If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines flaky, golden pastry with a luscious cheesy filling, look no further than the Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe. This dish is an absolute joy to make and eat, featuring tender shredded chicken and a creamy Parmesan sauce all wrapped up in buttery crescent dough pillows that bake to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a big family or hosting friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between homey warmth and elegant flavor, creating an irresistible medley of textures and tastes that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe plays a vital role in creating that signature blend of creamy, savory, and crispy goodness. From the tender chicken that adds hearty protein to the flavorful herbs and rich cheeses that bring the filling alive, every element is simple yet essential to crafting this unforgettable dish.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast: For lean protein and tender texture that soaks up the creamy filling.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious, smooth richness that binds the filling perfectly.
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried chives: A hint of mild oniony freshness elevates the flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried minced onion: Offers subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough: Easy-to-use dough that crisps up wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted: For dipping the pillows before coating providing golden richness.
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Gives that irresistible crispy coating with light crunch.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter: The base for the creamy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the Parmesan sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules: Infuses savory depth into the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the seasoning of the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1 ½ cups milk: Creates the silky, smooth base for the sauce.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce providing bold, nutty, umami flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Filling
Start by combining the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, dried chives, minced onion, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This blend will be the flavorful, creamy heart of your pillows, so be sure everything is well mixed to create that perfect savory filling. The cream cheese not only adds richness but also helps everything stick together when you fill the dough.
Step 2: Shaping the Pillows
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Unroll the crescent roll dough and carefully separate it into rectangles instead of the usual triangles. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken filling onto each rectangle, then gently fold and pinch the edges to form small, tight balls or pillows, sealing the filling inside. This shaping step is where you create those delightful pockets of cheese and chicken that bake into golden bites of comfort.
Step 3: Coating and Baking
Next, dip each chicken pillow into melted salted butter to add moisture and flavor, then roll it in Panko breadcrumbs for that crave-worthy crunch. Place the coated pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a nonstick surface, leaving a bit of space between each one. Bake the pillows in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until they turn beautifully golden brown and crisp on the outside, sealing in all the cheesy goodness inside.
Step 4: Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the pillows are baking, prepare the sauce by melting three tablespoons of salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a smooth roux and cook it for a minute or two until it just starts to smell nutty. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Crumble in the chicken bouillon cube or add bouillon granules, then season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a decadent topping for your pillows.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe to the next level, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the plated pillows right before serving. The bright green herbs add a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note that complements the richness perfectly. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top will also delight cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. These lighter sides allow the pillows to shine while adding balance to the meal with some crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken pillows on a large platter with the warm Parmesan sauce in a small bowl for dipping, inviting everyone to enjoy the dish family-style. Alternatively, arrange the pillows stacked neatly with the sauce drizzled artistically over the top, garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation that impresses even at casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pillows maintain their flavor and texture well when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked pillows before coating or after shaping but before baking by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to two months and can be baked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchy breadcrumb coating, as microwaves tend to make breads soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones in the Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh chives and onions can add a brighter flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried and add them to the filling mixture just before assembling.
Is there a substitute for the crescent roll dough?
You can use puff pastry or homemade biscuit dough, but crescent roll dough is preferred for its buttery flavor and ease of use, which makes the pillows extra flaky and light.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent dough if available, or substitute with a gluten-free puff pastry, and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the coating and sauce. This ensures the whole dish stays delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is this dish?
The Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe is mild and comforting without any heat. However, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce if you prefer a little zing.
Can I prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop. Stir well to reincorporate any separation before serving over the chicken pillows.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe that makes it a beloved dish year-round. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these golden pillows bursting with flavorful chicken and smothered in creamy Parmesan sauce are sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, cheesy comfort that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight is a comforting baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy cheese and herbs, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection and served with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tablespoon dried chives
- 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Coating
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken breast, softened cream cheese, dried chives, dried minced onion, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well blended.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll the Pillsbury crescent roll dough and separate it into rectangles. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each rectangle, then carefully shape each into a ball, completely enclosing the filling inside the dough.
- Coat Chicken Pillows: Dip each dough ball into the melted salted butter, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. This will create a crispy and golden exterior when baked.
- Bake Chicken Pillows: Place the coated chicken pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pillows are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce: While the chicken pillows bake, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Finish Sauce: Gradually add 1 ½ cups of milk to the roux while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the chicken bouillon cube or granules, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the thickened sauce from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the warm cheesy chicken pillows drizzled or dipped in the creamy Parmesan sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or paprika to the chicken filling.
- Ensure the dough balls are sealed well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Panko breadcrumbs add extra crispiness; regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute but will be less crunchy.
- You can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead to save time on cooking day.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor; pre-grated varieties can be used but may alter texture slightly.
