Crispy Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve an extra golden finish on your pastry, you can brush the tops of the pillows with a small amount of egg wash before putting them into the oven. This creates a beautiful, shiny crust that looks professional and enhances the overall appeal of the dish.

If you prefer a bit of texture, consider adding finely chopped sautéed onions or bell peppers to the chicken mixture.

These additions introduce a subtle sweetness and crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy parmesan sauce, making the filling more complex and interesting without requiring a lot of extra effort.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Pillows: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a subtle, spicy kick that cuts through the creaminess of the parmesan sauce.
• Herbed Chicken Pillows: Mix a tablespoon of fresh chopped chives or dill into the chicken filling to add a bright, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the cheese and chicken perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the pillows are completely cooled before putting them away, but do not leave them out for over 2 hours.

Freezer

The baked pillows can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid using a microwave as it will make the pastry soggy.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is best to keep the sauce separate from the pillows if possible, as the pastry will absorb the moisture of the sauce and lose its crispness over time during storage.

You can prepare the chicken filling and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembly.

Assemble the pillows and bake them fresh when you are ready to serve. This ensures that the pastry is as crisp and fresh as possible, providing the best dining experience.

Serving ideas

Serve these pillows on a warm plate to maintain the temperature of the dish.

They pair beautifully with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables to provide a balanced contrast to the richness of the creamy sauce and the buttery pastry, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

For a more elegant presentation, place two pillows on each plate and pour the sauce in a decorative pattern over the top.

A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can further enhance the flavor and look of the dish before it reaches the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Prep 15 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 40 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 cans crescent roll dough
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup creamy parmesan sauce, made ahead
• fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with half of the creamy parmesan sauce until well incorporated. Ensure the mixture is thick enough to hold its shape when placed inside the dough.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent dough and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each piece. Fold the dough over to form a pillow, sealing the edges tightly. Place on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the pillows from the oven and let them rest for five minutes. Warm the remaining creamy parmesan sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour the sauce over the baked chicken pillows and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

3.5 g

Sodium

780 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.