Healthy Chicken Pillows
Warm, fluffy Chicken Pillows filled with creamy chicken fill your kitchen with inviting aromas that make your heart sing. Imagine golden, doughy exteriors blanketing smooth, savory chicken, while melted butter and breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch. With each bite, the delicious harmonies of flavors create a delightful experience that beckons everyone at the table. This Healthy Chicken Pillows Recipe | 7 Ingredients, 30 Minutes is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug when evenings turn chilly, and comfort food calls to us.
Table of Contents
Growing up, my mom would whip up these delights whenever family gathered, instantly transforming the evening into a celebration. The laughter, stories, and warm vibes always swirled around the dinner table. These Chicken Pillows are just like those cherished moments, offering comfort and nostalgia in each bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends, you’ll be thrilled to find that whipping up this dish takes no time at all. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create something special together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just seven ingredients, you can whip these up in about 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: Each Chicken Pillow bursts with creamy chicken and hints of garlic, making it a savory delight.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These charming pillows look so cute on a platter, sure to impress your guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish for any occasion, from cozy dinners to parties.
- Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs, like using gluten-free crescent rolls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: Two 8-ounce tubes provide a soft and flaky exterior. For a twist, try using whole wheat or gluten-free options.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: About 3.3 cups. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.
- Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce package, softened. This ingredient adds a delightful creaminess to the filling that makes it rich and satisfying.
- Diced Green Onion: ¼ cup, optional but refreshing, giving a nice crunch and subtle onion flavor. You can easily substitute with chives or leave it out.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon for that lovely aromatic flavor. Feel free to use fresh minced garlic if you prefer a more robust garlic taste.
- Unsalted Butter: ⅓ cup, melted for dipping and coating. It enhances flavor and helps the breadcrumbs stick beautifully.
- Italian Bread Crumbs: ½ cup for that golden finish. You can also use panko for extra crunch or make your own from stale bread.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pillows Recipe | 7 Ingredients, 30 Minutes
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, prepare two sheet pans with non-stick spray to ensure easy cleanup after baking. The sizzling sound and warm smell from the oven will start to build excitement in your kitchen as you get ready to assemble these flavorful pillows!
Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, diced green onions, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and nicely combined. This creamy, savory filling is truly the star of the show, so take a moment to appreciate the aroma before moving forward!
Assemble Chicken Pillows: Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and place it at the wider end of each crescent triangle. Gently fold the sides of the dough over the filling and roll it up tightly, sealing the ends to keep all that lovely filling inside. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling until you have a delicious tray of Chicken Pillows.
Coat with Butter and Breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 40 seconds until fully melted. On a separate plate, spread out the breadcrumbs. Take each Chicken Pillow, dip it into the melted butter, coating it thoroughly, then roll it in the breadcrumbs. This step adds a fantastic crunch and a lovely golden color when baked!
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the prepared Chicken Pillows on the sheet pans, ensuring they have some space between them. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. Keep an eye on them—while the aroma wafts through your kitchen, make sure not to drift too far away!
Prepare the Gravy: While the Chicken Pillows bake, it’s the perfect time to prepare the gravy. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir gently until everything is warmed through and blended well. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if desired; the consistency should be silky and smooth—just right for drizzling over your fluffy pillows!
Serve and Enjoy!: Once the Chicken Pillows are golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven. You can either serve the gravy on the side for dipping or pour it generously over the Chicken Pillows for a comforting presentation. Either way, your guests will love the comforting flavors and creamy textures!
Storing & Reheating
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, freeze the Chicken Pillows individually for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm, but be mindful that the texture may change slightly. To refresh it, a little drizzle of olive oil before reheating can help in regaining that crispy exterior!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overfilling the Chicken Pillows. Just a tablespoon or two of filling will keep them from bursting open while baking.
- Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing—this makes combining so much easier!
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. Remove them as soon as they have that beautiful golden color.
- If you love extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs to the filling.
- Consider making a big batch—these freeze well and are perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
If you’ve never tried making Chicken Pillows before, this Healthy Chicken Pillows Recipe | 7 Ingredients, 30 Minutes is the ideal introduction. Each bite is a lovely reminder of home-cooked comfort, and I encourage you to experiment with your favorite fillings and toppings! They are bound to become a go-to meal in your home. Enjoy the smiles and satisfaction around the dinner table as you create these treats!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the shredded chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian filling like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Just ensure the filling is cooked and well-seasoned before adding to the crescent rolls.
What can I serve with Chicken Pillows?
These tasty pillows pair wonderfully with a light salad or some steamed vegetables on the side. You could also serve them with a fresh dip, like ranch or a tangy salsa for added flavor.
Can I prepare Chicken Pillows ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble Chicken Pillows and place them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For meal prep, you can also freeze them uncooked, then bake from frozen. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have crescent rolls?
If you can’t find crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry as an alternative. Just roll it out and follow the same steps for filling and sealing. The result will be just as delightful and flaky!
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📖 Recipe Card
Healthy Chicken Pillows
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 Chicken Pillows 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Healthy Chicken Pillows recipe features warm, flaky dough filled with creamy shredded chicken and cheese. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and packed with irresistible flavors, making it a beloved comfort food.
Ingredients
- Two 8-ounce tubes of Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
- About 3.3 cups cooked Shredded Chicken
- One 8-ounce package of softened Cream Cheese
- ¼ cup Diced Green Onion (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ⅓ cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- ½ cup Italian Bread Crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two sheet pans with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, diced green onions, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Unroll crescent rolls into triangles, place filling at the wider end, fold sides over, and roll up tightly.
- Dip Chicken Pillows in melted butter, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and dough is fully cooked.
- Prepare gravy by combining cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream in a saucepan until warm and blended.
- Serve Chicken Pillows with gravy on the side or poured over them.
Notes
To avoid bursting, don’t overfill the Chicken Pillows.
Allow cream cheese to soften for easier mixing.
Consider adding Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Pillow
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
