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- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 package of ready-made puff pastry (2 sheets) You need shredded chicken for this dish. Use cooked chicken breast, which you can shred easily. The cheeses are key too. I love using ricotta for creaminess, Parmesan for flavor, and mozzarella for that gooey texture. Don't forget the puff pastry. It puffs up nicely and creates a perfect shell for the filling. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Seasoning adds depth to your dish. Garlic powder gives it a nice kick, while Italian seasoning brings in herbs that make it taste fresh. I always recommend adding salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add color and a burst of flavor on top. - Baking Sheet - Mixing Bowl - Pastry Cutter You will need a baking sheet to hold the pillows while they bake. A mixing bowl is essential for combining all the filling ingredients. Lastly, a pastry cutter helps you cut the puff pastry easily. These tools make the process smooth and fun. You can find the full recipe at the bottom of the article to help you along the way. Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pillows bake evenly and get that nice golden color. While the oven heats, you can prepare your filling. Mixing the Filling Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these well until you see a smooth blend. This filling will make your pillows rich and tasty. Cutting the Puff Pastry Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Cut each sheet into four equal squares. You should have eight squares in total. These will hold all that yummy filling. Filling and Sealing the Pastry Place a generous tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tight. This keeps the filling from leaking out while baking. Egg Wash Application Brush the tops of your pillows with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden finish when they bake. Baking Time and Temperature Place the pillows on a lined baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and puff up nicely. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve your Chicken Parmesan Pillows with warm marinara sauce. Enjoy this wonderful treat with family and friends. For the full recipe, check out the complete details above. Cheese Ratios Getting the cheese mix just right makes a big difference. I love using three cheeses: ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Ricotta brings creaminess, Parmesan adds a salty punch, and mozzarella melts beautifully. Here’s my go-to ratio: - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese This mix creates a rich filling that stays moist. Adjust the cheese to your taste! Baking Sheet Preparation Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and helps with cleanup. Place the pillows on the sheet with enough space between each one. They need room to puff up nicely. Thawing Tips Thaw your puff pastry in the fridge overnight. This keeps it cool and easy to handle. If you're in a hurry, leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes. Just don’t let it get too warm, or it will be hard to roll out. Rolling Out Tips When rolling out the pastry, use a floured surface. This keeps it from sticking. Roll gently and evenly to about 1/8 inch thick. If the edges shrink back, let it sit for a few minutes before rolling again. Pairing with Marinara Sauce Serve these pillows with warm marinara sauce. The sauce adds a fresh flavor that complements the cheesy filling. Place a small bowl of sauce next to the pillows for dipping. Garnishing Ideas For a beautiful finish, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top after baking. The bright green color adds a nice touch. Plus, it brings a burst of flavor that makes each bite special. Try these tips to make your Chicken Parmesan Pillows even better! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} Alternative Cheeses You can swap cheeses based on your taste. Try using goat cheese for a tangy kick. Cream cheese can give a rich texture. Mix in some cheddar for a sharper flavor. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. Different Protein Options If you want to change the protein, use turkey or cooked beef. Shredded pork works great too. For a plant-based choice, try chickpeas or lentils. These options still pack a punch of flavor. Adding Vegetables Want to add more nutrition? Toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These veggies blend well with the filling. They add color and health benefits. Try roasted zucchini for a different texture. Using Pesto Mix in some pesto for a fresh twist. This herb-packed sauce boosts flavor and adds moisture. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto. Just fold it into your cheese mix for a new layer of taste. Making it Gluten-Free To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry. Many brands offer this option. Always check the labels to be sure they are safe. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty pillows. Creating a Vegetarian Version For a vegetarian meal, skip the chicken. Use more cheese and add veggies instead. You can also use plant-based protein crumbles. This keeps the recipe hearty and satisfying without meat. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the detailed steps to create these tasty Chicken Parmesan Pillows. After you make Chicken Parmesan Pillows, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. They stay good for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each pillow in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. When it's time to eat your leftovers, you can use the oven or microwave. The oven gives the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and crispy. If you use the microwave, heat them for 1-2 minutes. The microwave is faster but can make the pillows soft. Chicken Parmesan Pillows are best enjoyed fresh. However, when stored properly, they last in the fridge for about three days. If frozen, they are good for three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they look or smell off, it's best to throw them away. This way, you can enjoy your pillows safely. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! To reheat Chicken Parmesan Pillows, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you use a microwave, they may get soggy. Use a microwave only if needed. Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan Pillows ahead of time. Prepare them completely and store them in the fridge. Cover them with plastic wrap. They stay fresh for about 24 hours. You can also freeze them before baking. This way, they last for up to three months. Check the color and size of the pillows. They should be golden brown and puffed up. The baking time is usually 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). A good tip is to poke one with a fork. If the filling is hot, they are ready to eat. Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cheeses. Use cheddar for a sharper taste. You might also try goat cheese for something different. Just remember to keep the mix creamy. Marinara sauce is perfect for dipping. It adds a nice tangy flavor. You can also try ranch or garlic aioli. Both options give a fun twist. You can enhance the flavor with extra herbs. Try adding fresh parsley or thyme to the filling. You can also add crushed red pepper for some heat. Mix it up to match your taste. Yes, kids love these pillows! They are fun to eat and packed with flavor. You can let your kids help with the filling. It makes a great family cooking activity. This recipe makes eight pillows. It serves about four people if everyone has two. You can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. You learned how to make Chicken Parmesan Pillows. We covered the main ingredients, seasonings, and equipment needed. Then, we went through step-by-step instructions for perfecting this dish. Tips on variations and storage help you customize and keep them fresh. These pillows are fun and easy to make. With practice, you can impress your friends and family. Enjoy crafting delicious meals and experimenting with flavors. Happy cooking!

Chicken Parmesan Pillows

Satisfy your cravings with these incredible Chicken Parmesan Pillows! Packed with shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and flavorful seasonings wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these delightful snacks are perfect for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these tasty treats that will impress family and friends. Ready to learn how to make these savory bites? Click through now to explore the full recipe and start cooking!

Ingredients
  

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup marinara sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 package of ready-made puff pastry (2 sheets)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

      Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface and cut each sheet into four equal squares.

        Place a generous tablespoon of the chicken cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.

          Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle, making sure to seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

            Brush the tops of the pastry pillows with the beaten egg to create a golden finish.

              Place the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

                Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

                  Serve the Chicken Parmesan Pillows with warm marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh basil leaves on top.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8 pillows