Description
Cheesy Chicken Pillow Delight is a comforting baked appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken and creamy cheese filling wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, coated with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and topped with a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe serves 8 and makes a perfect dish for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Pillows
- 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
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
For the 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 1/2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, dried chives, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and set aside.
- Shape Chicken Pillows: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the crescent dough and separate it into rectangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each rectangle. Shape the dough around the filling to form a ball or pillow shape, ensuring it is sealed completely.
- Coat with Butter and Breadcrumbs: Dip each filled dough ball in the melted salted butter to moisten the surface. Then, coat each ball evenly with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture once baked.
- Bake the Chicken Pillows: Place the coated pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce: While the pillows bake, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk. Crumble in the chicken bouillon cube or add granules, then add salt and black pepper. Cook while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Keep the sauce warm.
- Serve: Once the chicken pillows are baked, serve them hot drizzled or topped with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Enjoy your cheesy, crispy delight!
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to blend easily with the chicken filling.
- Ensure the crescent dough is well sealed around the filling to prevent leakage during baking.
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or paprika to the chicken mixture.
- Allow the sauce to thicken fully before adding Parmesan to get the perfect creamy texture.
- These pillows can be baked ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
