Best Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce

If you love creamy, savory, and indulgent chicken recipes, this Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. It’s rich yet balanced, hearty yet elegant, and incredibly satisfying while being easy enough for a weeknight. Whether you’re making this for your family or for guests, it’s a reliable show-stopper every time.

What sets this recipe apart is how seamlessly it combines flavor and texture. You get tender chicken pillows wrapped in crescent dough, all blanketed in a luxuriously smooth creamy parmesan sauce. It’s comfort food elevated—and thanks to its versatility, it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables. For those who love variety, this dish can also be adapted into versions like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken or Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguini, making it suitable for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyles as well.

Before diving into the full recipe, let’s walk through what makes this chicken dish truly one of the best chicken entrees for both casual meals and more formal occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce

This dish is the epitome of easy elegance. It’s hearty enough for fall and winter, yet light and flavorful enough to enjoy in spring. The soft crescent roll dough provides a warm, buttery contrast to the creamy sauce and the juicy shredded chicken inside. Because the ingredients are simple and widely available, it makes the perfect recipe to keep on hand for those “what’s for dinner?” moments. Plus, because it’s easily doubled, it’s also fantastic for meal prepping or serving at gatherings.

Whether you’re searching for The Best Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, or simply want a new take on chicken pillows, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. And since it has layers of flavor—from the golden baked dough to the cheesy, velvety sauce—it’s a kid-friendly winner too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Pillows:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tubes crescent roll dough (8 count each)
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp onion powder

Optional: Serve with white rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Kitchen Equipment Required

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Spoon or spatula

How to Prepare Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, creamy chicken mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Pillows

Open the crescent roll tubes and separate the dough into individual triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each triangle, then gently fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Shape them into soft pillows or pouches.

Step 4: Add Coating

Brush each chicken pillow with melted butter, then sprinkle with seasoned bread crumbs. This step adds texture and a slight crispness to the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake

Place the assembled chicken pillows on your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce

While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flavor. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, then add parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Serve

Once the chicken pillows are out of the oven, serve them warm with generous spoonfuls of the creamy parmesan sauce poured over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce Tips

To get the fluffiest, golden pillows, make sure your crescent dough stays chilled until you’re ready to use it. If it becomes too soft, it will be harder to shape and may tear.

Shred your chicken using a hand mixer or fork for a fine texture that blends beautifully with the cream cheese. Rotisserie chicken works well in a pinch.

If your parmesan sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

You can personalize Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce to suit various tastes and dietary needs:

• Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the crescent rolls and simply bake the filling in ramekins topped with a low-carb breadcrumb substitute. The sauce fits into a Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken (low carb keto) category easily.
• Add Veggies: Mix finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the chicken filling for added nutrition.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a fresh, zesty touch like Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce.
• Pasta Option: Turn this into Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguini by serving the filling and sauce over pasta instead of inside dough.

What to Serve with Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce

This Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce beautifully with:

• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
• Buttery mashed potatoes or seasoned rice
• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or Savory Onion Bread like this recipe

You can also serve it alongside a lighter casserole such as the Summer Vegetable Stew for a comforting contrast.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

To freeze, assemble and freeze unbaked chicken pillows on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 10–12 minutes to the cooking time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overfilling your crescent rolls, which can cause them to burst during baking. Sealing the edges tightly is also important to prevent leaks.

Be cautious not to overcook the parmesan sauce. Simmering it too long or at too high heat can make it grainy or too thick.

Using pre-shredded cheese often results in a less creamy sauce. For best results, grate your own fresh parmesan.

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If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy:

• Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
• Amish Hamburger with Fall Veggies Bake
• Vegetarian Pizza Casserole
• Stuffing Biscuits
• Easy Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole

These recipes all feature a comforting, hearty profile that aligns well with chicken entrees like this one.

Conclusion

This Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce is everything a home-cooked dinner should be: easy, flavorful, adaptable, and undeniably comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining a small crowd, it’s a recipe that delivers every time. From its buttery crescent pillows to its decadent creamy sauce, every bite is full of flavor and warmth. Try it with your favorite sides or experiment with the variations above to make it your own.

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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6

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