Deliciously comforting and bursting with flavor, our beloved chicken pillows recipe is a household favorite that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. These tender, flaky pockets of goodness are filled with a savory blend of seasoned chicken and Cream Cheese, wrapped in buttery crescent dough. In less than an hour, you can have a home-cooked meal on the table that will please both adults and kids. Easy to prepare and undeniably satisfying, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Growing up, this recipe was at the heart of many family dinners. My mom would get everyone involved in the kitchen, giving me the task of stirring the creamy filling while my siblings rolled out the dough. Family stories would fill the kitchen, as the aroma from the baking dish began to waft through the house. The best part was gathering around the table, with a big dish of these perfectly golden pockets – each bite a flavor explosion. These cherished memories have turned this recipe into a family tradition that I’ve now passed on to my children.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a fantastic option for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. Here are compelling reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Family-Friendly: The mild flavors are kid-friendly yet satisfying for adults, making it a go-to for family meals.
- Simple Ingredients: With readily available ingredients, you won’t need to make special trips to the store.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps, dinner can be ready in just about 45 minutes.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the flavors or make dietary substitutions to suit your needs.
- Great for Leftovers: The leftovers are just as tasty, making them perfect for next-day lunches.
Ingredients Notes
Gather your ingredients to bring this delicious dish to life! Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best chicken pillows:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best texture. Cook ahead and shred or dice symmetrically for even fill.
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a creamy, rich filling. Let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Canned crescent roll dough is convenient, but you can also use homemade for added warmth of flavor.
- Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper is essential, but feel free to add Italian seasoning for more depth.
- Butter: Melted butter not only enhances the flavor but also helps the pillows achieve a lovely golden-brown finish.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by cooking the chicken if it’s raw. You can boil, grill, or bake it until cooked through, then shred or dice into small pieces. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder while still warm, allowing the spices to absorb thoroughly.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with softened Cream Cheese, stirring together until completely blended. The mixture should be creamy and uniform. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more spices or herbs to taste.
Step 3
Open the Crescent Roll cans and separate the dough into triangles on a clean, flat surface. Fill each triangle with about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Fold the dough over the filling, pinch edges to seal, and form a small pillow shape.
Step 4
Arrange the filled dough pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick mat. Brush the tops with melted butter, making sure to coat them evenly for a buttery flavor and golden color. Optionally, sprinkle additional herbs over the tops for extra flavor.
Step 5
Bake the pillows in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and heated through. Remove from oven, let cool slightly before serving to avoid burns, and enjoy the delightful pillows hot and fresh.
Storage Options
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck! These pillows store and reheat wonderfully. To store, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap each pillow tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to a month. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Variations & Substitutions
Personalize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary requirements easily. Substitute regular Cream Cheese with a dairy-free version to make these pillows lactose-friendly. Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a nutrition boost. If you like it spicy, stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the chicken filling. Use whole wheat crescent roll dough for a whole grain alternative if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a delightful main course served alongside a crisp green salad or a steaming bowl of soup for a complete meal. They also complement vegetable sides such as roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or Glazed Carrots. Serve these warm pillows for lunch gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even potluck events where you wish to impress with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chicken pillows in advance? Yes, you can prepare the pillows up to the point of baking. Simply fill and seal the dough adequately, then store in the fridge until ready to bake, up to a day ahead. This allows you to have fresh-baked pillows anytime by just popping them into a pre-heated oven.
Is there a substitute for crescent roll dough? Certainly! You can use puff pastry or even homemade biscuit dough. Both will give you different textures and slight flavor variations. Puff pastry will offer an ultra flakey effect, while biscuit dough is denser and comforting.
Can I add cheese to the filling? Absolutely! Adding cheddar or mozzarella can deliver a new cheese-filled twist. Fold about a half cup of shredded cheese into the chicken mixture before stuffing the dough. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, as it might take a couple of minutes longer than usual for the cheese to fully integrate into the creamy filling.
Chicken Pillows Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 can crescent roll dough
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken and cream cheese until well combined.
- Roll out crescent roll dough, and place a spoonful of chicken mixture onto each piece.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
