If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Chicken Pillows with Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe. This cozy comfort food combines tender, shredded chicken wrapped in buttery crescent dough pillows, all smothered in a luscious, creamy chicken gravy. It’s a delightful mix of flaky, savory, and creamy textures that will quickly become your go-to recipe for family dinners or special occasions. The magic lies in the savory filling, the crispy golden crust, and that rich gravy that ties everything together perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the key to making this recipe a breeze while ensuring every bite burst with flavor. Each item plays its part, whether it’s the creamy softness of the cream cheese, the crispy outer texture from Italian breadcrumbs, or the herbaceous notes from dried chives and minced onion.
- 10 ounces cooked, shredded chicken breast: Provides a tender, protein-packed base for the filling.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious creaminess that binds the chicken filling beautifully.
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter (softened): Enhances richness in the filling with a subtle buttery flavor.
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried chives: Brings a gentle, onion-like freshness without overpowering.
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried minced onion: Adds depth and a mild savory kick to the filling.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated Pillsbury crescent roll dough: The flaky “pillow” wrapping that cradles the chicken filling.
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted): Used for coating pillows and helping breadcrumbs stick for that perfect crispiness.
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden outer shell when baked.
- 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup: The creamy base of the rich, comforting gravy.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) chicken gravy mix: Intensifies the savory chicken flavor in the gravy.
- 3/4 cup water: Combines with soup and gravy mix to create the smooth sauce.
How to Make Chicken Pillows with Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While it heats up, lightly grease a baking sheet with non-stick spray to ensure your delicious pillows don’t stick and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in the shredded chicken, dried chives, and minced onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will give your pillows a luscious and flavorful filling that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll your refrigerated crescent roll dough and press two triangles together firmly along their perforations to form a sturdy rectangle, making sure no gaps remain. You should end up with four rectangles total. This technique prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Pillows
Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the four dough rectangles, placing the filling right in the center. Fold each corner of the rectangle over the filling, pressing them together tightly so the filling is completely enclosed. Shape each pillow into a neat ball, sealing the edges well.
Step 5: Coat the Pillows and Bake
Dip each formed chicken pillow into the melted butter, then roll it in the Italian breadcrumbs until fully coated. Gently shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the pillows on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Chicken Gravy
While the pillows bake, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently until the pillows are ready. This velvety gravy will elevate every bite and pull the entire Chicken Pillows with Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe together.
How to Serve Chicken Pillows with Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of finely chopped green onions on top of the chicken pillows before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. A light dusting of paprika can add warmth and an inviting aroma, making the dish even more enticing.
Side Dishes
Serve these pillows alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob also complement the savory gravy beautifully, creating a complete comfort meal that everyone will cheer for.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual pillows on small appetizer plates with a drizzle of the creamy chicken gravy artistically swirled around. Alternatively, arrange them as part of a family-style platter surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables for an impressive presentation that invites sharing and celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken pillows can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them sealed maintains their moisture and flavor, so you can enjoy a quick, satisfying meal the next day without any fuss.
Freezing
To freeze, place unbaked, assembled chicken pillows on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method gives you the convenience of homemade comfort food ready to bake when you want it, lasting up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed chicken pillows in a 350-degree F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. Warm the gravy separately on the stove or microwave before pouring over the pillows, ensuring everything is perfectly cozy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried chives and onions?
Absolutely! Fresh chives and finely chopped onions work beautifully and bring a vibrant flavor, though you may want to adjust the quantities slightly since fresh herbs are more potent than dried.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free crescent dough and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The key is to maintain the flaky texture and crisp coating that make Chicken Pillows so irresistible.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. The chicken filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. This can speed up the assembly process and help flavors harmonize even more before baking.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup if I prefer homemade?
You can make your own by combining chicken broth, milk, a little flour, and butter cooked together until thickened. This homemade gravy base offers a fresher taste and control over sodium levels.
Are these Chicken Pillows suitable for freezing after baking?
They can be frozen after baking, but the crust may lose some crispness upon thawing. For best texture, freeze before baking and bake fresh when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Pillows with Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe is such a wonderful comfort food gem that combines ease, flavor, and that homey feeling we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a delightful new dish to impress friends, this recipe delivers every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite meals to share and savor.
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Chicken Pillows with Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Pillows are delightful, golden-baked crescent dough parcels generously stuffed with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and herbs. These pillows are coated with breadcrumbs and baked until crispy, then served with a rich, homemade chicken gravy, making for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Filling
- 10 ounces cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 2 cups)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter, softened
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried chives
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried minced onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dough and Coating
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated Pillsbury crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
Gravy
- 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 ounce) chicken gravy mix
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside to avoid sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of softened salted butter. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Add the shredded chicken, dried chives, dried minced onion, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Form Crescent Rectangles: Unroll the crescent roll dough. Press together two triangles to create one rectangle, making sure to press the perforations firmly to prevent the filling from leaking. Repeat this to make a total of 4 rectangles.
- Fill and Shape Pillows: Evenly divide the chicken mixture among the four crescent rectangles, placing the filling in the center of each one. Fold each corner of the rectangle over the filling towards the center, pressing together firmly to cover the filling completely. Shape each filled dough into a ball-shaped pillow. Repeat for all rectangles.
- Coat and Bake: Dip each shaped chicken pillow into the melted butter, then roll in the Italian breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs. Place each coated pillow onto the greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color.
- Prepare Chicken Gravy: While the pillows are baking, prepare the gravy by combining the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently until the pillows finish baking.
- Serve: Remove the chicken pillows from the oven, pour the freshly made chicken gravy over each pillow, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Pillows!
Notes
- Press the crescent dough perforations firmly to avoid leakage of filling during baking.
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are softened for easier mixing.
- You can use fresh chives and onions instead of dried, but reduce quantities accordingly.
- Ensure baking sheet is greased well to prevent sticking of the pillows.
- For extra crispiness, bake on a wire rack placed on the baking sheet.
- Leftover chicken pillows can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
