Introduction

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are a delightful, comforting appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized pockets of shredded chicken and seasoned cream cheese are baked to golden perfection and paired with a rich, cheesy sauce that will keep everyone coming back for more.

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled background holding a round golden-brown crispy fried patty topped with a smooth, light yellow sauce and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Behind the patty, there is a fresh salad made of green leafy lettuce and slices of red tomato, adding vibrant colors. A silver fork is placed next to the salad on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Chicken Pillows:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 tablespoon dried chives
1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cans (8 ounces each) Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough
1/4 cup salted butter, melted
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

3 tablespoons salted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups milk
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, dried chives, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Unroll the crescent roll dough from the cans and press two adjacent triangles together along the perforations to form one rectangle. Make sure to press firmly to prevent the filling from leaking. You should have 8 rectangles in total.
Step 4: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of each rectangle. Fold each corner over the filling to the center and press to seal. Shape each into a ball. Repeat with all rectangles.
Step 5: Dip each chicken pillow into the melted butter, then coat thoroughly with Panko breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess crumbs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the pillows in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Slowly whisk in the milk. Add the chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper once the milk is fully incorporated. Continue stirring constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 9: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Remove the sauce from the heat. If it’s too thick, thin it with a little extra milk.
Step 10: Serve the chicken pillows warm from the oven with the creamy Parmesan sauce drizzled over the top.

Tips & Variations

Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the filling for a subtle spicy kick.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of dried chives and onion for a fresher flavor.
For a crispier coating, double dip the pillows in butter and breadcrumbs before baking.
Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese in the sauce for a different taste profile.

Storage

Store leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Keep the creamy Parmesan sauce in a separate container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen it.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with a round, golden-brown breaded item in the center, topped with a smooth, creamy pale sauce sprinkled with small green herbs. Behind it, there is a small fresh salad with leafy green lettuce, a slice of red tomato, and a piece of yellow fruit or vegetable, slightly out of focus. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a shiny silver fork in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of homemade shredded chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it finely before mixing with the other filling ingredients.

Can these be made ahead of time and frozen?

Absolutely! Assemble the chicken pillows, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.