Name: Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional); 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce); Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)

Fluffy, golden crescent dough stuffed with a rich, herby chicken filling and smothered in a velvety parmesan sauce—these Chicken Pillows are exactly the kind of cozy, satisfying dinner I crave on a chilly night. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this dish feels special without demanding too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Pillows:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons sour cream

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, I combine the chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Next I mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

I unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to create 4 large rectangles.

I spoon the chicken filling into the center of each rectangle, then fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal, forming little “pillows.”

Then I place the pillows seam-side down on the baking sheet, brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.

I bake them for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

While they’re baking, I prepare the sauce. I melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute.

After that I gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens, which usually takes around 3–4 minutes.

I stir in the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky smooth.

I serve the pillows hot with a generous pour of creamy parmesan sauce on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories per serving: Approximately 395 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap out the chicken for leftover turkey, especially after the holidays.

For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or the sauce.

To make it vegetarian, I use sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of chicken.

If I’m in the mood for extra richness, I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave works too, but the oven keeps the dough crispier. I reheat the sauce separately over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

FAQs

What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?

I’ve used puff pastry or biscuit dough with great results. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I freeze chicken pillows?

Yes, I freeze them after baking. I let them cool completely, wrap them individually, and store in a freezer-safe container. They reheat well in the oven at 350°F.

How do I cook the chicken for the filling?

I usually use rotisserie chicken or poach boneless chicken breasts in water with a little salt until fully cooked, then shred.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble the pillows, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. I make the sauce fresh while they’re in the oven.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like to serve it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious parmesan sauce.

Conclusion

These Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are everything I want in a comfort meal—warm, creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether it’s a casual dinner or something a little special, they always hit the spot. With just a few basic ingredients and a little oven time, I get a dish that’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly delicious.

Recipe: