When the evenings grow chilly and you crave something warm and filling, look no further than Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights. These delightful stuffed pastries combine tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce that wraps you in comfort. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken
For this recipe, you will need about 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience. The shredded texture allows the meat to blend well with other ingredients.
Puff Pastry
You’ll require 1 sheet of puff pastry, which can be found in the freezer section of most grocery stores. It provides a flaky and buttery exterior that perfectly complements the creamy filling inside.
Cream Cheese
Use 4 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature. The cream cheese adds richness and tanginess to the filling, making it incredibly flavorful and smooth.
Parmesan Cheese
Gather 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. This cheese brings a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish while also contributing to the creaminess of the sauce.
Garlic Powder
You will need 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to add depth of flavor. Garlic powder delivers that savory aroma without overpowering the dish.
Onion Powder
Add 1 teaspoon of onion powder for an extra layer of flavor. This ingredient complements the garlic powder beautifully while enhancing the overall taste profile.
Salt and Pepper
Use salt and pepper to taste. These staples are essential for seasoning your filling appropriately; they enhance all other flavors in your dish.
Cream
You will need 1 cup of heavy cream for the sauce. This ingredient creates a luscious base that coats each pillow in velvety goodness.
Fresh Parsley
Chop about two tablespoons of fresh parsley for garnish. The vibrant green color not only adds freshness but also brightens up the dish visually.
Step By step Recipe : Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights
Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A properly heated oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown crust on your puff pastries when baked.
Prepare Filling Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, half of the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined and smooth. This mixture will serve as the delicious filling in your pillows.
Roll Out Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 12×15 inches in size. Ensure it’s thin enough to allow easy folding but thick enough to hold all your filling without tearing.
Cut Puff Pastry
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice your rolled-out pastry into squares or rectangles measuring about 4×4 inches each. Ensure you have enough pieces to enclose all your filling; approximately eight pieces should work well depending on how large you cut them.
Fill Each Square
Spoon about one tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto one half of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill them; otherwise, they may burst open during baking and lose their delicious contents.
Fold Pastries
Gently fold over each pastry square to cover the filling completely. Press down on the edges firmly with a fork to seal them tightly together; this prevents any fillings from leaking out while they bake in the oven.
Bake Chicken Pillows
Place filled pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp on top.
Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While your pillows are baking, prepare the creamy parmesan sauce by heating heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Once warmed through but not boiling, stir in remaining parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve Hot
Once baked, remove chicken pillows from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving them hot drizzled generously with creamy parmesan sauce over top—garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful chicken pillows warm alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious! They pair beautifully with crusty bread or rice if desired too; feel free to get creative!
Leftover Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container within your fridge for up to three days maximum; reheat them gently in an oven to maintain their crispness rather than microwaving them which could make them soggy!
Freezing Options
If you want some ready-made meals on hand later on busy nights ahead? Freeze unbaked filled pastries individually wrapped tightly before placing into freezer bags! They can be baked straight from frozen—just add additional baking time as needed!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights is overcooking the chicken. Ensure you cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink. This keeps your dish juicy and flavorful. Another mistake is using dried herbs instead of fresh ones. Fresh herbs elevate the taste, making your sauce richer and more aromatic. Additionally, avoid squeezing too much filling into the chicken pillows; this can lead to leaks during cooking. Lastly, don’t skip letting the dish cool slightly before serving; this allows flavors to meld and improves texture.
Tips and tricks
For a perfect Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights, start by seasoning your chicken well. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor. When rolling out the dough for the pillows, keep it thin but not too fragile; this balance helps prevent tearing while keeping the filling intact. Consider preparing your creamy sauce in advance. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully while making assembly quicker. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut instead of cooking fresh chicken from scratch.
Another helpful tip is to bake your chicken pillows on parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. To add richness to your creamy sauce, consider incorporating cream cheese alongside Parmesan cheese; it creates a velvety texture that perfectly complements the dish. If you like some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for an added kick without overpowering other flavors.
Suggestions for Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights
Pair your Chicken Pillows with a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast. A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce beautifully. For an extra layer of flavor, serve them with garlic bread; this adds crunch and complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You might also consider adding steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans on the side for color and nutrition.
When it comes to beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well with Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or herbal tea for a cozy feel that pairs nicely with your meal.
FAQs
What are Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce?
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are savory pastries filled with seasoned chicken and wrapped in dough, baked until golden brown and served with a rich Parmesan cream sauce drizzled on top. This dish is perfect for cozy nights when comfort food is needed.
How do I store leftover Chicken Pillows?
To store leftover Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. Reheat in an oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! Feel free to substitute shredded turkey or cooked ham in place of chicken in your Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights recipe. Just ensure that any protein you choose is fully cooked before wrapping it in dough.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
To create a vegetarian version of Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach mixed with ricotta cheese. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the creamy sauce for added depth of flavor without meat.
What type of dough should I use?
You can use store-bought crescent roll dough or puff pastry when making Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights. Both options provide a flaky texture that complements the creamy filling beautifully while saving time during preparation.
Can I make these pillows ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble Chicken Pillows ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. For best results, cover them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating to keep them fresh until baking time arrives.
Summary
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights offer comfort food at its finest! Avoid common mistakes like overcooking chicken and using dried herbs by following our tips and tricks throughout preparation. For added enjoyment, pair these delicious pillows with salads or garlic bread while considering leftovers storage methods as well as vegetarian alternatives to cater to all tastes!
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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Cozy Nights
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken Pillows, a delightful dish filled with seasoned chicken and wrapped in flaky pastry, topped with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy nights in.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cups crescent roll dough
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
3. Roll out the crescent roll dough on a floured surface and cut it into squares.
4. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each square.
5. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
6. Place the pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While the pillows are baking, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce by heating heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in additional Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Serve the Chicken Pillows warm drizzled with creamy Parmesan sauce.
Notes
You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pillow
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 18g
Keywords: chicken pillows, cozy nights, creamy sauce, comfort food