Introduction
The comforting fusion of shredded chicken and creamy cheese tucked into golden crescent rolls makes Chicken Pillows an irresistible dish. This delectable recipe not only satisfies hunger but also provides a delightful culinary experience, perfect for any occasion. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the flaky crescent roll dough, while the creamy chicken filling offers rich flavors enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices. When paired with a luxurious creamy Parmesan sauce, these pillows promise layers of flavor and texture that are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ideal for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or even game day munchies, Chicken Pillows can be served with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. The ease of preparation, along with the delightful flavors, makes this dish a favorite that you will want to serve time and again.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 40 minutes
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 20 minutes
– Yield/Servings: 4
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
Ingredients
The following components are essential for making Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the mixture is creamy and well incorporated.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a clean, flat surface, unroll the crescent roll dough. Follow the package instructions to separate it into individual triangular pieces.
4. Fill the Dough: At the wide end of each triangle, place approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Top the filling with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese to add extra flavor.
5. Shape the Pillows: Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end towards the pointed tip, ensuring that the filling is enclosed. Pinch the seams tightly to seal them, preventing any filling from escaping during baking.
6. Bake the Chicken Pillows: Arrange the filled pillows on a greased baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to enhance browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
7. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: While the chicken pillows are baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
8. Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with black pepper and salt to taste. Allow it to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve: Once the chicken pillows are golden and cooked through, take them out of the oven. Drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce generously over the pillows and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
10. Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Pillows warm, accompanied by a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Preheating the Oven
Properly preheating your oven is a crucial step when baking Chicken Pillows. Setting your oven to the recommended temperature of 375°F (190°C) ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. When the oven reaches the desired temperature, it creates an ideal environment for the crescent roll dough to rise and bake properly, resulting in fluffy, pillow-like pastries.
Preparing the Chicken Filling
For the chicken filling, softening the cream cheese is essential. It allows for easier mixing with the shredded chicken and other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly will ensure that each bite of filling is flavorful. Adjusting salt and pepper to taste can help personalize the flavor profile to your preference, making the filling truly your own.
Rolling Out the Dough
Handling crescent roll dough requires care, as it can be somewhat delicate. Upon unrolling the dough, ensure you have a clean, flat surface for ease of preparation. Following the package instructions, separate the dough into individual triangular pieces without tearing it. This step is crucial, as each triangle will serve as the pocket for the creamy chicken filling.
Filling the Dough
Portioning the chicken mixture correctly is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the pillows. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling at the wide end of each triangle. A small sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top adds an additional layer of flavor, melting beautifully as the pillows bake. Ensuring not to overfill is crucial, as this could lead to bursting during the baking process.
Shaping the Pillows
Rolling the dough effectively to enclose the filling is a key technique in creating these delicious Chicken Pillows. Beginning at the wide end, gently roll towards the pointed tip, ensuring that no filling escapes from the sides. Once rolled, pinch the seams tightly, sealing the pillows and preventing any juicy goodness from leaking out while they bake.
Baking the Chicken Pillows
When placing the assembled pillows onto a greased baking sheet, arranging them with space in between is important for even cooking. A light brush of olive oil on the tops serves two purposes: enhancing browning and adding a slight crisp to the exterior. Keep a watchful eye on the baking process. The end goal is a beautiful golden brown that indicates they are ready to be taken out of the oven, signaling a successful and appetizing bake.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the chicken pillows are baking, you can create the star of the dish—the Creamy Parmesan Sauce. This sauce elevates the entire recipe, adding richness and depth. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn. Then, slowly add in the heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, then season with black pepper and salt to taste. The result should be a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the flavor of the chicken pillows, bringing the dish together beautifully.
Melting the Butter
Choosing the right heat setting is crucial when melting butter for the creamy Parmesan sauce. Begin with medium heat to ensure that the butter melts uniformly without browning. If the heat is too high, the butter can burn, creating a bitter taste that may overshadow the delicate flavors of your sauce. Gently swirling the saucepan while melting the butter can help achieve even distribution and prevent scorching.
The importance of fresh minced garlic for flavor cannot be overlooked. Using fresh garlic brings a robust, aromatic quality essential to elevating your sauce. As the garlic sauté’s, it releases its oil and essence, infusing the butter with a fragrant warmth that will enhance the overall flavor of your creamy sauce. Allow the garlic to sauté for about a minute until fragrant but be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can impart unpleasant bitterness.
Simmering the Cream
Creating a stable base for the sauce begins with carefully adding the heavy cream. Pour it slowly into the melted butter and garlic mixture, stirring gently to amalgamate the ingredients without creating a vigorous boil. This method helps to prevent separation, ensuring a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Maintaining a gentle simmer is vital for achieving the desired richness. Once you have added the cream, adjust the heat if necessary until you see small bubbles forming around the edges of the saucepan. This gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully without causing the cream to curdle, ensuring a smooth and decadent sauce every time.
