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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed and ready to use - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish The main ingredients create a rich, creamy filling. The chicken and cheeses blend well to form a tasty surprise inside the flaky pastry. The cream cheese gives a smooth texture, while mozzarella adds stretch. The spices, like garlic and onion powder, give great flavor. For the sauce, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make it rich and savory. Olive oil adds depth. A touch of salt and pepper elevates the sauce. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It makes the dish look appetizing and inviting. You can use the additional sauce for dipping to enhance every bite. Enjoy your cooking! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a nice, flaky texture. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the pillows not stick as they bake. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded chicken with 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything combines into a smooth filling. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to make them easier to manage. Cut each sheet into 4x4 inch squares. Spoon about two tablespoons of the chicken filling into the center of each square. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice look. Place the filled pillows on your lined baking sheet with some space between each one. Brush the tops with a beaten egg. This will make them turn golden brown. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are puffed up and golden. While the pillows bake, make the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Be careful not to let it boil. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat when done. To get that perfect flaky pastry, keep your ingredients cold. Use chilled puff pastry straight from the fridge. When you roll out the pastry, work quickly. If it warms up too much, it won’t rise well. - Use a floured surface: This helps prevent sticking. - Don’t overwork the dough: Handle it gently to keep air pockets. - Chill before baking: Pop it in the fridge for a few minutes after shaping. A creamy Parmesan sauce can elevate your dish. Start with heavy cream for a rich base. Heat it slowly to avoid boiling. Stir in cheese gradually to prevent clumps. - Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better than pre-grated. - Taste as you go: Add salt and pepper to your liking. - Simmer gently: This ensures the sauce thickens without burning. Serving is key to impressing your guests. Arrange the chicken pillows on a nice platter. Drizzle the sauce over them just before serving for a fresh look. - Garnish with fresh parsley: This adds color and freshness. - Serve extra sauce on the side: It invites guests to dip. - Use vibrant plates: Bright colors contrast well with the golden pillows. {{image_4}} You can make this dish lighter by using lean chicken breast. Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt. This change keeps the creaminess but cuts some fat. You can also use whole wheat puff pastry for added fiber. Try adding herbs like dill or basil for fresh flavor without extra calories. Mixing cheeses adds fun flavors. Instead of just mozzarella, try using cheddar or pepper jack. Both will give a different taste and texture. You can also use goat cheese for a tangy twist. Each cheese brings something unique to the dish, so feel free to experiment! Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Spinach or diced bell peppers work well in the filling. You can also add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick. These small changes can make each bite exciting. Just remember to chop veggies small so they fit well in the pillows! To keep your chicken pillows fresh, store them in an airtight container. Allow them to cool completely before sealing. They will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. For the best taste and texture, reheat the chicken pillows in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are warm. This method keeps the pastry flaky. You can also use a microwave, but the pastry may get soggy. If you want to freeze your chicken pillows, do it before baking. After shaping them, place the pillows on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply bake them straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and enjoy! Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with your other filling ingredients. This makes the recipe quick and easy, perfect for busy days. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. Both options will keep the filling creamy. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese if you want a vegan version. Just adjust the amount based on your taste. Look for a golden brown color on the top of the chicken pillows. They should puff up nicely. A good baking time is between 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You can also check the inside with a knife; it should be hot and the filling should be bubbly. In this post, we explored how to make tasty chicken pillows. You learned about the main ingredients and how to make a rich Parmesan cream sauce. I shared tips for perfect pastry and ideas for variations. Don’t forget safe ways to store leftovers and answers to common questions. Try making these chicken pillows. They are fun to prepare and delicious to eat. Enjoy your cooking and the flavors you create!

Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Cream

Indulge in these Flaky Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce that are sure to impress! With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a golden puff pastry shell, these delicious bites are perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple step-by-step recipe to make this mouthwatering dish and elevate your mealtime. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat your taste buds today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus an additional 1/2 cup for sauce

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed and ready to use

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 cup heavy cream (for sauce)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated and create a smooth filling.

      Shape the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry to eliminate any creases, making it easier to work with. Cut each sheet into squares approximately 4x4 inches in size.

        Fill and Seal: Spoon about two tablespoons of the chicken filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Carefully fold each square over to form a triangle, ensuring the filling is enclosed. Press the edges firmly to seal, and use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for an attractive decorative finish.

          Egg Wash: To achieve a golden-brown color, brush the tops of each pillow with the beaten egg, which will give them a glossy appearance when baked.

            Bake: Arrange the filled chicken pillows on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they have risen and turned an enticing golden brown.

              Make the Sauce: While the pillows are baking, get started on the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil.

                Integrate the Cheese: Once the cream is simmering, add the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continuously stir the mixture until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then remove from the heat.

                  Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the chicken pillows to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. This will make them easier to handle and enhance their flaky texture.

                    Garnish and Plate: Just before serving, drizzle the warm creamy Parmesan sauce generously over the chicken pillows. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves for an added pop of color and flavor.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken pillows on a stylish platter, with an additional small bowl of the creamy sauce on the side for dipping, creating an inviting and aromatic dining experience.