How to make Amazing Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded or finely diced chicken breast
Puff pastry (thawed)
1 block full-fat cream cheese, softened
Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
Salt
Black pepper
Onion powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Nutmeg
Cayenne pepper
Directions:
Get Your Chicken Ready: Start by making sure your cooked chicken is shredded or finely diced. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the softened cream cheese, about half of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a tablespoon of chopped fresh chives or parsley, along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of onion powder. Mix until well combined, creating a thick, scoopable filling.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unwrap the thawed puff pastry sheets and lay them on a lightly floured surface or on a piece of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to gently roll each sheet out slightly into about a 10×10 inch square.
Cut and Fill: Take a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and cut each pastry sheet into nine equal squares (three rows by three columns). For each square, take about a tablespoon of the chicken filling and place it in the center.
Fold and Seal: To seal the pillows, moisten the edges of each pastry square with a little water using your fingertip. Then fold one corner of the pastry over to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Gently press down around the edges to seal them well.
Egg Wash and Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully transfer the sealed chicken pillows to the baking sheet. Make an egg wash by whisking one large egg with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Brush the tops of each pillow with this egg wash. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Start the Roux: While the pillows are baking, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling slightly, add in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Thicken it Up: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the bubbling butter and garlic mixture. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Add Liquids Gradually: Slowly whisk in 1 cup of whole milk. Then, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and finally, 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and smooths out, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Parmesan Perfection: When the sauce reaches your desired consistency, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and mixed in.
Season and Taste: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasonings as you like.
Serving Your Masterpiece: After about 18-22 minutes, check the chicken pillows. They should be puffy and golden. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Arrange the pillows on a serving platter and generously spoon the Creamy Parmesan Sauce over the warm pillows, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Amazing Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
This recipe combines the lovely, flaky texture of puff pastry with a creamy, flavorful chicken filling. Every bite is a delightful mix of savory and creamy tastes that will make your taste buds dance. The addition of Parmesan cheese truly elevates the dish, offering a robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and herb mixture. Plus, the creamy sauce served on top or on the side adds an extra layer of richness that ties everything together perfectly.
Not only these chicken pillows taste delicious, but they are also quite versatile. You can serve them as a delightful appetizer, a main course, or at a party or family gathering. They are perfect for any occasion, making it a fantastic recipe to keep in your cooking repertoire.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, helping you feel satisfied and energized. The cream cheese and Parmesan cheese add a creamy richness that also comes with calcium, which is great for bone health. While puff pastry is a decadent choice, using it sparingly can still provide an amazing texture and taste without overindulging. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley not only add flavor but also provide vitamins and antioxidants.
What to Serve With Amazing Chicken Pillows
To complement these chicken pillows, you might want to serve a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad can balance the richness of the chicken pillows. You could also serve roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes on the side for a comforting feel. For a full meal, consider adding crusty bread to soak up the creamy Parmesan sauce.
How to Store Amazing Chicken Pillows
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This will help keep the puff pastry crisp rather than soggy. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the puff pastry texture may suffer upon thawing.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Overfill the Pastry: It can be tempting to add lots of filling, but too much will make it difficult to seal the pillows. Stick with about a tablespoon for best results.
Seal Thoroughly: Make sure to press the edges well to prevent leaks during baking.
Watch the Oven: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your chicken pillows. If they brown too quickly, you can cover them with a piece of foil while they finish baking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavor significantly.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You could use different proteins like turkey or even cooked shrimp. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach and cheese. Also, adding spices like smoked paprika can give an additional depth to the flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use any cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! You can substitute Parmesan with mozzarella for a gooey texture or cheddar for a sharper flavor.
2. What kind of puff pastry should I use?
You can find frozen puff pastry in most grocery stores. Make sure to thaw it properly, according to package instructions.
3. Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken pillows ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.
This recipe for Amazing Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is sure to impress anyone who tries it. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll make a dish that’s crowd-pleasing and delightful. Enjoy cooking and indulging in this tasty treat!
Delicious chicken pillows wrapped in flaky puff pastry, filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture, topped with a rich Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked, shredded or finely diced chicken breast
Puff pastry (thawed)
1 block full-fat cream cheese, softened
Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
Salt
Black pepper
Onion powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Nutmeg
Cayenne pepper
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, chives or parsley, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to create the filling.
Lay out thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and roll it out into a 10-inch square.
Cut pastry into nine equal squares and place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square.
Moisten edges of each pastry square with water, fold over to form a triangle, and press to seal.
Transfer sealed pillows to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with egg wash.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
While pillows are baking, melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
Gradually add milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream, whisking until thickened.
Stir in remaining Parmesan cheese and season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
Serve the chicken pillows warm with the creamy sauce.
Notes
To prevent sogginess, reheat leftovers in the oven. This dish can also be filled with turkey or a vegetarian option can be made using mushrooms.
Delicious chicken pillows wrapped in flaky puff pastry, filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture, topped with a rich Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked, shredded or finely diced chicken breast
Puff pastry (thawed)
1 block full-fat cream cheese, softened
Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
Salt
Black pepper
Onion powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Nutmeg
Cayenne pepper
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, chives or parsley, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to create the filling.
Lay out thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and roll it out into a 10-inch square.
Cut pastry into nine equal squares and place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square.
Moisten edges of each pastry square with water, fold over to form a triangle, and press to seal.
Transfer sealed pillows to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with egg wash.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
While pillows are baking, melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
Gradually add milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream, whisking until thickened.
Stir in remaining Parmesan cheese and season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
Serve the chicken pillows warm with the creamy sauce.
Notes
To prevent sogginess, reheat leftovers in the oven. This dish can also be filled with turkey or a vegetarian option can be made using mushrooms.