Chicken pillows are a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of chicken and cheese wrapped in a buttery crescent dough. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple to make. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you’ll find that chicken pillows quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why We Love This Chicken Pillows Recipe
This chicken pillows recipe is loved by many for various reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly versatile; you can mix and match the fillings based on your preferences or what you have in your refrigerator. The creamy texture of the filling, combined with the crispy exterior, creates a delicious contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. Moreover, this dish is easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for novice cooks or those short on time. Whether served as an appetizer, a family dinner, or a party dish, chicken pillows are sure to impress.
Ingredients about Chicken Pillows
To make scrumptious chicken pillows, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can of crescent roll dough
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Chicken Pillows Directions
Making chicken pillows is straightforward. You’ll be surprised at how quickly this dish comes together.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken pillows will bake evenly and come out golden brown.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy filling packed with flavor.
- Prepare the crescent rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and separate it into triangles. Each triangle should be large enough to hold a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture.
- Add the filling: Take a spoonful of the chicken mixture and place it on the wide end of each triangle. Be sure not to overfill, as you need to roll the dough without it spilling out.
- Roll and seal: Starting at the wide end, carefully roll the dough around the filling. Pinch the edges securely to seal, making sure the filling stays inside.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place your rolled chicken pillows on a greased baking sheet. Be sure to leave some space between each pillow, as they will expand while baking.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined, creating a rich sauce to pour over your chicken pillows.
- Pour the sauce: Once your creamy sauce is ready, drizzle it evenly over the arranged chicken pillows. This adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken pillows are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.
- Garnish and serve: After removing from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Pillows
Chicken pillows offer a delightful combination of flavors that pairs beautifully with various sides. One popular way to serve them is alongside a fresh garden salad, which adds a crisp, refreshing element to your meal. Roasted vegetables also complement the rich flavors of the chicken pillows, making for a wholesome dinner. You might consider offering a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch or marinara, for added flavor. These pillows make for an impressive dish when entertaining guests, served directly from the baking sheet, or plated individually for elegant dining.
Expert Tips: Chicken Pillows
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker meal, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds depth of flavor.
- Customize the Fillings: Feel free to experiment. You can add your favorite herbs, chopped spinach, or even mushrooms to the filling for a unique twist.
- Dough Handling: When working with crescent roll dough, make sure your hands are dry to avoid sticking. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes before rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but remember that these need to roll up neatly. Overfilling can lead to leaks and messy baking.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your chicken pillows a few minutes before the timer goes off to ensure they don’t overbake.
How to Store Chicken Pillows
If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying your chicken pillows, storing them is easy. Allow the pillows to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Place the cooled chicken pillows in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Variation of Chicken Pillows
To keep things exciting, try these variations of chicken pillows:
- Buffalo Chicken Pillows: Mix in buffalo sauce with your chicken filling for a spicy kick. This adds a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with blue cheese dressing.
- Vegetarian Pillows: Swap the chicken out for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. Use the same cheese mix for creaminess.
- Southwestern Twist: Add some black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to your filling for a southwestern flare. Serve with salsa for dipping.
- Herbed Chicken Pillows: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the chicken filling to brighten the flavors.
- Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pillows: Add a handful of cooked spinach combined with extra mozzarella for an added cheesy touch.
FAQ about Chicken Pillows
What are chicken pillows?
Chicken pillows are a delicious dish made with shredded chicken and cheese fillings wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked until golden brown.
Can I use cooked chicken for chicken pillows?
Absolutely! In fact, shredded or diced cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe. You can even use rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
How long does it take to make chicken pillows?
The total time for making chicken pillows, from preparation to baking, is approximately 40-50 minutes.
Can chicken pillows be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and assemble the pillows just before baking. They can also be frozen for later use.
What sauces go well with chicken pillows?
Creamy sauces like ranch or marinara work wonderfully. You can also explore serving them with salsa or yogurt dips for added flavor.
Chicken Pillows
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken breast Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened Provides a creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Dough and Sauce
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 1 cup heavy cream For the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For adding to the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
Assembly
- Take a spoonful of the chicken mixture and place it on the wide end of each triangle.
- Starting at the wide end, roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
- Place the rolled chicken pillows on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Make the Sauce and Bake
- In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the sauce over the arranged chicken pillows.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!