I still remember the first time I made chicken pillows. The kitchen filled with the aroma of buttery, flaky pastry mingling with savory chicken and herbs, making my mouth water instantly. These delightful pockets are not just food; they are little bundles of joy that can brighten any day.
In my house, chicken pillows have become the go-to dish for celebrations or a cozy family dinner. The excitement of biting into that crispy exterior only to reveal tender chicken inside is simply unparalleled. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close to your heart for every occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chicken pillows are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any night
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of savory and creamy goodness
- Their golden-brown crust is visually appealing and will impress your guests
- Versatile enough to customize with different fillings based on your preferences
I vividly recall the time my friends came over for a movie night, and I served these chicken pillows. Their delighted reactions were priceless, and I knew I had struck culinary gold.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 2-3 chicken breasts will do nicely; adjust according to how many hungry mouths you have.
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Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich creaminess; don’t skimp on this one.
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Fresh Herbs: A mix of parsley and chives works wonders; fresh herbs elevate the flavor significantly.
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Puff Pastry Sheets: Store-bought is perfectly fine; just be sure it’s thawed before using for easy handling.
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Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances the flavor profile without overwhelming; use it generously but wisely.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all ingredients together harmoniously; don’t forget them!
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Egg Wash: An egg mixed with water gives those pillows a beautiful golden finish when baked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients—nothing worse than hunting down a missing item mid-cooking!
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook your diced chicken until it’s no longer pink—about 6-8 minutes should do. Let it cool slightly before mixing.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined—it should look creamy and delicious.
Assemble the Pillows: Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Cut into squares or rectangles. Place a generous tablespoon of filling in the center of each square.
Seal the Deal: Fold the pastry over to create triangles or rectangles. Use a fork to seal edges tightly—this ensures your filling stays tucked in during baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Brush each pillow with egg wash for that beautiful golden hue. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they puff up and turn golden brown.
Now you have delicious chicken pillows ready to impress anyone! Enjoy them hot out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce or as is—the choice is yours!
You Must Know
- Chicken pillows are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress anyone
- They are perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, and the aroma while baking will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
- Plus, they can be customized to suit various tastes
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the chicken filling while preheating the oven. Roll out the dough, fill it, and bake until golden brown for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition, or use different cheeses to elevate your chicken pillows.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken pillows in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for crispy perfection.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly flaky chicken pillows, ensure your dough is cold before rolling it out
- Avoid overfilling them; too much stuffing can lead to messy results
- Lastly, let them cool slightly before serving to prevent burns from hot filling
Memories flood back when I recall making these chicken pillows with my grandmother. Her laughter filled the kitchen as we rolled dough together, creating deliciousness and memories in every bite.
FAQ
What type of chicken should I use for chicken pillows?
Use cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
Can I make chicken pillows ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day before and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
What dipping sauce pairs well with chicken pillows?
A creamy ranch or garlic aioli complements these savory treats perfectly.
Chicken Pillows
Chicken pillows are a delightful fusion of flaky pastry and savory chicken filling, perfect for any occasion. These scrumptious pockets are not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. Featuring a golden-brown crust and a creamy interior infused with fresh herbs, chicken pillows are sure to impress at family dinners or casual get-togethers. Serve them hot out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook diced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Let cool.
- In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface; cut into squares or rectangles. Place a tablespoon of filling in each square.
- Fold and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken pillow
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
