Introduction
Chicken Pillows with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a delightful meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. These tender chicken-filled pastries are enveloped in a soft dough that puffs beautifully in the oven, providing a satisfying texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
The savory blend of garlic and Parmesan creates a luxurious sauce that elevates the entire dish, adding depth and a touch of gourmet flair. Not only is it remarkably delicious, but this recipe allows for creativity in the kitchen, making it ideal for home cooks eager to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Join me in exploring how to create these delectable Chicken Pillows that are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Shredded cooked chicken is the star ingredient, providing protein and flavor. Using rotisserie chicken can save time and effort while ensuring a moist filling. - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the filling, creating a luscious texture that complements the chicken perfectly. - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Green onions lend a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the filling, balancing the richness of the cream cheese. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder infuses the filling with a savory garlic flavor, which harmonizes beautifully with the creamy elements in the recipe. - 1 (8 oz) tube crescent roll dough
The crescent roll dough is what makes these Chicken Pillows possible by encasing the filling, creating a flaky and buttery outer layer when baked. - 1/2 cup butter
Melted butter is used to brush the tops of the pillows before baking, resulting in a golden-brown finish that adds flavor and enhances visual appeal. - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor to the garlic sauce, making it both luxurious and delicious while also allowing it to cling better to the chicken pillows. - 1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream is the base for the sauce, contributing smoothness and richness. It thickens well, allowing for a velvety texture that coats the chicken pillows. - Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning with salt and pepper ensures that the dish is flavorful, enhancing all other ingredients and making every bite delicious.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating the oven ensures that the chicken pillows cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown exterior. An adequately heated oven will create a lovely puff in the crescent roll dough, making your dish more appealing.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cream cheese, green onions, and garlic powder. Mix until well blended.
Mixing the filling well ensures that every bite has a uniformly delicious flavor. The cream cheese should be softened to facilitate easy mixing, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture that's easy to spoon into the dough.
Step 3: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a floured surface and separate it into individual triangles.
Separating the dough into triangles sets you up for neatly filled pillows. This is where the magic happens, and forming them as neatly as possible will help them bake evenly and keep the filling inside.
Step 4: Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
Adding the chicken mixture to the wide end allows for perfect folding without overwhelming the dough. Be careful not to overfill, as the pillows need to be sealed properly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 5: Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, pinching the edges to seal.
Sealing the edges is crucial to ensure the filling stays contained. This step helps maintain a nice shape and prevents any leaking, which could create a mess in the oven.
Step 6: Place the filled pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using parchment paper prevents the pillows from sticking, making cleanup easier. Spacing them out allows hot air to circulate, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a nice crisp texture.
Step 7: In a small bowl, melt the butter and brush it over the tops of the chicken pillows.
Brushing melted butter on top helps achieve a beautiful golden color and adds flavor to the finished product. This step enhances the allure of the dish, inviting everyone to dig in.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Baking until golden brown not only signifies that the dough is fully cooked but also adds a crunchy texture. Keep an eye on the pillows towards the end to avoid over-baking, which can dry them out.
Step 9: While the chicken pillows are baking, prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce by combining melted butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese in a saucepan.
Creating the sauce while the chicken pillows bake allows you to time everything perfectly. This sauce will serve to drizzle over the pillows, adding a luxurious touch that ties the dish together delightfully.
Step 10: Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Thickening the sauce ensures it clings nicely to the chicken pillows while also enhancing the flavor. Adjusting the seasoning allows for customization, ensuring the sauce compliments the overall dish.
Step 11: Once the chicken pillows are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Allowing the pillows to cool slightly helps to set the filling and makes them easier to handle. This pause also ensures the delicious aromas have time to settle, making for a more enjoyable experience when serving.
Step 12: Serve the chicken pillows drizzled with garlic Parmesan sauce.
Drizzling the sauce over the top enlivens the presentation and provides an extra burst of flavor in every bite. This final touch transforms your Chicken Pillows into a visually appealing and satisfying dish.
Creating a Flavorful Filling
The chicken filling is the heart of the Chicken Pillows, and its flavor can be tailored to your preference. Experimenting with different cheeses or adding herbs like parsley or dill can create unique variations. Each change can enhance the dish's complexity, ensuring the chicken pillows stay intriguing and appealing for repeat meals.
Mastering the Sauce
The Garlic Parmesan Sauce not only complements the Chicken Pillows but can also serve as a versatile accompaniment for other dishes. By adjusting the thickness, you can use it as a dip or a drizzle. Should you want a spicier kick, adding red pepper flakes brings an exciting twist to the classic flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions
Presenting Chicken Pillows at gatherings can be a standout feature on a buffet table. Pairing with a crisp salad or garlic bread elevates the dining experience. Adding a side of roasted vegetables not only adds color but also enhances nutritional values, creating a well-rounded meal that caters to various tastes.
FAQs
What if my chicken pillows burst while baking?
Ensure the edges are well-sealed before baking. If they do burst, avoid overfilling the dough to minimize this.
Can I use other types of dough for this recipe?
Yes, puff pastry or phyllo can work well for a different texture. Adjust baking time as necessary.
What can I do if my garlic Parmesan sauce is too thin?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer without a lid, allowing moisture to evaporate, or add a little cornstarch mixed with water.
How can I adjust the flavor of the filling if it’s bland?
Incorporate more seasonings like salt, pepper, or additional garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile.
Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?
Absolutely! Just ensure that your baking sheets are large enough to accommodate the extra pillows to ensure even cooking.
What should I do if the sauce turns out too salty?
Add a splash more cream or a squeeze of lemon to balance the flavors, diluting the saltiness without losing the overall taste.
Can I add vegetables to the filling for added nutrition?
Yes, finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can be mixed into the filling for additional flavor and nutrients.
What if I want to prepare the filling in advance?
You can make the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated; just allow it to come to room temperature before filling the dough.
Conclusion
Making Chicken Pillows with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a fulfilling experience that results in a comforting, impressive dish. By following these steps, you'll create something both delicious and satisfying that your friends and family will love. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors to make it your own; this dish truly invites creativity in the kitchen.
Whether for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, these Chicken Pillows will undoubtedly delight. Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a meal that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table.
Recipe Card
Chicken Pillows with Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A Comfort Dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 8 oz tube crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cream cheese, green onions, and garlic powder. Mix until well blended.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a floured surface and separate it into individual triangles.
- Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, pinching the edges to seal.
- Place the filled pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and brush it over the tops of the chicken pillows.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the chicken pillows are baking, prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce by combining melted butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese in a saucepan.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken pillows are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken pillows drizzled with garlic Parmesan sauce.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.