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- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (mixed oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing) Each ingredient plays a key role in the taste of creamy Parmesan chicken pillows. The cooked shredded chicken gives protein and texture. Cream cheese adds creaminess, making each bite rich. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a sharp and nutty flavor. Garlic powder enhances the taste with a savory kick. The dried Italian herbs add warmth and depth. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors, making them pop. Finally, the crescent roll dough creates a flaky and soft outer layer. You can swap cooked shredded chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you want a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese. Parmesan cheese can be replaced with mozzarella or feta for a different twist. Garlic powder can be fresh minced garlic, but remember to adjust the amount. If you lack dried Italian herbs, use fresh herbs; just double the amount. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat helps the pillows bake evenly. While it warms up, grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the pillows from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add the garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix all these together with a fork or spatula. You want a smooth filling that blends well. Unroll the crescent roll dough. Separate it into triangles. If you use a dough sheet, cut it into equal triangles. Take a heaping tablespoon of the chicken filling. Place it at the wide end of each triangle. Now, roll the dough from the wide end to the pointed end. Pinch the ends to seal them tight. This step is key to keeping the filling inside. Arrange the stuffed pillows on the lined baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops with the beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color. Bake in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Look for a puffed-up, golden brown finish. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. To keep the filling inside, pinch the dough tightly. Make sure the edges touch. If they don’t stick, use a bit of water on your fingers. This helps the dough seal better. Always roll from the wide end to the pointed end. This keeps the filling snug inside. You can change the taste by adding extra spices. Try paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also add chopped spinach for freshness. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Taste the filling before sealing it. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Serve your chicken pillows on a nice platter. Add fresh parsley for color and flavor. You can also serve them with marinara sauce for dipping. This adds a fun touch and balances the creamy filling. For a special look, place the pillows on a bed of arugula or mixed greens. Pro Tips Perfectly Seal the Dough: Ensure you pinch the edges of the crescent roll dough tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some cooked bacon for extra flavor. Serve with Sauce: Pair these pillows with a marinara or garlic butter sauce for a delicious dipping experience. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven for best results. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for a new taste. Try using mozzarella for a meltier bite. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor that many love. For a tangy twist, use goat cheese. Mix different cheeses for a fun blend. You can boost nutrition by adding veggies. Spinach or broccoli works great in this dish. Chopped mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor. Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, enhance the taste. Mix them into the chicken filling for extra flavor. Not a fan of crescent roll dough? You can use puff pastry for a flakier texture. Biscuit dough also works if you want a denser pillow. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free dough. Each choice gives a unique twist to your chicken pillows. To store leftover chicken pillows, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When ready to eat, you can reheat the chicken pillows in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, until warmed through. This keeps the pillows crispy. To freeze chicken pillows, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat them as mentioned before. Enjoy the taste of a fresh meal! Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. When you are ready, unroll the dough and fill it with the prepared mix. Then, bake as directed. This makes meal prep easy and saves time. These chicken pillows go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Simple green salad - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - Marinara sauce for dipping Each of these adds flavor and texture to your meal. To stop the filling from leaking, pinch the dough tightly at the ends. Make sure you seal them well. Also, avoid overfilling each pillow. A heaping tablespoon of filling works perfectly. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free crescent roll dough. Many brands offer this option now. Just ensure to check the label for ingredients. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients needed for delicious Chicken Pillows and how to prepare them step by step. We shared tips for perfecting your dish and offered variations to suit your taste. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen. Experiment with flavors and techniques. Enjoy every bite of your Chicken Pillows and share them with friends and family!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pillows

Delicious chicken pillows filled with a creamy Parmesan mixture, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. If you have a dough sheet, cut it into equal-sized triangles.
  • Take a heaping tablespoon of the creamy chicken filling and place it at the wide end of each triangle of dough.
  • Starting from the wide end, roll the dough tightly over the filling towards the pointed end to create a pillow shape. Make sure to pinch the ends firmly to ensure they are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  • Arrange the stuffed chicken pillows neatly on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, apply the beaten egg to the tops of the pillows for a lovely golden finish when baked.
  • Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown in color.
  • After baking, remove the chicken pillows from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Before serving, sprinkle them generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, crescent roll, Parmesan