Description
Chicken Pillows are a delicious and comforting baked appetizer or main dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and herbs, wrapped in buttery crescent dough, coated with Italian breadcrumbs, and baked until golden brown. Served with a rich homemade chicken gravy, these pillows make a perfect family meal or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 10 ounces cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 2 cups)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, softened
- 1/2 tablespoon dried chives
- 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dough and Coating
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated Pillsbury crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
Chicken Gravy
- 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 ounce) chicken gravy mix
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of softened butter until smooth. Add the shredded chicken, dried chives, dried minced onion, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Crescent Dough Rectangles: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press together two triangles to create one larger rectangle. Ensure the perforations are pressed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking. Repeat this process to create a total of 4 rectangles.
- Fill and Shape Chicken Pillows: Evenly divide the chicken mixture among the 4 crescent dough rectangles, placing the filling in the center of each. Fold each corner over the center to cover the filling completely and press edges together firmly. Shape each filled dough piece into a ball to form a “chicken pillow.”
- Coat Chicken Pillows: Dip each formed chicken pillow into melted butter, then roll in Italian breadcrumbs until fully coated. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the pillows on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake: Bake the chicken pillows in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through.
- Prepare Chicken Gravy: While the pillows bake, prepare the gravy by combining the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently until the chicken pillows are done baking.
- Serve: Remove chicken pillows from the oven and plate them. Pour warm chicken gravy over each pillow or serve on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Pillows!
Notes
- Ensure the crescent dough seams are well sealed to prevent filling leaks during baking.
- You can substitute dried chives and minced onion with fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
- Use cooked shredded chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a crispier coating, you may double dip in melted butter and breadcrumbs before baking.
- Chicken gravy can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
