I can still remember the first time I tried my mom’s famous Chicken Pillows. I was a kid, probably around 10 years old, and the aroma of the savory chicken and melted cheese had me running to the kitchen the moment I walked through the door. When she finally let me have a bite, I was hooked. The flaky, golden puff pastry wrapped around that irresistible chicken and cheese filling was pure heaven. From that day on, Chicken Pillows became a staple in our household, and it’s a recipe I still crave and make regularly today.
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Why This Chicken Pillows Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Pillows
There’s something truly special about this Chicken Pillows recipe that sets it apart from the rest. It’s all in the simple yet incredibly delicious combination of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy chicken cubes are infused with the perfect blend of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, creating a savory base that pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. But the real magic happens when you wrap this filling in a buttery, golden puff pastry crust. The result is a handheld masterpiece that’s crispy on the outside and oozing with cheesy goodness on the inside. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these mouthwatering Chicken Pillows, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The chicken is the star of the show, and using boneless, skinless breasts ensures a tender, juicy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The melted cheddar cheese is the perfect complement to the savory chicken, adding a rich, creamy element to the filling.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: This fresh herb brightens up the filling and provides a lovely contrast to the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This seasoning adds a subtle but essential depth of flavor to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and create a well-balanced filling.
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed: The flaky, buttery puff pastry is the perfect vessel for the delectable chicken filling, transforming these pillows into an irresistible handheld treat.
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water for the egg wash: The egg wash helps the puff pastry achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and sheen.
Step-by-Step Chicken Pillows Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Pillows
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, for a total time of 40 minutes, this Chicken Pillows recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution that the whole family will love. All you’ll need is a cutting board, a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, cut the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
2- In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings and the cheese is well distributed.
3- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal squares. Place a heaping spoonful of the chicken filling onto the center of each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
4- Fold the puff pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges. This will help the Chicken Pillows maintain their shape during baking.
5- Arrange the sealed Chicken Pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of the pillows with the egg wash, which will help them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
6- Bake the Chicken Pillows in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Serve these delicious hand-held treats warm, and enjoy the contrast of the crispy exterior and the melty, flavorful interior.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overstuff the puff pastry squares – a heaping spoonful of filling is just the right amount.
- Crimping the edges with a fork helps the Chicken Pillows maintain their shape during baking.
- Brushing the tops with an egg wash is a simple trick that gives the puff pastry a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Pillows
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Pillows
These Chicken Pillows are the perfect main dish for a family dinner, serving 6 people comfortably. They pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier side, try serving them with mashed potatoes or a side of rice pilaf. And don’t forget to offer a selection of dipping sauces, like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue, to really elevate the experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Chicken Pillows can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the Chicken Pillows in advance and freeze them before baking. Simply place the unbaked pillows on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can go straight from the freezer to the oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Pillows
Creative Chicken Pillows Variations
While this classic Chicken Pillows recipe is already a winner, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Try swapping the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with adding diced bell peppers, caramelized onions, or even crumbled bacon to the filling. For a seasonal twist, try incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or use cooked, shredded turkey instead of chicken during the holidays.
Making Chicken Pillows Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make this recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few easy substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free puff pastry or even a gluten-free pie crust in place of the traditional puff pastry. To make it low-carb, you can use a keto-friendly puff pastry alternative or skip the pastry altogether and serve the chicken filling in lettuce wraps. And for a vegan option, use plant-based chicken alternatives and dairy-free cheese in the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
A: Absolutely! You can use cooked, shredded or diced chicken in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the chicken will only need to heat through, not cook from raw.
Q: How long do Chicken Pillows take to make?
A: This Chicken Pillows recipe has a total time of 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make Chicken Pillows ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Pillows in advance and freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How many Chicken Pillows does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings of Chicken Pillows, with one pillow per serving.
Q: What if the puff pastry doesn’t seal properly?
A: If the puff pastry doesn’t seal completely, you can use a bit of the egg wash as “glue” to help the edges stick together. You can also try crimping the edges with a fork to ensure a tight seal.
Classic Chicken Pillows
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in these savory Chicken Pillows – perfectly seasoned chicken wrapped in a flaky pastry for a comforting and satisfying bite. Great for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a delicious comfort food treat!
Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cheddar cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal squares.
4. Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto the center of each pastry square.
5. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Place the Chicken Pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the tops of the Chicken Pillows with the egg wash.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
9. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of cream cheese to the chicken mixture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Chicken, Turkey & Pork Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Chicken Pillows are the ultimate comfort food that are sure to become a new family favorite. With their irresistible combination of tender, seasoned chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and flaky puff pastry, these handheld treats are hard to beat. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the magic of Chicken Pillows!
