Introduction
Chicken Parm Pillows are a delicious, comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the fun and convenient form of a stuffed pastry. These savory pillows are filled with tender, seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, then wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. They offer all the deliciousness of traditional chicken Parmesan but in a more portable, bite-sized form that’s perfect for any meal or gathering. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a game day snack, or a party appetizer, Chicken Parm Pillows are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The History of Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is an Italian-American classic that has roots in Italy but was popularized in the United States. The dish itself is thought to have been inspired by the Italian dish “melanzane alla parmigiana” (eggplant Parmesan), which featured eggplant slices instead of chicken. It quickly became a favorite in Italian-American restaurants, with breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Over the years, the concept of Chicken Parmesan has been adapted in numerous ways, one of which is the creation of Chicken Parm Pillows, offering a creative twist on the beloved recipe.
Ingredients Breakdown
- For the Chicken Filling: You’ll need cooked and shredded chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese for that authentic Chicken Parm flavor.
- For the Pillow Crust: The dough is the key to achieving that soft and flaky texture, usually made with puff pastry or biscuit dough, which puffs up perfectly when baked.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper will help elevate the flavor of the chicken and sauce. A touch of olive oil will be used for brushing the tops to give a golden finish.
- For Serving: Extra marinara sauce on the side is perfect for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the Chicken Parm Pillows.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the dough (either puff pastry or biscuit dough) on a floured surface. Cut into squares or rectangles large enough to fold over the chicken mixture.
- Assemble the Pillows: Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture into the center of each dough square. Fold the edges over to seal the filling inside, pinching the edges to secure the “pillow” shape.
- Bake: Brush the tops of the pillows with a bit of olive oil to promote browning. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the Chicken Parm Pillows cool for a few minutes, then serve them with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parm Pillows
- Make sure your dough is chilled before handling, as this helps with the puffing and texture of the pillows.
- For a crispier crust, consider brushing the dough with an egg wash instead of just olive oil.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breasts and shred them.
- Experiment with different fillings like adding sautéed spinach or extra herbs for flavor variation.
- To get a golden finish, keep an eye on them while baking, as ovens vary and you don’t want them to burn.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with eggplant slices or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version of Chicken Parm Pillows.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a bit of heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Feel free to use a combination of different cheeses, such as provolone, ricotta, or even a bit of goat cheese, to enhance the richness of the filling.
- Different Dough: Use pizza dough or crescent roll dough for a different texture and flavor, depending on what you have available.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Chicken Parm Pillows can be a bit indulgent due to their pastry crust and cheese filling, but there are ways to make them healthier. For a lower-fat version, consider using reduced-fat cheese and whole wheat dough options. You can also bake them instead of frying, which reduces the calorie count. For a gluten-free option, swap the regular dough for gluten-free puff pastry or use gluten-free bread crumbs in the chicken mixture. Additionally, adding vegetables to the filling, such as spinach or zucchini, can increase the nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
FAQ
- Can I make Chicken Parm Pillows ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pillows in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just be sure to bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. - Can I freeze these?
Absolutely! Once assembled, you can freeze the Chicken Parm Pillows for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. - What type of dough should I use?
You can use puff pastry for a light, flaky texture, or biscuit dough for a heartier, more filling option. Both will work great! - Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, beef, or a vegetarian filling such as mushrooms or eggplant for a different twist.
Chicken Parm Pillows
Ingredients
Chicken Parm Pillows
- 1 package crescent rolls
- 1 chicken breast thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Dredge
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3 eggs beaten
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken breast, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper and olive oil and toss to combine.