Description
Easy Creamy Dreamy Chicken Pillows combine shredded rotisserie chicken with a luscious cream cheese and Parmesan filling, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection, and served with a rich homemade Parmesan cheese sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Dough
- 2 (8-ounce) tubes crescent rolls
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken pillows.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until a smooth, consistent mixture forms.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent dough tubes and separate them into individual triangles on a clean work surface.
- Assemble Pillows: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling on the widest part of each crescent roll triangle.
- Shape Pillows: Fold the dough over the filling, securing the edges and forming a pillow shape. Repeat for all the dough and filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange all the chicken pillows on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter to add flavor and aid in browning.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the buttered pillows, gently pressing them so they adhere well.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pillows turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter: While the pillows bake, heat butter in a small skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Create Roux: Stir in the flour with the garlic butter, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture turns lightly browned and smooth.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in chicken broth and whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue whisking and cooking for about 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Then add salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely.
- Serve: Once the chicken pillows are out of the oven, serve them warm with the rich Parmesan cheese sauce poured over the top. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful filling base.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
- Press breadcrumbs onto the melted butter to help them stick and create a crisp topping.
- The cheese sauce can be reheated gently if prepared in advance.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute crescent rolls and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
