Healthy Chicken Pillows
Warm, flaky Chicken Pillows filled with rich and creamy chicken are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy evening at home. Picture biting into one of these glorious pillows with its golden crust, releasing the aromatic scent of garlic and herbs. The moment you pull them from the oven, the buttery breadrolls beckon with a crunch that hints at the creamy filling inside. It reminds me of chilly nights gathered around the dinner table with my family, eagerly sharing our favorite meals, laughter, and stories. There’s something about these homemade delights that stirs up sweet nostalgia, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a game night with friends, or just a cozy dinner for two, this Healthy Chicken Pillows Recipe | 7 Ingredients, 30 Minutes will quickly become a go-to favorite. Simple and delightful, you won’t be able to resist these mouthwatering treats. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy chicken paired with fluffy, buttery dough—what’s not to love?
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These charming little pillows look as good as they taste—great for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for any occasion, from snacks to main meals or even festive parties.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs; substitute ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: Two 8-ounce tubes create a soft and flaky exterior, but store-bought puff pastry can be a fun alternative.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Approximately 3.3 cups; you can use leftover roasted chicken or even canned chicken for convenience.
- Cream cheese: An 8-ounce package adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Diced green onion: ¼ cup for a fresh crunch; feel free to skip this if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Garlic powder: Just ½ teaspoon enhances the flavor wonderfully; fresh garlic is an excellent substitute but use sparingly.
- Unsalted butter: ⅓ cup, melted, is used for dipping the pillows and gives a lovely golden finish, but olive oil could work in a pinch.
- Italian bread crumbs: ½ cup coats the pillows for crunch; use Panko for extra crispiness or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a diet-friendly option.
- Cream of chicken soup: A 10.5-ounce can is essential for your gravy; opt for a low-sodium version for a healthier choice.
- Milk: You’ll need ½ cup, but add more to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Dairy-free milk works too!
- Sour cream: A ¼ cup provides an extra layer of creaminess and a tangy flavor, but Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pillows Recipe | 7 Ingredients, 30 Minutes
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, prepare two sheet pans with non-stick spray to prevent any sticky situations later. You want a nice, golden exterior, and proper preparation ensures they slide off effortlessly!
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, diced green onions, and garlic powder. Stir with a spatula until everything is beautifully mixed and creamy. This is where the magic happens—don’t rush; you want that filling to be smooth and delicious!
Roll the Crescents: Next, unroll the crescent rolls and carefully separate the triangles. At the wider end, place about 2 tablespoons of your creamy chicken mixture. Fold the sides over and roll it tightly up towards the point, sealing the edges to make sure no filling escapes. Each pillow should be plump and inviting!
Coat with Butter and Bread Crumbs: Melt the butter in a microwaveable bowl for about 40 seconds. On a plate, spread the breadcrumbs evenly. Dip each chicken pillow into the melted butter, ensuring a good coating, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to achieve that golden finish. This step is fundamental for the crispy crust you crave!
Bake to Perfection: Place the coated chicken pillows on your prepared baking sheets and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, watching closely until they are golden brown and the crispy edges begin to tantalize your senses. The aroma filling your kitchen will be impossible to resist!
Prepare the Gravy: While the pillows are baking, it’s time to whip up the gravy. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir until everything is warmed through and reach the consistency you prefer—add more milk for a thinner sauce. Trust me, this gravy is the silky companion that ties each bite together beautifully!
Serve and Enjoy: Once your chicken pillows are done, serve them with the creamy gravy on the side or drizzled on top for that extra indulgence. They’re best enjoyed warm, so gather your loved ones around the table and dig in!
Storing & Reheating
Leftover chicken pillows can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’re planning to store them longer, freeze the pillows in a single layer on a sheet pan for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Be mindful that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a quick refresh in the oven restores that beautiful flaky pastry.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing; it blends more smoothly with the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets; give the pillows some space to expand and brown evenly.
- If you want extra flavor, consider adding some herbs like parsley or thyme to the chicken mixture.
- Be cautious while rolling the crescents; too loose may cause them to burst open during baking.
- For fun variations, try adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrients.
- Make these ahead of time and freeze before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake.
The delightful combination of creamy filling and flaky dough makes this Healthy Chicken Pillows Recipe | 7 Ingredients, 30 Minutes a must-try dish you’ll want to share with everyone. Experiment with your favorite fillings or gravies, and maybe even create new family traditions centered around these scrumptious pillows. Just imagine sitting down to enjoy a warm plate of these with loved ones, laughter abounding—a moment to cherish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. Just shred it similarly to how you would chicken, and follow the same steps. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose holiday leftovers!
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
You can easily substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade mushroom or vegetable soup for a vegetarian option. Additionally, a mix of heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth will achieve a similar creamy texture.
Can I make these chicken pillows ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken pillows, assemble them, and then freeze them before baking. Just remember to adjust baking time as needed when cooking from frozen.
What dipping sauces go well with Chicken Pillows?
In addition to the creamy gravy, these chicken pillows pair beautifully with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for a kick of flavor. Feel free to get creative!
More Dinner Recipes
- Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad
- Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce)
- Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner
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📖 Recipe Card
Healthy Chicken Pillows
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Elevate your dinner with these Healthy Chicken Pillows. Enjoy the creamy filling in flaky crescent rolls, perfect for quick, delicious meals for everyone!
Ingredients
- Two 8-ounce tubes refrigerated crescent rolls
- 3.3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese
- ¼ cup diced green onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare baking sheets with non-stick spray.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, green onions, and garlic powder.
- Unroll crescent rolls, place 2 tablespoons of filling on wide end, fold and roll tightly.
- Dip each pillow in melted butter, then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Place pillows on baking sheets and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- In a pan, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream for gravy.
- Serve chicken pillows warm with gravy.
Notes
Use leftovers for a quick meal option.
Feel free to add herbs for extra flavor.
To achieve a crispier texture, use Panko breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pillow
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
