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Creamy Golden Chicken Pillows

Creamy herb and garlic chicken filling sealed inside buttery crescent roll dough, coated in golden panko breadcrumbs, and baked until puffed with an optional warm cream sauce to finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or finely diced, rotisserie works perfectly
  • 8 oz cream cheese full-fat block, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tbsp milk for the filling
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup for the sauce
  • 0.5 cup sour cream for the sauce
  • 0.25 cup milk for the sauce

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • medium mixing bowl
  • small saucepan
  • Shallow bowl for breadcrumbs

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
  3. Unroll the crescent dough and press two triangles together at the seam to form a rectangle. Scoop 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling into the center of each rectangle. Pull the four corners to the center and pinch all seams tightly shut with dry hands.
  4. Dip the top and sides of each pillow into the melted butter, then press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until well coated. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and a deep, even golden brown.
  6. While the pillows bake, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until hot and just beginning to bubble.
  7. Plate the golden pillows and spoon the warm cream sauce generously over the top just before serving.

Notes

Seam Secret: Keep hands completely dry when pinching the dough shut. Moisture from the filling prevents proper sealing and causes leaks. Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to 4 hours before baking. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the bake time. Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes to restore crunch. Turkey Variation: Substitute shredded turkey with a teaspoon of dried sage for a great Thanksgiving leftover dinner. Puff Pastry Option: Thawed puff pastry cut into rectangles works as a substitute. Brush with egg wash and bake 20 to 25 minutes without the breadcrumb coating.