Chicken Parmesan Pillows are a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering crispy, cheesy goodness wrapped in tender chicken. Imagine biting into a warm, golden pillow that bursts with flavors of marinara and melted mozzarella, leaving you craving more.
There’s something magical about the aroma of Chicken Parmesan Pillows wafting through the kitchen, reminding me of family gatherings where everyone fights for the last piece. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next dinner party, these pillows promise an explosion of flavor that will leave taste buds dancing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chicken Parmesan Pillows are incredibly easy to prepare and make meal times a breeze
- Their cheesy, savory filling ensures every bite is bursting with flavor
- Visually stunning and golden brown, they shine on any dining table
- Enjoy them as a main course or as tasty appetizers at your next gathering
My friends were amazed when I served these at our last game night; they couldn’t believe how delicious and satisfying they were.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken breasts work best; ensure they are pounded thin for even cooking.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for that gooey, melty texture that pulls just right.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred variety or homemade for a rich, flavorful filling.
Italian Breadcrumbs: These add fantastic crunch and flavor; opt for seasoned breadcrumbs for extra zest.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan elevates the flavor profile significantly compared to pre-grated options.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil enhances both flavor and helps achieve that crispy exterior.
Fresh Basil (Optional): For garnish or mixing in the filling; it adds a lovely freshness to the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the boneless chicken breasts until they’re about half an inch thick for even cooking and tender bites.
Create the Filling: In a bowl, mix shredded mozzarella cheese with parmesan cheese and half a cup of marinara sauce. This combo creates a rich filling bursting with flavor.
Roll It Up!: Place about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture in each chicken breast. Carefully roll them up like little burritos and secure with toothpicks if needed to keep them closed.
Bread Those Pillows!: Dip each rolled chicken piece into olive oil first, then coat generously with Italian breadcrumbs. The oil helps achieve that delectable crunch while baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Arrange the chicken pillows on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add Final Touches: Drizzle remaining marinara sauce over the pillows once removed from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and watch everyone swoon!
By following these steps, you will have perfect Chicken Parmesan Pillows that will impress everyone around your dining table!
You Must Know
- Chicken Parmesan Pillows combine crispy, cheesy goodness with a delightful filling
- The aroma wafting from the oven makes it impossible to resist
- These pillows are perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering with friends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the chicken filling while preheating the oven. Cook the pillows until golden and bubbly for best results.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also spice things up with different cheese varieties.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy Chicken Parmesan Pillows, ensure your oil is hot before frying
- Don’t overstuff them; a little filling goes a long way
- Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid mouth burns
Sharing Chicken Parmesan Pillows at my last dinner party turned into a mini food competition among friends, each trying to guess my secret ingredient!
FAQ
What can I use instead of chicken for Chicken Parmesan Pillows?
You can substitute turkey or even eggplant for a vegetarian option.
How long do I bake Chicken Parmesan Pillows?
Bake them for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F until golden brown.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Pillows ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them earlier and refrigerate before baking when ready to serve.
Chicken Parmesan Pillows
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Parmesan Pillows are a delicious, cheesy twist on the classic dish that will satisfy your cravings. These golden, crispy bites are filled with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella, making them perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eager to dig in. With easy preparation and a burst of flavor in every bite, Chicken Parmesan Pillows are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound chicken breasts to about half an inch thick.
- In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce to create the filling.
- Place about two tablespoons of the filling in each chicken breast, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Dip rolled chicken into olive oil and coat with Italian breadcrumbs.
- Arrange on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drizzle with additional marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
