Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce – Flaky, Cheesy & Irresistibly Comforting
These Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Flaky pastry or crescent dough wraps around a savory chicken filling, baked until golden and topped with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With its buttery layers and cheesy goodness, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and a little indulgence in every bite.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or casserole dish
- Nonstick skillet (for sauce)
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls & spatula
- Whisk for sauce
- Knife + cutting board
Ingredients
For the Chicken Pillows:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 1 package crescent roll dough (or puff pastry, cut into 8 squares)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, garlic, parsley, and mozzarella. Mix until creamy and well-blended.
Step 2 – Assemble Pillows:
- Roll out crescent dough or cut puff pastry into squares. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each piece. Fold and seal edges to form pillows. Brush tops with egg wash.
Step 3 – Bake:
- Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 4 – Make Sauce:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in cream and simmer gently. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice.
Step 5 – Serve:
- Pour Parmesan cream sauce over baked pillows. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Make-ahead: Assemble unbaked pillows and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake first, cool, then freeze. Reheat in oven for crisp pastry.
- Variations: Try Tex-Mex (jalapeños + cheddar), Italian (prosciutto + mozzarella), or holiday (turkey + cranberry).