IRRESISTIBLE CHICKEN PILLOWS RECIPE

Is your weeknight dinner routine feeling a little…flat? Yearning for a dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly simple? These Chicken Pillows are about to become your new go-to, filled with tender chicken and gooey cheese all wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry, and ready to banish your dinner dilemmas forever.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 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) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Gather Your Ingredients and Prep Like a Pro

Before we dive into the fun part (assembling and devouring!), let’s make sure everything is prepped and ready. Trust me, a little bit of organization now will save you a headache later. First, ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded. You can boil it, bake it, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time! Soften your cream cheese – this is crucial for a smooth and creamy filling. Finally, thaw your puff pastry according to the package directions. Nobody wants to work with frozen-solid puff pastry, believe me!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Chicken Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This is your moment to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!

Assemble the Chicken Pillows:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll out each sheet to slightly thin it.
3. Cut each puff pastry sheet into 9 equal squares (3 rows by 3 columns).
4. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the chicken filling onto the center of each square. Don’t overfill, or the pillows will be difficult to seal.
5. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. This is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Place the assembled Chicken Pillows on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush the top of each pillow with the beaten egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

1. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Chicken Pillows are golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Even the best recipes can sometimes throw us a curveball. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to solve them:

• Puff Pastry is Cracking: If your puff pastry is cracking, it’s likely too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes to soften slightly.
• Filling is Leaking: Make sure you’re sealing the edges of the pillows really well with a fork. If the filling is too wet, try adding a bit more shredded cheese to absorb some of the moisture.
• Pillows Aren’t Puffing Up: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Also, avoid opening the oven door too often during baking, as this can cause the temperature to drop.

Variations to Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients! For a cheesy twist, you might also want to try Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Chicken Pillows: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the chicken filling for a spicy kick.
• Italian Chicken Pillows: Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Pillows: Use BBQ sauce instead of mayonnaise in the filling and add some cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Pillows: Use buffalo wing sauce in the filling and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Consider using the creamy filling in Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

These Chicken Pillows are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them with a fresh salad, some roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal. They’re also great as appetizers for parties or gatherings. For a fun twist, try serving them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. You could even serve them with a side of Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni. Think about enjoying them alongside Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken for a full Parmesan-flavored meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

These Chicken Pillows are perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the puff pastry from drying out. You can also freeze the unbaked pillows for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Leftover baked Chicken Pillows can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Keep in mind that the puff pastry may not be as crispy after reheating.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it’s simple, customizable, and uses readily available ingredients. The combination of flaky puff pastry and creamy, cheesy chicken filling is irresistible. The recipe is also easy to adapt to your own preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Chicken Pillows are sure to be a hit. The ease of preparation mirrors that of Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, making it a great choice for busy cooks. Plus, they’re just plain fun to make!

Next time, consider using the chicken mixture to create a Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread!

Final Thoughts and a Delicious Invitation

So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and totally customizable recipe for Chicken Pillows! I promise you, once you try these, they’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even as a fun appetizer for your next gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these golden, cheesy delights. Happy baking, my friend!

Irresistible Chicken Pillows

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Chicken Pillows are a comforting and simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken and gooey cheese are wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry, creating a delightful and satisfying meal. They’re easy to customize and perfect for busy cooks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 9

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Mixing spoons
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling Pin
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Fork
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• Sesame seeds optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
• Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll out each sheet to slightly thin it.
• Cut each puff pastry sheet into 9 equal squares (3 rows by 3 columns).
• Spoon a generous tablespoon of the chicken filling onto the center of each square.
• Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
• Place the assembled Chicken Pillows on the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush the top of each pillow with the beaten egg wash.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Chicken Pillows are golden brown and puffed up.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Puff pastry is cracking: Let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes to soften slightly. Filling is leaking: Make sure you’re sealing the edges of the pillows really well with a fork. If the filling is too wet, try adding a bit more shredded cheese to absorb some of the moisture. Pillows Aren’t Puffing Up: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Also, avoid opening the oven door too often during baking. Spicy Chicken Pillows: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the chicken filling. Italian Chicken Pillows: Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired flavor. BBQ Chicken Pillows: Use BBQ sauce instead of mayonnaise in the filling and add some cooked bacon for a smoky twist. Buffalo Chicken Pillows: Use buffalo wing sauce in the filling and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked pillows for up to 2 months. Leftover baked Chicken Pillows can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.