Introduction
Welcome to a heartwarming dish that combines simple ingredients into a wonderfully satisfying meal: Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce. These delightful pillows are stuffed with tender, shredded chicken and creamy cheese, wrapped in golden crescent dough, and then drizzled with a rich, luscious Parmesan sauce. Perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight or for impressing guests at a casual gathering, they deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this cozy recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm for the chicken pillows.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended, creating a creamy filling.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently separate it into triangles — these will make the pockets for our delicious filling.
- At the wide end of each triangle, place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture, making sure to leave some space around the edges for sealing.
- Beginning from the wide end, roll up each triangle tightly, tucking in the filling as you go, and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pillows are golden brown and puffed up, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- While the chicken pillows are baking, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, gently heat the heavy cream until it’s warm, but be careful not to let it boil.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and continue cooking until it thickens slightly — just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Once the chicken pillows are out of the oven, drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce generously over the top before serving. Enjoy this comforting meal hot!
Notes or Tips
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the chicken mixture. Additionally, you can serve these chicken pillows with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal!
Cooking Techniques
When making the chicken pillows, ensuring that your crescent roll dough is cold will make it easier to handle. Also, be sure to roll them up tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Stirring the sauce continuously while it thickens will help achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps.
FAQ
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken will save you time and add great flavor.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
You can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream to make it a bit lighter.
Can I freeze these chicken pillows?
Yes, you can! Just assemble them without baking, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
There you have it—a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! With its creamy filling, crispy exterior, and that amazing Parmesan sauce, these Chicken Pillows are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the smiles around the table as you serve this delightful meal that warms both the heart and the belly!