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Close-up of a chicken parmesan pillow revealing melted mozzarella, cheddar, and marinara inside flaky crescent dough.

Chicken Parmesan Pillows (Cheesy, Crispy, Crescent-Stuffed Comfort)

Derek
These Chicken Parmesan Pillows are flaky crescent rolls stuffed with juicy shredded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella, then brushed with garlic butter and baked until golden. Perfect for quick dinners, game day snacks, or freezer-friendly meal prep!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
Cuisine Italian-American Comfort
Servings 8 pillows
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie works great
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cans refrigerated crescent dough

Seasonings & Extras

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper optional
  • 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prep
    Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Make the Filling
    In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, marinara, mozzarella, parmesan, and seasonings.
  • Shape the Pillows
    Roll out crescent dough. Fill each triangle with a spoonful of the chicken mixture and pinch the edges shut to seal.
  • Brush with Butter
    Melt butter and stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush over the tops of each pillow.
  • Bake and Serve
    Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Secret Tips for Chicken Parmesan Pillows

1. Use fresh mozzarella for that perfect melt: While shredded mozzarella works well, using sliced fresh mozzarella creates a richer, creamier bite that melts beautifully and oozes from the pillow when warm.
2. Toast the crescent dough slightly before filling: Pop the unfilled crescent triangles into a 350°F oven for just 2 minutes to firm them up slightly—this prevents sogginess from the marinara and keeps the texture flaky and crisp.
3. Add a pinch of sugar to your marinara: If your sauce is tangy, a tiny bit of sugar (¼ tsp per ½ cup) balances the flavor and makes it taste closer to an authentic pizzeria sauce.
4. Chill the filling before assembling: Let your chicken and cheese filling cool before wrapping it in the dough. This prevents the butter in the dough from melting too early and ensures the pillows hold their shape in the oven.
5. Finish with broiling for a golden top: For that bakery-style golden crust, brush the pillows with garlic butter and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking—watch them closely!
6. Add a hidden basil leaf or sprinkle of parmesan inside: A whole fresh basil leaf or a dusting of grated parmesan tucked inside each roll adds a flavor bomb surprise when you bite in.
7. Reheat in the air fryer: To keep leftovers crisp, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll taste freshly baked with no sogginess.
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