Creamy Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce
Creamy Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce are little pockets of tender chicken wrapped in soft dough and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. The pillows have a nice bite from…
By Emily
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Creamy Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce are little pockets of tender chicken wrapped in soft dough and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. The pillows have a nice bite from the dough, while the creamy Parmesan sauce adds a comforting and flavorful touch that everyone seems to love. It’s a simple mix of textures and flavors that just work so well together.
I really like making these when I want a meal that feels special but isn’t complicated. The chicken pillows are fun to eat, almost like little bites of a cozy hug, and the Parmesan sauce is the perfect finish. I often add a bit of garlic and herbs to the sauce because it makes everything taste even better, and I find that this dish always brings smiles at the table.
My favorite way to serve this meal is alongside a light green salad or some steamed veggies for a bit of freshness. It feels like a great balance between creamy and light. If you’re looking for a dish to make on a weeknight but want something that’ll impress, this is a perfect choice. Plus, leftovers are just as tasty for the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breast: Using cooked, shredded chicken keeps the pillows tender. You can swap in rotisserie chicken for convenience or shredded turkey for a change.
Cream cheese & cheeses: Cream cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella and Parmesan bring flavor and meltiness. For a lighter version, try part-skim cheeses or use ricotta instead of cream cheese.
Breading: The trio of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs creates a crispy coating. Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour can replace if needed.
Parmesan sauce: Heavy cream and Parmesan make it rich and smooth. For a dairy-free twist, try coconut cream and nutritional yeast, though the flavor will differ.
How Do I Get the Chicken Pillows Crispy Without Oil Sogginess?
Getting a crisp coating is all about frying right and draining well.
- Use enough oil to cover at least half the pillows when frying in a skillet, and keep oil at medium heat—about 350°F (175°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches so the temperature stays steady.
- After frying, place pillows on paper towels or a wire rack to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Make sure the pillows are coated well with breadcrumbs and shake off extra flour before frying for even crispiness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – makes mixing the chicken filling easy and mess-free.
- Three shallow bowls – perfect for setting up your flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating stations.
- Large skillet or frying pan – for frying the pillows to golden perfection.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – helps you turn and remove pillows safely from hot oil.
- Small saucepan – ideal for making the creamy Parmesan sauce smoothly.
- Whisk – great for stirring the sauce until it’s silky and lump-free.
- Paper towels or wire rack – to drain excess oil and keep pillows crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked crab or shrimp for a seafood version that’s just as creamy and tasty.
- Add chopped spinach or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra color and mild sweetness.
- Stir in some Italian seasoning or fresh basil into the filling to boost herby flavor.
- Use mozzarella and gouda cheeses together for a richer, meltier pillow experience.
Creamy Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Pillows:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko works well)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare for about 30 minutes total. This includes around 15 minutes to mix and form the pillows, 10 minutes for frying, and 5 minutes to make the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Chicken Filling:
In a big bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it until everything is well combined. This will be the filling for your pillows.
2. Shape the Pillows:
With clean hands, take small portions of the chicken mixture and shape them into balls about the size of golf balls. Set these aside to prepare for coating.
3. Coat the Pillows:
Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. First, roll each chicken pillow in flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it well in the breadcrumbs. Repeat for all pillows.
4. Fry Until Golden:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the pillows for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them carefully and drain on paper towels to soak up extra oil.
5. Make the Parmesan Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, around 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with Sauce and Garnish:
Place the crispy chicken pillows on plates, spoon the warm Parmesan sauce generously over them, and sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley. Serve right away for the best taste.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before shredding. This helps prevent excess moisture in your filling.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Pillows?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated pillows on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover chicken pillows and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat pillows in the oven to keep them crisp, and gently warm the sauce on the stove or microwave.
Can I Make the Parmesan Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Reheat it slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
