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To make Chicken Parmesan Pillows, gather these ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 package (2 sheets) of puff pastry, thawed - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a warm, cheesy delight. The shredded chicken gives protein, while the cheeses add creaminess. Italian seasoning and garlic powder bring flavor that makes each bite special. The red pepper flakes offer a kick, if you dare. Puff pastry is light and flaky, making the pillows fun to eat. Finally, the marinara sauce is perfect for dipping. Enjoy the easy preparation and delicious results. For the full recipe, check the instructions shared above. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the pillows from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Mix well until all ingredients blend together. This filling is where the magic begins! Next, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Cut each sheet into 4 squares, which gives you 8 squares total. This will hold your tasty filling. Spoon a good amount of the chicken and cheese mix onto the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill; this helps seal the pillows. Next, fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to keep the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice touch. Brush the tops of your filled triangles with the beaten egg. This will make the pillows golden and shiny. Place them on the lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for that lovely golden brown color! While the pillows bake, warm the marinara sauce in a small pot over low heat. Stir it until it’s hot. Once the pillows are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this delicious treat! For a full recipe, check out the details above. To seal your Chicken Parmesan Pillows, start with dry edges. Wet your fingers with water, then moisten the edges of each pastry square. This helps the dough stick together. When you fold it, press firmly to push out any air. A tight seal keeps the filling inside while baking. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are the must-haves: - A sharp knife for cutting pastry - A rolling pin to flatten dough - A large mixing bowl for the filling - A baking sheet lined with parchment paper - A fork to crimp edges These tools help you work quickly and make clean cuts. If you can’t find puff pastry, try these options: - Crescent roll dough for a quick fix - Phyllo dough for a lighter version - Homemade biscuit dough for a heartier bite Each option gives a different texture and flavor, allowing for fun variations. Enjoy experimenting! {{image_4}} You can easily add veggies to your Chicken Parmesan Pillows. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great. Just chop them finely and sauté them first. This adds nice flavor and nutrition. Mix the veggies into the cheese and chicken filling. You will have a colorful meal that tastes even better! If you love heat, make a spicy version! Add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. You can even use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. This will give your pillows a nice kick. Just remember to taste the filling first. You want it spicy, but not too hot! Using different cheeses can change the taste of your pillows. Try adding some feta or gouda for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor. Mixing cheeses can create a rich, creamy filling. Experiment and find your favorite cheese combo. It’s a fun way to make each batch special. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the earlier section. To keep your Chicken Parmesan Pillows fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the pastry crispy. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the texture may change. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pillows cool completely. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, bake straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can serve Chicken Parmesan Pillows with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also pair it with marinara sauce for dipping. This adds more flavor and keeps things fun. Try a side of roasted veggies for a colorful plate. Yes, you can make these pillows ahead of time. Assemble them and place them in the fridge for up to a day. When you are ready, just bake them. If you want to freeze them, wrap each pillow well. They can stay in the freezer for up to a month. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To make sure your pillows are crispy, follow these tips: - Use cold puff pastry. This helps them puff up better. - Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Give them space to breathe. - Brush them with egg wash before baking. This creates a nice golden crust. - Bake them until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the oven. Yes! You can make vegetarian versions. Replace the chicken with cooked spinach or mushrooms. You can also add more cheese or some veggies like bell peppers. Use the same cheese mix for a rich flavor. These options keep the pillows tasty and satisfying. You will know the pillows are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. The filling should be hot and gooey. You can also use a food thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving for the best taste. In this blog post, we covered how to make tasty Chicken Parmesan Pillows. You learned about the simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. Plus, I shared fun variations and storage ideas. These pillows are easy to make and bursting with flavor. You can enjoy them fresh or save leftovers. With all this knowledge, you can make a dish that impresses your family and friends! Enjoy making these delicious treats!

- Chicken Parmesan Pillows

Indulge in the deliciousness of Chicken Parmesan Pillows, a delightful twist on a classic dish! These crispy puff pastries are filled with shredded chicken, rich cheeses, and Italian seasonings, perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun party appetizer. With easy steps and a quick baking time, you'll have a scrumptious meal ready in no time. Click to explore the complete recipe and impress your family and friends with this tasty treat!
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Ingredients
  

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 package (2 sheets) of puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if you wish to add some heat). Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets until they are about 1/8 inch thick. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, resulting in a total of 8 squares.

        Fill the Pastry: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese filling into the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill to ensure easy sealing.

          Shape the Pillows: Gently fold each square diagonally to create a triangle shape. Press down firmly on the edges to seal the filling inside. For an extra decorative touch, use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.

            Add Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the filled triangles with the beaten egg. This will create a beautiful golden color when baked.

              Bake: Place your prepared pillows onto the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pillows are puffed up and boast a lovely golden brown hue.

                Warm the Marinara Sauce: While your pillows are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a small pot over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, ensuring it's ready for dipping.

                  Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pillows from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes to cool slightly.

                    Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Pillows warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Don’t forget to provide the marinara sauce on the side for delicious dipping!

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4