Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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Fluffy pillows of buttery crescent dough envelop a savory chicken and cream cheese filling, seasoned with chives and onion for extra flavor. Rolled in crisp Panko, each pillow bakes to golden perfection. A rich Parmesan sauce, made from scratch, is prepared while baking and drizzled on for a luxurious touch. The sauce has a creamy, cheesy finish from freshly grated Parmesan, giving the dish a velvety mouthfeel. Serve these warm and golden for a comforting main dish that is both elegant and approachable. Ideal for gatherings or cozy family meals, these chicken pillows are sure to become a favorite.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 20 Jul 2025 20:20:25 GMT
A plate of food with a fork on it. Pin it
A plate of food with a fork on it. | gracefulflavors.com

Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are the ultimate comfort food when you want something cozy and impressive for family or guests. They wrap tender chicken and creamy cheese inside buttery dough, all finished with a silky Parmesan sauce that just begs for a fork.

I still remember the first time I made these for my kids a cold Sunday afternoon and there was not a crumb left after dinner. Now I am always asked to make extra sauce because it is that good.

Ingredients

  • Cooked shredded chicken breast: makes the filling hearty choose rotisserie or roast your own for the best flavor
  • Cream cheese: adds creamy richness make sure it is softened for easy mixing
  • Dried chives: give the filling a fresh kick look for bright green chives
  • Dried minced onion: gives mellow sweetness
  • Salt and pepper: bring out all the flavors
  • Crescent roll dough: is the flaky buttery wrapper use a brand you enjoy the flavor of
  • Salted butter: binds the breadcrumb coating and gives more richness use high-quality butter for better flavor
  • Panko breadcrumbs: make the outside crispier always go for crunchy Japanese style for the best texture

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • Salted butter: starts the sauce with flavorful fat
  • All-purpose flour: thickens the sauce use fresh flour for best texture
  • Chicken bouillon: deepens the savory base cubes or granules work
  • Salt: lifts the cheese flavor
  • Black pepper: brings mild spice
  • Milk: creates the creamy base whole milk makes it silkiest
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: gives bold nutty flavor always grate your own from a block

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Dough and Sheet:
Prepare your oven by heating it to 350 degrees F and grease a baking sheet or line with parchment to prevent sticking
Make the Filling:
Mix the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese dried chives minced onion salt and pepper in a large bowl until everything is well combined and creamy
Shape the Chicken Pillows:
Roll out the crescent dough then gently press two triangles together to make a rectangle and make sure the perforations are well sealed This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking You will end up with eight rectangles total
Fill and Seal:
Add a generous spoonful about three tablespoons of the chicken mixture to each rectangle center Fold the dough corners up over the filling and press edges together forming a well sealed ball to lock in the creamy filling
Coat Each Pillow:
Dip each sealed dough ball into melted butter ensuring all sides are coated then gently roll them in panko breadcrumbs for a crisp golden coating Try to shake off any excess so the crumb layer stays light and crunchy
Bake the Pillows:
Arrange the coated chicken pillows on your prepared sheet Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes or until the dough is flaky and lightly browned
Make the Parmesan Sauce:
While the pillows bake start your sauce Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat then whisk in flour and cook for one to two minutes until it forms a light golden paste This removes raw flour taste
Add the Creaminess:
Slowly pour in milk whisking constantly so no lumps form Add bouillon salt and pepper Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble usually five to ten minutes
Finish with Cheese:
Off the heat stir in freshly grated Parmesan until smooth and melted If the sauce is too thick you can thin it with a splash more milk
Serve:
Plate the hot chicken pillows and drizzle generously with creamy Parmesan sauce Serve immediately while hot and melty
A piece of chicken with cheese on top. Pin it
A piece of chicken with cheese on top. | gracefulflavors.com

I always love freshly grated Parmesan in this sauce It melts beautifully and nothing matches that nutty sharp flavor One time my youngest helped roll the pillows and we both laughed at our odd-shaped “masterpieces” My family still remembers that night

Storing Chicken Pillows

Chicken pillows keep well in the fridge for up to three days Store them in an airtight container and reheat in a 350 degree oven until warmed through for the best texture The sauce can be kept in a separate jar and gently reheated in a saucepan with a splash of milk to loosen

Ingredient Swaps

You can use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday treat For the chives swap in finely diced fresh scallion tops if you prefer a bit more bite Regular breadcrumbs work if you do not have panko but the crunch will not be as pronounced

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling enough to be the star of your table Pair with a simple green salad or roasted broccoli for a balanced meal Try spooning extra sauce on steamed veggies or mashed potatoes nothing goes to waste

A yummy piece of chicken with cheese on top. Pin it
A yummy piece of chicken with cheese on top. | gracefulflavors.com

A Bit of History

Classic chicken pillows are inspired by American potluck staples and have a vintage charm They are great for feeding a crowd and make ordinary ingredients special Panko breadcrumbs add a touch of Japanese flair by creating the ultimate crisp crust

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you prevent the filling from spilling out?

Press crescent dough seams firmly and fully encase the chicken mixture, especially at edges. Shape into closed balls for best results.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful substitute for homemade cooked chicken.

→ Is store-bought crescent dough necessary?

Store-bought dough offers convenience and flakiness, but homemade crescent dough can also be used for a more rustic result.

→ What makes the Parmesan sauce creamy?

Melted butter, flour, and milk form a base, thickened and enriched with freshly grated Parmesan for a velvety texture.

→ Can you prepare chicken pillows ahead of time?

You can assemble the filled dough balls and refrigerate up to one day in advance. Bake and sauce just before serving.

→ How do you reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add fresh sauce after reheating for best texture.

Chicken Pillows Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Tender chicken wrapped in crescent dough, baked golden and topped with luscious Parmesan sauce.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 filled chicken pillows)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken Pillows

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
02 113 grams (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
03 1/2 tablespoon dried chives
04 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
06 2 cans (226 grams each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
07 60 millilitres (1/4 cup) salted butter, melted
08 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

→ For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

09 3 tablespoons salted butter
10 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
12 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 355 millilitres (1 1/2 cups) milk
15 75 grams (3/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a baking sheet lightly or line with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 02

Combine shredded chicken breast, softened cream cheese, dried chives, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.

Step 03

Unroll crescent dough from both cans. Press together two triangles to form one rectangle, sealing perforations completely. Repeat to make eight rectangles.

Step 04

Place about 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture in the center of each rectangle. Fold in each corner to cover the filling and press seams to fully encase, forming a pillow shape.

Step 05

Dip each filled dough pillow into melted butter, then roll in Panko breadcrumbs to coat. Shake off any excess crumbs.

Step 06

Arrange coated pillows evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 07

While baking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and bubbling. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, then incorporate chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring as the sauce thickens, 5 to 10 minutes. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Remove from heat; thin with a splash of milk if necessary.

Step 08

Serve chicken pillows warm with creamy Parmesan sauce drizzled over the top.

Notes

  1. Ensure seams on crescent dough are sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  2. Sauce can be thinned with extra milk if a lighter consistency is preferred.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten, milk, and egg ingredients

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 355
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
  • Protein: 18 g