Emma asked what was for dinner, and when I said chicken pillows, she actually cheered. That's how good these are. Golden crescent rolls stuffed with creamy chicken and cream cheese, coated in butter and breadcrumbs, then baked until crispy. I threw them together on a night when I had zero energy, and now they're the dinner my family requests most.
They take about half an hour and use ingredients you probably have. Pair them with, my Easy Peppercorn Sauce Recipe | Ready in 20 Minutes goes perfectly on the side, or you can pair them with a Healthy Avocado Chicken Wrap Recipe | 10-Minute Lunch for a full spread. And if you want something with a little kick, try my Honey Hot Chicken Salad Recipe | Crispy & Spicy in 30 Min.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Pillows Recipe
This creamy chicken pillows recipe is one of those easy chicken dinner recipes that feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did. The crescent roll chicken bake comes together in about half an hour, and the ingredients are straightforward. You get crispy, golden brown chicken pillows on the outside and a rich, creamy center that everyone loves. Plus, the gravy takes it over the top without any fuss.
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Chicken Pillows Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these comforting chicken roll-ups with gravy.
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities
For the Chicken Pillows:
Refrigerated crescent rolls: Two 8-ounce tubes form the soft, flaky base that wraps around the filling and bakes up golden.
Cooked shredded chicken: Three cups of tender chicken (rotisserie or canned works great) gives you the hearty, savory center without any extra work.
Cream cheese: An 8-ounce package, softened, makes the filling creamy and rich, holding everything together beautifully.
Green onion: A quarter cup, diced, adds a mild, fresh bite. This one's optional if you're not a fan.
Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon brings a warm, savory note that deepens the flavor.
Butter: A third cup, melted, coats each pillow before the breadcrumbs, giving you that crispy, golden finish.
Italian breadcrumbs: Half a cup creates a crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft filling.
For the Chicken Gravy:
Cream of chicken soup: One 10.5-ounce can is the base of your quick, savory gravy.
Milk: Half a cup (or more if you like it thinner) loosens the soup into a pourable, creamy gravy.
Sour cream: A quarter cup adds tang and richness, making the gravy taste homemade.
How To Make Chicken Pillows
This baked chicken pillows with gravy recipe is easy to follow and comes together quickly.
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F and spray two sheet pans with non-stick cooking spray so nothing sticks.
Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, green onion if you're using it, and garlic powder until everything's combined and smooth.
Assemble pillows: Open the crescent roll tubes and separate the dough into triangles. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the wider end of each triangle, then fold the sides over and roll it up, pinching the edges to seal so the filling stays inside.
Coat with butter and breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 40 seconds. Put the breadcrumbs on a plate. Dip the top of each chicken pillow into the melted butter, then press it into the breadcrumbs to coat.
Bake: Place the coated pillows on your prepared sheet pans and bake for 11 to 14 minutes, until they're golden brown and the dough looks cooked through. The kitchen will smell amazing.
Prepare gravy: While the pillows bake, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring now and then, for about 5 minutes until it's warm and smooth. Add a splash more milk if you want it thinner.
Serve: Drizzle the gravy over the pillows or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way works.
Substitutions and Variations
You can adjust this savory chicken stuffed pastry recipe to fit what you have on hand.
Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or leftover cooked chicken breasts. All work just fine.
Cream cheese: Swap in Greek yogurt or sour cream if you want something a bit lighter, though the texture will be slightly different.
Crescent rolls: Puff pastry sheets cut into squares work if you can't find crescent rolls, though the texture will be flakier.
Breadcrumbs: Panko or plain breadcrumbs work just as well as Italian. Add a pinch of garlic powder if using plain.
Gravy: Make your own gravy from scratch if you prefer, or skip it entirely and serve with a simple ranch dip.
Equipment For Chicken Pillows
- Two sheet pans: For baking the pillows without crowding.
- Medium mixing bowl: To combine the chicken filling.
- Small saucepan: For warming the gravy.
- Microwave-safe bowl: To melt the butter quickly.
- Plate: For dipping the breadcrumbs.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These chicken and cream cheese stuffed rolls keep well and reheat beautifully.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
Reheating: Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through, or pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Freezing: Let the cooked pillows cool completely, then store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating from frozen: Bake at 375°F for 5 to 8 minutes, or use an air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes for the best texture. Microwave works too if you're in a hurry.
Serving Suggestions
These comfort food chicken rolls are filling on their own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal.
With a simple salad: A green salad with ranch dressing or a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans add color and a little crunch.
Mashed potatoes: If you're going full comfort mode, serve these with creamy mashed potatoes and extra gravy.
Fresh fruit: Sliced apples or grapes on the side add a refreshing contrast.
Expert Tips
Use softened cream cheese: It mixes way easier and makes the filling smoother. Let it sit out for about 20 minutes before you start.
Don't overfill: Two tablespoons of filling per pillow is just right. Too much and they'll burst open while baking.
Seal the edges well: Pinch the dough tightly so the filling doesn't leak out. A little water on your fingers helps if the dough isn't sticking.
Work quickly with the dough: Crescent roll dough warms up fast. If it gets too soft, it's harder to work with.
FAQ
How long do you cook chicken pillow?
Bake the chicken pillows at 375°F for 11 to 14 minutes, or until they're golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don't get too dark. Emma always hovers by the oven during the last few minutes because she can't wait.
How do you reheat chicken pillows?
The easiest way is to microwave them for 1 to 2 minutes until they're heated through. For a crispier result, pop them in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes. The air fryer is my go-to because it brings back that crispy crust.
Can you freeze chicken pillows?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken pillows for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely first, then store in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
What are chicken pillows?
Chicken pillows are soft crescent rolls stuffed with a creamy chicken and cream cheese filling, coated in butter and breadcrumbs, and baked until golden. They're called pillows because of their puffy, comforting shape and texture. They're basically chicken pillow appetizers that work as a full meal.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Pillows
Chicken Pillows
Equipment
- 2 Sheet Pans For baking the chicken pillows without crowding
- 1 Medium bowl For mixing the chicken filling
- 1 Small Saucepan For warming the gravy
- 1 Microwaveable Bowl For melting the butter quickly
- 1 Plate For dipping the breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce tubes refrigerated crescent rolls (For the dough wrapper)
- 3.3 cups cooked shredded chicken About 2 medium-sized chicken breasts or canned chicken
- 1 8-ounce package softened cream cheese (Provides creaminess to the filling)
- ¼ cup diced green onion Optional, adds a mild onion flavor
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder For flavor
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter Melted, for coating
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs For a crispy coating
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup (For the gravy base)
- ½ cup milk Adjust more if needed for gravy consistency
- ¼ cup sour cream For richness and tang in the gravy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray two sheet pans with non-stick cooking spray and set them aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix 3.3 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 package of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup diced green onion, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until well blended.
- Open the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up the dough, sealing the edges tightly. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Melt ⅓ cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 40 seconds. Pour ½ cup Italian bread crumbs onto a plate. Dip the top of each chicken pillow into the melted butter, then coat it with the breadcrumbs.
- Place the prepared pillows on the sheet pans. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 can of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup milk, and ¼ cup sour cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and smooth. Add more milk if necessary for the desired consistency.
- Serve the gravy on the side or pour it over the chicken pillows for extra flavor.
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