Whisking in Cheese
Techniques for achieving a smooth sauce when incorporating Parmesan cheese are critical. When adding the grated cheese, do so gradually while continuously whisking. This method allows the cheese to melt evenly into the sauce, preventing clumps from forming. If the cheese is added too quickly, it can cool the sauce or seize up, resulting in an undesirable texture.
How to adjust seasoning for the perfect balance depends on personal preference. After whisking in the cheese, taste the sauce, and adjust the seasoning as needed. A touch more salt or a sprinkle of pepper can enhance the flavors, keeping in mind that Parmesan cheese has its own salty profile. Use seasonings sparingly until you achieve a harmonious balance.
Serving the Chicken Pillows
Plating Suggestions
Ideas for an elegant presentation can transform your dish into a dining experience. Arrange the chicken pillows on a rectangular or oval platter to showcase their golden surfaces. Drizzling the creamy Parmesan sauce over them in artistic swirls rather than pouring it all at once creates a visual appeal that highlights the sauce’s richness.
Arranging pillows and sauce for visual appeal could also include surrounding the chicken pillows with a vibrant green salad or colorful roasted vegetables. This not only adds more texture to the dish but also brings color and freshness that complements the cheese sauce beautifully.
Garnishing Tips
The importance of fresh parsley as a garnish cannot be overstated; it adds a bright pop of color and a hint of freshness to the creamy dish. Chopped parsley can be lightly sprinkled over the top at the end of plating to draw the eye and enhance flavor.
Other possible decorative touches for serving can include finely shredded cheese, like extra Parmesan or mozzarella sprinkled on top or a light drizzle of balsamic reduction to introduce an acidic balance that cuts through the richness of the pillows and sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
Recommended fresh side salads that complement the dish include a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Both options can act as a light counterbalance to the creamy richness of the chicken pillows, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Suggestions for steamed vegetables as accompaniments would work equally well; consider serving a medley of green beans, broccoli, or zucchini, dressed with a bit of olive oil and garlic. The bright, crisp vegetables not only provide color but also add essential nutrients to the meal.
Beverage Pairings
Types of drinks that pair well with Chicken Pillows include crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which can complement the dish’s richness and offer a refreshing contrast. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a light herbal iced tea can be ideal to cleanse the palate between bites.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Best Practices for Storage
How to store Chicken Pillows properly for freshness involves allowing them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It’s advisable to place parchment paper between layers if stacking them, preventing them from sticking together.
Duration for keeping leftovers in the refrigerator is about 3 to 4 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to maintain moisture and prevent the absorption of odors from other foods.
Reheating Tips
Recommended methods for reheating to maintain texture include using an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken pillows on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, allowing them to regain their crispness. Microwaving is convenient but may make the dough softer, so use this method cautiously.
The importance of maintaining the sauce’s creaminess during reheating can be achieved by placing it in a small saucepan on low heat and stirring constantly. Adding a splash of cream or water may help restore the creamy consistency if it becomes too thick.
Variations and Customizations
Adding Vegetables
Suggestions for incorporating vegetables into the filling could include chopped spinach, finely diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms. Not only do these vegetables enhance the flavor and texture, but they also boost the nutritional value of the dish, making it more wholesome.
Alternative Cheeses
Experimenting with different types of cheese can significantly change the flavor profiles of the Chicken Pillows. For example, using a blend of mozzarella and gouda might create a different cheese experience, while a sharp cheddar could add a kick of flavor. However, consider how the melting properties of alternative cheeses may affect the sauce’s texture.
Nutritional Information
Overview of Nutritional Content
Basic nutritional breakdown per serving of Chicken Pillows can vary, but typically includes a notable amount of protein from the chicken and cheese, healthy fats from the cream and cheese, and some carbohydrates from the crescent roll dough.
Highlighting key ingredients and their health benefits underlines the protein from chicken, healthy fats from cream, and calcium-rich cheese, all contributing to a satiating meal that can support overall health when enjoyed in moderation.
Healthier Versions
Suggestions for making the dish lighter might involve swapping out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half or milk, and using reduced-fat cream cheese. Additionally, using whole-grain crescent rolls can add a whole grain component without sacrificing the flaky texture.
The Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce, with their impressive flavor and satisfying texture, create an homage to comfort food while remaining approachable for a variety of dining occasions. The dish marries convenience and indulgence, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 package 8 oz refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on a flat surface and separate it into triangles.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Roll each triangle from the wide end to the pointed tip, sealing the seams tightly.
- Arrange the pillows on a greased baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Season the sauce with black pepper and salt, then drizzle over the baked pillows and garnish with parsley.