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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Each bite is a mix of textures—tender chicken, melty cream cheese, a buttery crust, and that lightly crisp coating on the outside. It’s the kind of meal that disappears quickly from the table, with everyone reaching for just one more.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the filling:
  • 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2½–3 pounds)
  • 2 packages 8 ounces each cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the rolls and coating:
  • 1 batch buttery crescent roll dough
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Parmesan sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon granules
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • cups milk
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream

Method
 

  1. Cook the chicken until tender, then let it cool slightly before shredding or chopping into small pieces.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended, then set aside.
  3. Prepare the crescent dough and roll it out into large rectangles. Cut into evenly sized portions.
  4. Flatten each piece slightly and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
  5. In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese.
  6. Dip each filled dough piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
  7. Arrange the chicken pillows seam-side down on a lined or lightly greased baking tray, leaving space between each one.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. While they bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
  10. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to keep the sauce smooth. Stir in the bouillon, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens.
  11. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted, then remove from heat and mix in the sour cream. Adjust the consistency with a little extra milk if needed.
  12. Serve the chicken pillows warm, drizzled generously with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, creamy filling. If you’re short on time, cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a substitute.