There’s something incredibly comforting about preparing a meal that fills both your kitchen and your heart with warmth. I still remember the first time I tried making Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce. It was a quiet evening, and I wanted something that would feel indulgent yet comforting. As I layered tender chicken inside soft pastry and poured the rich, velvety parmesan sauce over the top, I realized this recipe wasn’t just about food—it was an experience. Each bite was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the crispy exterior of the pastry to the creamy, cheesy filling that melted in my mouth. This dish quickly became one of my favorites for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
You will love this recipe because it’s both satisfying and elegant without requiring hours in the kitchen. The creamy parmesan sauce adds a luxurious touch, while the chicken pillows themselves are fluffy, golden, and irresistible. It’s a recipe that impresses anyone at the table, whether you’re serving family or hosting guests. Its combination of rich flavors and simple ingredients makes it approachable, yet it feels gourmet.
This recipe is also versatile. You can serve it with a fresh green salad for a light meal, pair it with roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner, or even enjoy it as a savory brunch option. It’s suitable for different occasions, from casual family meals to festive gatherings. Moreover, the creamy sauce can be adjusted to your taste by adding herbs, spices, or even a hint of garlic to enhance the flavor profile.
Despite its luxurious taste, this dish is surprisingly affordable. With common pantry ingredients like flour, butter, cream, and parmesan cheese, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank. Chicken, the star of the recipe, is both accessible and budget-friendly, making this recipe perfect for home cooks who want something special without overspending.
Ingredients for Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
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Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Puff pastry sheets
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Turkey bacon, chopped
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Chicken ham, diced
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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Butter
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All-purpose flour
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Garlic, minced
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Onion, finely chopped
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Olive oil
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley for garnish
This recipe is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and aromas, making it a go-to comfort meal that is easy to prepare, affordable, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
How to Prepare Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Preparing this dish may seem impressive, but it’s surprisingly quick and easy when you follow the steps carefully. The process involves creating flavorful chicken filling, assembling the pillows, and making a creamy parmesan sauce that ties everything together. With a little organization, this meal can be on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic, chopped turkey bacon, and diced chicken ham. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
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Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet, cooking until the chicken is golden brown on all sides, about 5–6 minutes.
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Remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Chicken Pillows
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into squares, roughly 4×4 inches.
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Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each pastry square.
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Fold the pastry over the filling to form a neat pillow, sealing the edges with a fork.
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Brush each pillow with a little melted butter or an egg wash to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
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Arrange the pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Bake the Pillows
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
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Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
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In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
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Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
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Gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream until smooth.
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Add ¾ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
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Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
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Place the baked chicken pillows on a serving plate.
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Pour the creamy parmesan sauce generously over the pillows.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
This recipe is customizable: you can add your favorite herbs, substitute vegetables, or even make smaller pillows for appetizers. It’s popular with many people because of its comforting flavors, golden puff pastry, and creamy sauce. Families, friends, and guests are always impressed by how rich and indulgent it tastes while remaining simple to prepare.
PrintChicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce – A Comforting, Delicious Delight
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender chicken, savory turkey bacon, and chicken ham wrapped in golden puff pastry. Topped with a rich, creamy parmesan sauce, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want a cozy, impressive meal.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 slices chicken ham, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent.
- Add garlic, turkey bacon, and chicken ham; cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook in skillet until golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 4×4-inch squares.
- Place a spoonful of chicken mixture in the center of each square. Fold pastry over and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush each pillow with melted butter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed. Let rest 5 minutes.
- For the sauce: melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, cook 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually add heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in parmesan until thickened, 3–4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Serve pillows on a plate, pour sauce over them, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
You can prepare the filling in advance.
Customize with herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor.
Smaller pillows work well as appetizers.
FAQs: Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Q: Can I prepare the chicken filling in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken, turkey bacon, and chicken ham mixture up to a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and assemble the pillows just before baking.
Q: Can I use a different type of pastry?
Puff pastry works best for this recipe due to its light, flaky texture, but you can also use phyllo dough for a crispier, layered version.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken pillows in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free puff pastry and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The texture will remain creamy and delicious.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken pillows?
Absolutely. Assemble the pillows but do not bake them. Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Q: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free parmesan-style cheese. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful.
Q: What can I serve with Chicken Pillows?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. The creamy parmesan sauce complements almost any side.