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This comforting chicken dish has become a staple in our home thanks to its warm filling and flaky crust. Each serving feels like a little bundle of love straight from the oven and is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing first-time guests.
I first made this when my teenagers started learning to cook. It became an instant hit and now they make it for their friends regularly.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken: provides a hearty base and keeps things simple if you use rotisserie
- Cream cheese: adds richness and binds the filling smoothly
- Salted butter: gives both flavor and moisture to the mixture and the topping
- Dried chives: offer mild onion notes without being overpowering
- Dried minced onion: enhances the savory profile with gentle texture
- Salt and pepper: let you adjust seasoning to your taste
- Crescent roll dough: wraps everything in a buttery flaky crust
- Melted butter: ensures a golden crunchy surface
- Italian breadcrumbs: bring crisp texture and seasoning in one coat
- Cream of chicken soup: creates a creamy base for the gravy
- Chicken gravy mix: deepens flavor without long simmering
- Water: helps adjust the gravy to the right consistency
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even browning
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a large bowl mix softened cream cheese with softened butter until smooth then stir in shredded chicken chives minced onion salt and pepper until evenly combined
- Shape the Crescent Dough:
- Unroll the dough and press two triangles together to make four rectangles total carefully seal all perforations to avoid leakage during baking
- Fill and Wrap the Pillows:
- Place a quarter of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough rectangle fold all four corners over the center press edges to seal and gently form into a rounded shape
- Coat the Pillows:
- Dip each dough ball in melted butter then roll in breadcrumbs making sure the entire surface is coated and shake off any extra crumbs
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside
- Make the Gravy:
- While the pillows bake combine cream of chicken soup gravy mix and water in a small saucepan bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer until serving time
- Serve with Gravy:
- Plate each pillow and generously spoon warm gravy over the top just before serving
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Storage Tips
Store leftover pillows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness Gravy can be stored separately and reheated gently on the stove
Ingredient Substitutions
Use rotisserie chicken to save time Swap crescent roll dough with puff pastry for a flakier texture Try Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese for a tangier filling
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad to round out the meal Great for potlucks or family gatherings where individual servings are helpful Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color and freshness
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Cultural Context
This dish has been a local favorite in Utah for years and goes by many names but chicken pillows has a friendly charm It embodies the American love for creamy savory casseroles wrapped in flaky pastry comfort food at its best
My favorite part is watching my kids coat the pillows like little chefs they get a kick out of the assembly and the buttery breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned chicken for this dish?
Yes, canned chicken works well and is a quick substitute. Be sure to drain it thoroughly before mixing.
- → What can I use instead of crescent dough?
You can substitute puff pastry or biscuit dough if crescent dough is unavailable, though baking time may vary slightly.
- → How can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble the pillows ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Yes, swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or mashed chickpeas and use a vegetarian cream soup and gravy.
- → What side dishes pair well with this?
Try pairing with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.