Are you ready to indulge in a dish that’s both easy and mouthwatering? My Creamy Chicken Pillows are the perfect blend of flavors you’ll love. With simple ingredients like cooked chicken, cream cheese, and crescent roll dough, you can whip these up in no time. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, along with tips to make these pillows a hit at your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy filling and flaky dough are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite herbs or add veggies for extra nutrition.
- Impressive Presentation: These chicken pillows look elegant and are perfect for serving at gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Olive oil, for brushing
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional garnish: fresh parsley
The main ingredients for creamy chicken pillows come together to create a rich and tasty dish. You will need cooked chicken, which gives the pillows their hearty base. Cream cheese and sour cream add a velvety texture, making each bite creamy. Garlic powder and onion powder bring out savory flavors. Dried parsley adds a touch of freshness to the mix.
You will also use crescent roll dough. This dough puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating a lovely shell. Shredded cheddar cheese not only adds flavor but also melts to perfection, creating a gooey center. Olive oil gives the tops a nice golden color while baking. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
For a pop of color, you can garnish with fresh parsley. This not only looks appealing but adds a hint of flavor too. The combination of these ingredients will surely impress anyone who takes a bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps cook the pillows evenly.
2. In a large bowl, mix the filling. Combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, and ¼ cup of sour cream. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Mix it well. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Next, take the crescent roll dough from the package. Unroll it and separate it into triangles on a clean surface.
Assembly Steps
1. For the filling, place a generous tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle.
2. Now, fold the sides of the triangle over the filling. This creates a pillow shape. Press the edges to seal them tightly.
Baking Instructions
1. Arrange the filled pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking.
2. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
3. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. They should turn golden brown when done.
4. Once baked, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Filling
To make a creamy filling, use softened cream cheese. It blends well with the chicken. Add sour cream for extra creaminess. For texture, shred the chicken finely. This creates a smooth blend. You can also mix in cheese for added richness.
For seasonings, I suggest garlic powder and onion powder. These spices add depth to the filling. Dried parsley gives a fresh flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Always taste the filling before sealing it in the dough.
Baking Tips
For golden-brown tops, brush the pillows with olive oil. This helps them bake evenly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They should be golden and puffed up.
For leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They last up to three days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for best results. This keeps the pillows crispy.
Presentation Tips
To plate the creamy chicken pillows, use a large platter. Arrange them neatly for a beautiful display. Drizzle some sour cream on top for added flavor. Sprinkle more dried parsley for color. This makes the dish pop visually. Fresh parsley also works well as a garnish. It adds a vibrant touch.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives can elevate the flavor profile of your chicken filling and add a vibrant touch to the presentation.
- Perfectly Seal the Edges: Ensure that the edges of the crescent roll dough are well sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on the flavor of your creamy chicken pillows.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a quick assembly and baking just before serving.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the chicken for other proteins. Try shredded turkey or cooked sausage. If you want a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils. For dairy-free choices, use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free sour cream. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Consider mixing in spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Chop them small so they blend well. For a spicy kick, try adding crushed red pepper or jalapeños. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add depth to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy chicken pillows pair well with various side dishes. Serve them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for balance. You can also try mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal. For dips, sour cream or ranch dressing works great. You can also serve a zesty salsa or a garlic aioli for a fun twist.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftovers, let the creamy chicken pillows cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the pillows to prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.
When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but they may not stay crisp.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the assembled pillows, prepare them as usual but do not bake them. After sealing, place the pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
To cook from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen pillows on a baking sheet. Add 5-7 minutes to the baking time, cooking for about 17-22 minutes. Make sure they are golden brown before serving.
FAQs
How do I make creamy chicken pillows from scratch?
To make creamy chicken pillows, start by mixing 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, and ¼ cup of sour cream in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Next, unroll 1 package of crescent roll dough. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in each triangle. Fold and seal the edges. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Simply shred the chicken and follow the recipe as normal. This option makes it even easier to prepare creamy chicken pillows.
What can I serve with creamy chicken pillows?
Creamy chicken pillows pair well with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes or a side of rice. These sides balance the rich flavors and add color to your meal.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure to allow them to cool down before sealing. This helps preserve the taste and texture.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also assemble the pillows and freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
In this article, we explored how to make delicious creamy chicken pillows. We covered the key ingredients like chicken, cream cheese, and seasonings. The step-by-step guide took you through preparation and baking. Helpful tips ensured perfect texture and presentation. You learned variations to customize your dish. Finally, we discussed storage for leftovers.
Now you have the tools to create a tasty meal anytime. Enjoy making your creamy chicken pillow
