Description
Tender chicken wrapped in pillowy dough, served with a luscious Parmesan sauce for a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy evenings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, finely diced or shredded
- Store-bought puff pastry sheets or crescent roll dough
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, a handful chopped (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 75 g), freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Garlic powder or 1 small minced garlic clove
- Pinch of ground white pepper or black pepper
- Tiny pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Dice or shred chicken into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Slowly add 1 cup heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder and nutmeg if using. Gradually add 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce thickens and is smooth (3-5 minutes). Season with pepper. Keep warm on low heat without boiling.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry or crescent dough on a lightly floured surface if needed. Cut into 3×3 inch squares.
- Place a tablespoon of cooked chicken in the center of each square. Add chopped parsley or basil if desired.
- Fold each square over to form a triangle or rectangle and press edges firmly with a fork to seal. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until pillows are golden and puffed. Watch to prevent overbrowning.
- Serve warm with Parmesan sauce drizzled over. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
If sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of cream or milk to loosen. Cook chicken thoroughly before assembly to avoid soggy pillows. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal dough. Egg wash can be brushed on pillows before baking for extra golden color. Use gluten-free puff pastry or dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan for dietary adaptations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 pillows per
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: creamy chicken pillows, Parmesan sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, puff pastry chicken, cheesy chicken pillows