If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, you’re going to fall in love with these Chicken Parmesan Pillows. They’ve got everything we love about classic chicken parm crispy breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella but all wrapped up in a soft, golden crescent roll. It’s comfort food in handheld form, and perfect for busy American families on a weeknight.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Pillows Recipe
There’s something magical about taking a classic dish and giving it a new, easier form. These Chicken Parmesan Pillows check all the boxes:
- Quick prep and clean-up
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead dinners
This recipe has become a go-to in my house, especially on those crazy weeknights when everyone’s hungry and I’m short on time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple. Here’s everything you need to make these golden pockets of cheesy heaven:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (store-bought rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil spray or melted butter (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Tip: If you’ve got leftover chicken parm or even grilled chicken, this is a perfect way to use it up.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pillows
Step 1: Prep Your Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is evenly coated and cheesy.
Step 2: Roll It Out
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. If you want a thicker pillow, press two triangles together to make a rectangle.
Pro Tip: Lightly flour your work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
Step 3: Fill and Seal
Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the wider end of each triangle. Fold the dough over the filling, pinch the edges to seal, and shape into a pillow or pocket.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Place the pillows on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden crust. Optionally, give them a light spray of olive oil or a brush of melted butter.
Bake at 375°F for 14–16 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let them cool for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve with extra marinara on the side for dipping.
Common Problems + How to Fix Them
1. The filling leaks out during baking
That’s usually from overfilling or not sealing the dough tight enough. Keep the filling amount modest and really pinch those edges.
2. The dough stays raw on the bottom
Make sure your baking sheet is preheated or try placing it in the lower third of your oven to crisp the bottoms.
3. The pillows aren’t golden enough
The egg wash is key here don’t skip it! A brush of butter or oil also helps with that beautiful finish.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Parmesan Pillows pair beautifully with:
- A fresh Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Garlic knots (double up on the comfort food!)
They’re also a hit at game nights, potlucks, and school lunches just pack ‘em up with a little sauce on the side.
consider serving them with this creamy Blackened Chicken Pasta Alfredo.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
To Freeze:
Assemble the pillows but don’t bake. Freeze them flat on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 20–22 minutes.
To Store:
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to get the crispiness back.
Variations You’ll Love
- Add a spicy kick with some red pepper flakes.
- Use different cheese fillings like provolone or fontina.
- Want more crunch? Try coating the chicken like in these Perfect Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to drain it well and shred it finely.
Q: What’s the best sauce for dipping?
A: Marinara is the classic, but garlic Alfredo or spicy arrabbiata are delicious twists.
Q: Can I make these with gluten-free dough?
A: Yep! There are some great GF crescent-style doughs out there now just check your local grocery store.
Q: What kind of cheese can I swap in?
A: Provolone or fontina melt beautifully. Even a little ricotta mixed in can make them extra creamy.
Q: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
A: You bet. Air fry at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. Just don’t overcrowd the basket.
Wrapping It Up
I hope these Chicken Parmesan Pillows bring some fun and flavor to your dinner table. Whether you’re making them for the kids, a party, or just a cozy night in, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Remember the best meals are the ones you share.
Let me know if you try them out!
Chicken Parmesan Pillows
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough 8 count
- 1 egg beaten
- olive oil spray or melted butter optional
- fresh parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, marinara, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles (or combine into 4 rectangles for larger pillows).
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling on each piece of dough. Fold, seal, and shape into pillows.
- Place on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and optionally spray or brush with oil/butter.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes until golden and puffy.
- Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve with extra marinara.
Notes
To reheat: use oven or air fryer for best texture.
