Are you tired of the same old chicken dinners and craving something comforting, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make? These Chicken Pillows deliver on all fronts – flaky puff pastry filled with tender chicken and gooey cheese, creating the ultimate savory bite. Get ready to transform your weeknight meals with this simple recipe; I promise you’ll be making these again and again!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pillows:
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Preparing the Chicken Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts. You can bake them, boil them, or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred the cooked chicken into small, manageable pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy – the filling should be flavorful!
Assembling the Chicken Pillows:
- Lightly flour a clean surface. Gently unfold one puff pastry sheet onto the floured surface.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the puff pastry sheet into 6 equal squares.
- Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet. You should now have 12 squares.
- Place a generous spoonful of the chicken filling (about 2-3 tablespoons) in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, or the pillows might burst during baking.
- Fold one corner of the puff pastry square over to the opposite corner, creating a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. A fork can help to create a nice, sealed edge. This is KEY to keeping the filling inside!
- Repeat the folding and sealing process with all the remaining squares.
Baking to Golden Perfection:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled chicken pillows onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each chicken pillow with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
- If desired, sprinkle the tops of the pillows with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Let the chicken pillows cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Be careful, the filling will be HOT!
Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks
Puff Pastry Problems?
Puff pastry can be a little finicky. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
- Pastry is too sticky: Make sure your surface is well-floured. If the pastry is still sticking, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to chill it down.
- Pastry isn’t puffing: Ensure your oven is hot enough. Also, avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking, as this can release the heat and prevent proper puffing.
- Filling is leaking: Make sure you seal the edges of the pillows tightly. Using a fork to crimp the edges is a great way to ensure a good seal.
Variations: Spice It Up!
Cheese Lovers’ Delight:
Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a little bit of goat cheese can add a unique twist to your Chicken Pillows.
Spice It Up!:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken filling for a little kick. You could even try a drizzle of Hot Honey Feta Chicken sauce over the finished pillows!
Herb Garden:
Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the flavor of your Chicken Pillows. Add a tablespoon or two of chopped fresh herbs to the chicken filling.
Veggie Boost:
Sneak in some extra veggies! Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be added to the chicken filling for added nutrients and flavor.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Pairings
Chicken Pillows are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory pillows.
- Soup: Tomato soup, creamy vegetable soup, or even a light chicken noodle soup are all great accompaniments.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic dip are all delicious dipping options.
Make-Ahead Tips: Planning is Key
Want to get ahead of the game? Here are some tips for making Chicken Pillows in advance:
- Prepare the filling: The chicken filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Assemble ahead of time: You can assemble the Chicken Pillows a few hours before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled Chicken Pillows before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Other Chicken Recipes to Try!
If you love chicken as much as I do, be sure to check out these other delicious chicken recipes:
- Boursin Chicken Pasta: A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with Boursin cheese and tender chicken.
- Chicken Thighs Dinner Recipe: An easy and satisfying dinner using juicy chicken thighs.
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps: Irresistible wraps filled with cheesy garlic chicken.
- Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Grilled chicken skewers with a flavorful ranch garlic parmesan marinade.
- Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes: A comforting and easy crockpot meal.
Why This Recipe Works: It’s All About Balance!
This Chicken Pillows recipe is a winner because it perfectly balances flavors and textures. The flaky puff pastry provides a light and airy contrast to the rich and savory chicken filling. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings creates a filling that is both creamy and flavorful. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks!
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Chicken Pillows!
So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and satisfying Chicken Pillows recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these pillows are a guaranteed hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique version. Happy cooking, my friend, and enjoy every bite!
Can I prepare the Chicken Pillows ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance or assemble the pillows a few hours before baking. You can also freeze the assembled pillows for longer storage. Refer to the ‘Make-Ahead Tips’ section for detailed instructions.
What can I do if my puff pastry is sticking to the surface?
Make sure your surface is well-floured. If the pastry is still sticking, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to chill it down.
What are some variations I can try with the Chicken Pillows?
You can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice, use fresh herbs like parsley, or add diced vegetables to the chicken filling.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Pillows?
Chicken Pillows pair well with a simple green salad, tomato soup, roasted vegetables like broccoli, or dipping sauces like ranch dressing or honey mustard.
Easy Chicken Pillows
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts. Shred the cooked chicken into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lightly flour a clean surface. Gently unfold one puff pastry sheet onto the floured surface.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the puff pastry sheet into 6 equal squares.
- Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet.
- Place a generous spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the chicken filling in the center of each square.
- Fold one corner of the puff pastry square over to the opposite corner, creating a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
- Repeat the folding and sealing process with all the remaining squares.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled chicken pillows onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each chicken pillow with the egg wash.
- If desired, sprinkle the tops of the pillows with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Let the chicken pillows cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
