Pesto Chicken Pillows

Pesto Chicken Pillows are savory, creamy, and satisfyingly crunchy—perfect for a cozy dinner, party appetizer, or make-ahead lunch. These golden crescent roll pockets are stuffed with a flavorful mix of shredded chicken, cream cheese, basil pesto, and green onions, then dipped in butter and rolled in crispy Panko breadcrumbs for a crust that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Uses convenient crescent roll dough for a quick prep.
• Packed with Flavor: Cream cheese and basil pesto bring rich, herby flavor.
• Crispy on the Outside, Creamy Inside: Panko crumbs add irresistible crunch.
• Kid- and Family-Friendly: A hit with both picky eaters and grown-up palates.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great to prep ahead and bake as needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup basil pesto
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
2 (8-ounce) packages Pillsbury® Crescent Rolls
1/4 cup melted butter
1 1/2 cups seasoned Panko bread crumbs
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. If using foil, lightly spray it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Filling
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, basil pesto, green onions, and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until fully combined.
3. Shape the Dough
   Unroll the crescent rolls. Press two adjacent triangles together to form a rectangle. Pinch the seams to seal.
4. Fill and Seal
   Spoon about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each rectangle. Bring the corners together over the filling and pinch the edges to seal the pillow.
5. Coat with Butter and Panko
   Place the Panko crumbs on a plate. Dip each chicken pillow in melted butter (or brush the butter on), then roll in Panko crumbs to coat evenly.
6. Bake
   Arrange pillows seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
7. Serve
   Serve warm as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 chicken pillows
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• Turkey Swap: Use cooked turkey instead of chicken for a twist.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Flavor: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a rich, tangy note.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent dough and breadcrumbs if available.
• Mini Pillows: Cut dough into smaller sections and use less filling for bite-sized appetizers.
• Everything Seasoning: Sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
• Marinara Dip: Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
• Air Fryer Version: Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for a crispier result.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken pillows in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked pillows in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 325°F for 5–8 minutes for crispiness.
• Microwave: Heat for 30–60 seconds, though the crust may soften.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the filling.

Do I need to pre-cook the crescent roll dough?

No, it bakes fully in the oven along with the filling inside.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze them before baking?

Yes, freeze the assembled pillows on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

Use two forks, a hand mixer, or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred cooked chicken quickly.

Can I make this without the Panko coating?

Yes, but you’ll miss out on the crispy texture. You can also use regular breadcrumbs if preferred.

How do I keep the pillows from opening while baking?

Be sure to press and pinch the seams tightly and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet.

What can I serve with pesto chicken pillows?

Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

You can use ricotta or a thick Greek yogurt, though the texture will be less creamy.

Are they good cold or at room temperature?

They’re best warm but can be eaten at room temp, making them great for lunchboxes or picnics.

Conclusion

Pesto Chicken Pillows combine the ease of crescent rolls with a creamy, herbaceous filling and a crispy Panko coating for a dish that’s simple, delicious, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting guests, packing lunches, or just looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these cheesy, savory pillows are guaranteed to impress.

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