shredded jackfruit or well-seasoned crumbled tofu, and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for texture. Keep the sauce the same for a rich, satisfying result.
Can I make these gluten free?
Use a gluten free crescent dough or substitute with puff pastry made from gluten free flour, be aware that textures will vary but the flavors will remain comforting. Check all packaged ingredients for hidden gluten if you are serving someone with celiac disease.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce simmer it a little longer so some liquid evaporates, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water and bring to a gentle simmer. To thin it, stir in a splash more cream or a little chicken stock until you reach the desired consistency.
Will the filling be too runny inside the pillows?
If your filling seems loose, chill it for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up before assembling, or add a tablespoon of fine breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture. Make sure any added vegetables are well cooked and drained to avoid extra liquid.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it?
Yes, make the Parmesan sauce in advance and rewarm it gently over low heat, whisking to restore its smooth texture. If it separates slightly, a gentle whisk and a dash of cream will bring it back together.
What is the best way to keep the pillows from getting soggy under the sauce?
Serve the sauce warm but not piping hot when spooning over the pillows, and consider spooning most of the sauce at the table so the bottoms stay a bit crisper. Alternatively, pour the sauce around them instead of directly on top to protect the crust.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that balances rich creaminess with a tender, golden crust, they feel special without needing complicated techniques or long ingredient lists. Whether you make them for a family dinner, a friendly gathering, or a relaxed weekend meal, they deliver comforting flavors and a pleasing presentation that invites conversation and seconds. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the warm Parmesan aroma fill your kitchen soon, you will be rewarded with a memorable and delicious dish.

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Comforting golden pillows filled with cheesy chicken, served with a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 package crescent roll dough
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet.
In a bowl, mix together chicken, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle and roll up.
Place the rolled pillows on a greased baking sheet.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add heavy cream, and bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Pour the sauce over the pillows and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!