Description
These Chicken Pillows feature tender chicken and a rich Parmesan sauce encased in flaky puff pastry. It’s a comforting and impressive dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (1.1lb) chicken breasts, cubed: Seasoned with smoked paprika for depth.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil: For searing the chicken.
- 1 small onion (~100g / 3.5oz), diced: Forms the sauce base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (~6g / 0.2oz): Adds aromatic flavor.
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
- 250ml (1 cup) chicken broth: Low-sodium for controlled saltiness.
- 120ml (½ cup) heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety texture.
- 100g (3.5oz) Parmesan cheese: Grated, for a cheesy umami flavor.
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang.
- ¼ tsp (0.5g) nutmeg: Enhances savory flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
- 1 sheet (≈275g / 9.7oz) puff pastry: Thawed, for a flaky wrapper.
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp (15ml) water: For an egg wash.
- 1 tbsp (15g) panko breadcrumbs: Toasted, for a crunchy garnish.
- 2 tsp (10g) lemon zest: Brightens the dish.
- 2 tbsp (8g) parsley: Chopped, for freshness.
- 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil: For a glossy finish.
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Cube chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
- Create Roux: Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Build Sauce: Whisk in broth and cream, simmer until thickened.
- Infuse Flavor: Stir in Parmesan, mustard, and nutmeg.
- Combine: Return chicken to sauce and coat.
- Assemble Pillows: Cut pastry into squares, fill, and fold.
- Glaze & Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake until golden.
- Warm Sauce: Keep remaining sauce warm.
- Plate & Garnish: Drizzle with sauce, garnish with panko, zest, and parsley.
Notes
Using high-quality Parmesan cheese is key for the best flavor. Assemble pillows ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pillows
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: chicken,puff pastry,parmesan,comfort food,dinner,easy,weeknight,italian