I like making this comforting dish when I want something warm, creamy, and filling that still feels simple and homemade. These chicken pillows are soft and golden on the outside, rich and savory on the inside, and topped with a smooth Parmesan sauce that brings everything together. I enjoy serving this recipe for an easy family dinner or when I want a cozy meal without much effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it uses basic ingredients I often already have in my kitchen. I like how the creamy chicken filling stays tender inside the baked dough, and the sauce adds a rich, comforting finish. I also appreciate how easy it is to customize the filling or sauce to match my taste or mood.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken pillows
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
For the creamy Parmesan sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
I begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, I combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
I separate the crescent roll dough into individual pieces and place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each one. I fold the dough over the filling, pinch the edges to seal, and place each pillow seam-side down in the baking dish. I bake them for 18 to 22 minutes, until they are golden brown.
While the chicken pillows are baking, I prepare the sauce. I melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for about one minute. I slowly pour in the milk while whisking, allowing the sauce to thicken. I stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
I spoon the warm Parmesan sauce over the baked chicken pillows just before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the chicken filling for extra flavor. When I want to add vegetables, I mix in finely chopped spinach or mushrooms. I also like using a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and Parmesan, for a slightly different texture and taste.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven at a low temperature so the dough stays soft. If I reheat in the microwave, I add a small amount of extra sauce to keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I often assemble the chicken pillows a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until I am ready to bake.
Can I freeze chicken pillows?
I freeze them unbaked, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months and bake them directly from frozen with extra baking time.
What type of chicken works best?
I usually use rotisserie chicken because it is convenient, but any cooked and shredded chicken works well.
Can I use a different cheese?
I like experimenting with cheeses such as mozzarella or mild cheddar, depending on the flavor I want.
What can I serve with chicken pillows?
I usually serve them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Conclusion
I enjoy keeping this recipe in my rotation because it is comforting, easy, and always satisfying. The creamy chicken filling, soft baked dough, and rich Parmesan sauce make these chicken pillows a meal I truly like making and sharing again and again.
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are warm, savory crescent roll bundles filled with creamy chicken and topped with a rich, cheesy sauce. A cozy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or easy weeknight meals.
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and blended.
Separate crescent roll dough into triangles and place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each.
Fold dough over the filling, pinch edges to seal, and place seam-side down in baking dish.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.
While baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk and cook until sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until smooth and creamy.
Spoon warm sauce over baked chicken pillows and serve.
Notes
Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the filling for extra flavor.
Mix in chopped spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
Use mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
Freeze unbaked pillows and bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
