Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients is the first step towards creating something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional for garnish)
Feel free to substitute cooked turkey for chicken if you have leftovers from a holiday meal. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, reminiscent of the lively flavors I grew up with.
Instructions
As my abuela always said, “Cooking is an act of love.” Let’s put that love into action:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-blended.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each triangle, then fold the dough over to create a pillow shape. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Arrange the chicken pillows on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the pillows are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken pillows are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with the warm Parmesan sauce drizzled on top.
These steps may seem simple, but they bring together the essence of home cooking — a dance of flavors and textures that tell a story with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International