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Making Chicken Parmesan Pillows is simple and fun. You can enjoy these tasty bites in just 40 minutes. They are perfect for dinner or a snack. You'll need the following key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 package (1 sheet) of puff pastry, thawed - 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy filling. The puff pastry adds a nice crunch. Feel free to get creative! You can add spinach for some greens. Try using shredded mozzarella instead of ricotta for a different taste. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the mix. You could even swap the chicken for turkey or cooked veggies for a vegetarian option. To start, gather your ingredients. You will need cooked chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ricotta and both cheeses. Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture becomes the heart of your Chicken Parmesan pillows. Now, roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the pastry into 4x4-inch squares. In the center of each square, place a spoonful of the chicken mixture. Be careful not to overfill! Fold each square into a triangle and pinch the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a nice look. Arrange the pillows on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the oven is hot, bake the pillows for 18-20 minutes. They should puff up and turn golden brown. After baking, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping or drizzled on top. For a fresh touch, add basil leaves as a garnish. This simple process makes your Chicken Parmesan Pillows a delight to eat! To get that perfect flaky puff pastry, keep it cold. Warm pastry does not puff well. When you roll it out, use a light touch. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. If the pastry gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. This helps it stay nice and flaky when you bake it. Always remember to use a lightly floured surface. This keeps the pastry from sticking and makes it easy to handle. For a moist filling, use freshly cooked chicken. Shredded chicken works best. Mixing in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese adds creaminess. Don’t skip the beaten egg; it binds the filling and keeps it from drying out. Season well with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste your filling before sealing the pillows. Adjust the seasoning if needed. This step makes sure every bite is full of flavor. When serving Chicken Parmesan Pillows, marinara sauce is a must! Drizzle it on top or serve it on the side for dipping. This adds great flavor and moisture. For a fresh touch, add basil leaves on top. They look pretty and taste amazing. You can also serve these pillows with a side salad or garlic bread. This adds extra crunch and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Parmesan Pillows with friends and family! {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free meal, try these vegetarian options. You can swap the chicken for cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms. For added flavor, mix in some artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers. These ingredients keep the dish fresh and tasty. Use the same cheese blend for a creamy filling. You can follow the Full Recipe for guidance on the dough and baking. For those who love a kick, add some heat to your pillows. Mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes with the chicken filling. You could also use spicy sausage instead of regular chicken. This change will give a bold flavor. Remember to adjust the salt to balance the heat. The result will be a zesty twist on the classic dish. Cheese is key to great flavor. You can experiment with different cheeses in your pillows. Try using feta cheese for a tangy taste or pepper jack for spice. Mixing in some cheddar adds richness. Don't forget to keep the mozzarella for that gooey texture. These cheese combos can make your Chicken Parmesan Pillows unique and exciting. To keep your Chicken Parmesan Pillows fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before sealing them up. This will help prevent sogginess. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you don't eat them all, you can also freeze the leftovers. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Chicken Parmesan Pillows on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives a better texture. You can freeze Chicken Parmesan Pillows, but follow a few simple steps. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pillow in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. They can last for up to three months. Avoid freezing them after they have been baked. This can change their texture and taste. You can prepare Chicken Parmesan Pillows in advance. First, make the filling and assemble the pillows. After sealing them, you can place them on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. This keeps them fresh for a day. When you're ready to cook, just bake them straight from the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Chicken Parmesan Pillows pair well with many sides. You can serve a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread offers a crunchy, buttery complement. For a heartier option, serve them with pasta topped with marinara sauce. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for a balanced meal. Yes, you can use other meats in Chicken Parmesan Pillows. Ground turkey, beef, or pork work well too. Just make sure to cook the meat fully before mixing it with the cheeses and spices. For a unique twist, try using shredded rotisserie chicken for added flavor and ease. You can even go meatless and use mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version. This blog post covered everything you need for Chicken Parmesan Pillows. We explored the key ingredients, from the essential chicken to tasty optional add-ins. I shared step-by-step instructions for making these pillows, ensuring your process is easy and fun. Don't forget the tips for perfect flaky pastry and a moist filling. You can also try variations like vegetarian options or spicy flavors. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Now you can enjoy these delicious pillows anytime!

Chicken Parmesan Pillows

Indulge in these delicious Chicken Parmesan Pillows that are perfect for any meal! With a flavorful filling of shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and Italian seasonings, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry, they’re sure to impress. Easy to make and bake in just 20 minutes, these pillows are a delightful treat served with marinara sauce. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 package (1 sheet) of puff pastry, thawed

1/4 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed and form a cohesive filling.

      On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut the pastry into squares, each measuring approximately 4x4 inches.

        In the center of each pastry square, place a generous tablespoonful of the chicken mixture. Be mindful not to overfill to ensure easy folding and sealing.

          Fold each pastry square over to create a triangle shape, enclosing the filling completely. Pinch the edges firmly to seal. For a decorative finish, you can use a fork to crimp the edges.

            Place the filled pillows on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them for even baking.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pillows rise and turn a delightful golden brown color.

                After baking, allow the pillows to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, drizzled with marinara sauce on top or served alongside for dipping.

                  Enhance the dish's presentation by garnishing with fresh basil leaves, adding a vibrant pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

                    Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4