Chicken Pillows

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Pillows are a delightful combination of savory, creamy filling and flaky, buttery dough. The mixture of cream cheese, seasoned chicken, and green onions creates a rich, flavorful stuffing that is perfectly balanced by the crispy breadcrumb topping. The crescent dough bakes up golden and crisp, making each bite a mouthwatering experience. Best of all, this recipe is easy to prepare and uses simple pantry ingredients, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a comforting dish that doesn’t require a lot of effort.

Ingredients

• 2 tubes (8 oz each) original crescent rolls
• 2 cans (12.5 oz) canned chicken (or 2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken)
• 1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Breadcrumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the canned or shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sliced green onions, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Open the crescent roll dough and unroll the triangles. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each crescent roll triangle.
4. Fold the edges of the crescent dough over the filling to form a sealed pillow shape. Pinch the seams together to make sure the filling is securely enclosed.
5. Place the filled crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet.
6. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tops of each chicken pillow.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them on their own!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation and baking time is approximately 30–35 minutes.

Variations

• Cheese-filled Chicken Pillows: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack) to the chicken filling for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with cooked spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese for a savory vegetarian version.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Customize the seasoning to your taste by adding a pinch of cumin, paprika, or even ranch seasoning for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Chicken Pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though they may not be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?

Yes! You can substitute the canned chicken with freshly cooked, shredded chicken. About 2 1/2 cups of shredded chicken is equivalent to the 2 cans.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Pillows ahead of time and store them in the fridge, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed.

Can I freeze Chicken Pillows?

Yes! These can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze unbaked Chicken Pillows, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time. To freeze baked Chicken Pillows, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How can I make these spicier?

To make the Chicken Pillows spicier, add some diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the chicken filling. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the mixture.

Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes! You can substitute crescent rolls with biscuit dough, pizza dough, or even puff pastry, depending on your preference.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes! You can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese if you’d like a lighter version of this dish. The texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it will still work well.

How do I make sure the filling stays inside the dough?

Make sure to pinch the seams of the crescent dough tightly and try not to overstuff the pillows, as that can cause them to burst open while baking.

Can I make these in a different size?

Yes, you can adjust the size by using smaller or larger crescent roll triangles or even making bite-sized versions by cutting the dough into smaller pieces.

What can I serve with Chicken Pillows?

These are great on their own, but you can serve them with a side of veggies, a simple salad, or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or a creamy garlic dip.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes! You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the chicken filling for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Pillows are the perfect comfort food—crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor. With their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, they’re ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a meal for any occasion. The combination of the soft, flaky crescent dough and the rich, creamy chicken filling is sure to satisfy. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a dish that everyone will rave about!

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