Tender, flaky chicken pillows wrapped in buttery crescent dough and smothered in a smooth, savory Parmesan sauce make this dish a comforting family favorite. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet delicious enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple, accessible ingredients.
• Perfectly seasoned chicken filling with a rich, creamy sauce.
• Kid-friendly and great for meal prep.
• Ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup.
• Versatile: easy to adjust flavors or add vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Pillows

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded
• 115 g cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for coating)

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, butter, green onions, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
3. Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
4. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle. Fold the corners over the filling to form a sealed pillow.
5. Roll each pillow in the seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6. Place the pillows on the prepared baking tray and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. While the pillows bake, prepare the Parmesan sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
8. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
9. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened and smooth.
10. Serve the hot chicken pillows topped with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 chicken pillows and serves 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20–22 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes

Variations

• Add 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition.
• Use shredded mozzarella inside the filling for a cheesier center.
• Replace crescent rolls with puff pastry sheets for a flakier texture.
• Add chili flakes to the sauce for a mild heat.
• Swap green onions for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 180°C oven for 10–12 minutes to keep the pillows crisp.
• The Parmesan sauce can be reheated on the stovetop over low heat; add a splash of milk if too thick.
• These freeze well: place baked pillows in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 180°C for 18–20 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make the filling creamier?

Increase the cream cheese to 150 g for a richer, creamier texture.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Can I prepare the pillows ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.

Can I bake these without breadcrumbs?

Yes, baking without breadcrumbs is fine—they’ll just be less crispy.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but the filling may be slightly less rich.

Can I substitute the milk in the sauce?

Whole milk works best, but you can use 2% or a lactose-free alternative.

How do I prevent the pillows from opening while baking?

Make sure to pinch the dough edges firmly and avoid overfilling.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer it longer or add an extra teaspoon of flour during the roux stage.

Are these good for freezing before baking?

Yes, freeze them unbaked and bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes.

What can I serve with chicken pillows?

They pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

These Easy Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce deliver comfort, flavor, and simplicity in every bite. Whether you are feeding the family or hosting friends, this recipe offers a satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum impact. Enjoy making it your own with the suggested variations or savor it just as it is—warm, creamy, and delicious.

Print