introduction
Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a cozy, show-stopping dinner that feels fancy but comes together fast — perfect for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining. This recipe folds tender chicken into crescent roll "pillows" then bakes them under a silky Parmesan cream sauce for a golden, irresistible finish. If you love comforting chicken bakes, try a flavor twist inspired by this easy chicken Philly flavor profile for an extra savory kick.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Crowd-pleasing creamy cheese flavor everyone will ask for again
- Quick assembly — great for busy weeknights or last-minute guests
- Portable, handheld bites make it kid-friendly and fun for parties
- Easy to prep ahead and bake right before serving for stress-free meals
- Versatile: swap fillings or sauces to match your family’s tastes
Ingredients Needed
Protein
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-size pieces
Cheese & Dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) tube crescent roll dough
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For a sweet-heat finishing dip, consider pairing these with a mango twist like this mango habanero sauce for dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto each crescent roll triangle, add a piece of chicken, and roll it up.
- Place the rolled chicken pillows in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken pillows.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Serve over a bed of steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad for a lighter meal.
- Pair with roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- These also shine alongside a bowl of warm soup; they’re delicious with a mild, comforting soup like chicken velvet soup.
- For parties, place on a platter with extra sauce for dipping and fresh parsley sprinkles.
Tips for Success Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Dry chicken well: Pat the chicken pieces dry so they don’t make the crescent dough soggy.
- Even sizes: Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overfill: A spoonful of the cheese mix is enough — overfilling can cause leaks.
- Watch the sauce: Simmer the cream gently; boiling can separate the sauce.
- Visual check: Look for golden-brown tops and an internal chicken temperature of 165°F with a thermometer.
variation
- Spinach & Artichoke: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped cooked spinach and 1/4 cup chopped artichoke hearts into the cheese mix.
- Buffalo Chicken Pillows: Mix in 2 tbsp hot sauce to the cream cheese, and serve with ranch or blue cheese.
- Mini version: Use smaller crescent triangles for bite-sized appetizers.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes — shredded or diced pre-cooked chicken works well. Reduce bake time slightly since the chicken is already cooked; just brown the crescents and heat through.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Assemble and place in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add sauce just before baking, or pour sauce over and bake from chilled (allow a few extra minutes).
Q: What can I serve for dessert after this rich meal?
A: Keep the fun going with an easy sweet treat like classic sprinkles and bakery-style fun — try this guide to donuts with sprinkles for a playful finish.
Chicken Pillows With Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto each crescent roll triangle, add a piece of chicken, and roll it up.
- Place the rolled chicken pillows in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken pillows.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
