Chicken Pillows
Chicken pillows are a delightful dish that has quickly become a favorite for many home cooks. These delicious little bundles of joy combine tender shredded chicken with a creamy cheese mixture, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. They’re great for an easy weeknight meal or a comforting dish to serve at family gatherings. Honestly, the first time I made them, my family devoured the entire batch in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
If you’re on the fence about whether to try making chicken pillows, let me give you a few compelling reasons. First off, they are incredibly quick to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes them ideal for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen.
Not to mention, chicken pillows are budget-friendly, as they utilize simple ingredients that you might already have on hand. The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
“These chicken pillows are like little bites of heaven! My kids ask for them every week.” – Sarah, home cook
Preparing Chicken Pillows
Creating these chicken pillows involves a few straightforward steps that are easy to follow. Here’s a quick overview:
- Mix together the creamy filling.
- Cook and shred the chicken.
- Wrap the mixture in crescent rolls.
- Bake until golden brown.
Trust me; you’ll be amazed at how easily this dish comes together, perfect for those who say they can’t cook!
What You’ll Need
To make the chicken pillows, gather these straightforward ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
You can easily substitute the chicken with rotisserie chicken to save even more time or try using different cheeses based on your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive straight into the step-by-step preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well blended and creamy.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Then shred the chicken and mix it with the creamy filling until fully incorporated.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle and fold over to enclose the filling.
- Arrange the filled pillows on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These chicken pillows are perfect as a standalone dish but can also shine as part of a larger meal. Pair them with a refreshing garden salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce. They also go wonderfully with a side of garlic bread for that extra comfort factor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
After enjoying your chicken pillows, you may have leftovers. To store them, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3-4 days.
For reheating, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or reheat in the microwave for a quicker option. If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze the unbaked pillows. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they’ll last for up to three months. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some extra tips to elevate your chicken pillows:
- Don’t rush the mixing process; make sure all your ingredients are well combined for the best flavor.
- You can add diced veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, to the chicken mixture to add some color and nutrients.
- For a cheesy twist, consider adding mozzarella or cheddar to the filling along with the cream cheese.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with these chicken pillows! Swap out the chicken for buffalo chicken for a spicy kick, or incorporate different herbs into the filling for a fresh taste. You could even make a vegetarian version using mushrooms and spinach instead of meat.
Your Questions Answered
-
What is the prep time for chicken pillows?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes roughly 15-20 minutes. -
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or even pepper jack for some heat. -
How do I safely handle leftovers?
Be sure to let the chicken pillows cool completely before refrigerating to minimize condensation, and always store them in an airtight container.
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and satisfying recipe, chicken pillows are the way to go. They are a guaranteed hit that you and your family will love!
Chicken Pillows
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts Can substitute with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened For a cheesy twist, consider adding mozzarella or cheddar.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well blended and creamy.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Then shred the chicken and mix it with the creamy filling until fully incorporated.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle and fold over to enclose the filling.
- Arrange the filled pillows on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
