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- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 package (1 lb) of refrigerated puff pastry sheets - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When making Chicken Parmesan Pillows, using quality ingredients is key. The chicken gives a hearty base, while the blend of cheeses adds creaminess. Ricotta and mozzarella create a rich texture, and Parmesan packs a punch of flavor. Marinara sauce ties everything together, giving that classic Italian taste. Italian seasoning and garlic powder boost the overall aroma and taste. - Baking sheet - Mixing bowl - Rolling pin - Fork Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A baking sheet helps with even cooking. A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients. A rolling pin is needed to flatten the puff pastry, allowing for easy folding. A fork seals the edges of the pillows, ensuring nothing leaks out during baking. - Pre-measured ingredients - Suggested kitchen tools Before you start, measure everything out. This makes the process smooth. Using pre-measured ingredients ensures you won’t miss anything important. A few suggested kitchen tools include a good knife for shredding chicken and a sturdy spatula for easy transferring. Using quality ingredients with the right tools will help you create a successful dish. For more details on how to combine these ingredients, check the Full Recipe. - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Roll out puff pastry and cut into 4x4 inch squares. First, I always start by preheating my oven. This helps the Chicken Parmesan Pillows bake evenly. While the oven heats, I take the puff pastry from the fridge. I roll it out on a floured surface until it’s nice and thin. Once it’s ready, I cut it into squares, each about 4x4 inches. This is the canvas for our delicious filling. - Combine chicken, cheeses, marinara, and seasonings. Next, I move to the filling. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked and shredded chicken with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. I then add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. I mix everything well. This filling is where the magic happens! Each bite will burst with flavor. - Fill pastry squares with chicken mixture and seal. Now it’s time to assemble the pillows. I place a tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of each pastry square. I make sure not to overfill, as this can cause them to burst while baking. I then fold the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle. To seal the edges, I press them down with a fork. This keeps all the tasty filling inside. - Apply egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes. After sealing, I place the pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To give them a nice golden color, I brush the tops with a beaten egg. Then, I pop them into the preheated oven. I bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffy and golden brown. The aroma that fills the kitchen during baking is simply irresistible! For the full recipe, check out the details above! To ensure the pastry is flaky, start with cold ingredients. Cold butter and water help create steam, which makes the layers rise. Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Keep it thin but not too fragile. If it tears, patch it with extra dough. Sealing the pillows well is key to keeping the filling inside. After adding the chicken mix, fold the pastry over. Press the edges tightly using your fingers or a fork. This prevents any leaks during baking. Always check for gaps or holes before baking. You can add more herbs and spices to make these pillows unique. Try adding freshly chopped basil or oregano for a burst of flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness. The choices are endless! Arranging the pillows can make a simple meal look fancy. Place them on a large serving platter. Drizzle marinara sauce around the sides for color. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of green. This makes your dish not just tasty, but also beautiful. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can make your Chicken Parmesan Pillows suit your taste. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or spinach instead of chicken. Both mushrooms and spinach add great flavor and texture. You can also mix in some roasted red peppers for extra color and taste. When it comes to cheese, feel free to experiment. You can use provolone or fontina cheese for a different twist. Mixing mozzarella and cheddar gives a nice blend of flavors. Each cheese brings its own unique taste to the pillows. Pair your Chicken Parmesan Pillows with tasty side dishes. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette works well. You can also serve them with garlic bread for a comforting meal. Another option is to add steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch. For dipping sauces, marinara is classic, but don't stop there! Try pesto or garlic aioli for a fun twist. You can also whip up a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you like heat. These options can elevate your meal and impress your guests. If you want to use an air fryer, you can still achieve crispy pillows. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pillows in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For those busy days, you can freeze the pillows before baking. Just assemble them, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you're ready to bake, cook them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time. These variations and tips will help you create a meal that is fun and flexible for your family. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for all the details! Store your leftover Chicken Parmesan Pillows in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. When you place them in the container, make sure they are not stacked on top of each other. This prevents sogginess. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the pastry crispy. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. If you go this route, just heat them for about 1-2 minutes. However, the texture won’t be as nice. For long-term storage, you can freeze the pillows. If they are unbaked, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. If you have baked pillows, let them cool down first. Then, follow the same wrapping method. You can freeze them too for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just bake from frozen. Adjust the baking time to ensure they are hot throughout. Chicken Parmesan Pillows are made of simple, tasty ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 package (1 lb) of refrigerated puff pastry sheets - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken gives protein and flavor. The cheeses add creaminess and richness. The marinara brings tanginess, while the puff pastry creates a delightful crunch. Italian seasoning and garlic powder enhance the dish with fragrant notes. Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan Pillows ahead of time! Here’s how: - Prepare the filling: Mix the chicken, cheeses, marinara, and seasonings. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. - Assemble the pillows: You can fill and seal the pastries. Place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. - Freezing option: If you want to store them longer, freeze unbaked pillows. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. To bake, cook from frozen for a few extra minutes, ensuring they're golden and cooked through. Chicken Parmesan Pillows pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds crunch. - Pasta: Serve with spaghetti or penne tossed in marinara sauce for a hearty meal. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or zucchini make great sides. - Garlic Bread: This classic addition complements the pillows and marinara sauce. These sides help create a balanced meal and keep everyone satisfied. Enjoy your cooking! You’ve learned how to make Chicken Parmesan Pillows, from gathering ingredients to baking. You saw techniques to ensure a flaky crust and tips for tasty variations. With these steps, you can enjoy a fun meal any night. Keep experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. Don't forget to store leftovers right for later. Cooking should be enjoyable and rewarding. Now, grab those ingredients and start making your own delicious pillows!

Chicken Parmesan Pillows

Indulge in the deliciousness of Chicken Parmesan Pillows! These tasty bites blend shredded chicken, rich cheeses, and savory marinara enveloped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these golden delights that will wow your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 package (1 lb) of refrigerated puff pastry sheets

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface until you have a smooth, thin sheet. Cut into squares or rectangles, about 4x4 inches each.

    Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

      Assemble the Pillows: Place a tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle and seal the edges by pressing firmly with a fork or your fingers.

        Egg Wash: Place the prepared pillows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.

          Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pillows are puffed up and golden brown.

            Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the pillows on a large serving platter, drizzling some marinara sauce creatively around the sides and garnish with basil sprigs to enhance visual appeal.