Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the comfort and flavor of Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows. Imagine tender shredded chicken blended with creamy cheese, fragrant herbs, and a pop of green onion, all cozied up inside buttery crescent dough. Every bite is warm, savory, and loaded with flavor, making this family favorite as perfect for a cozy weeknight as it is for sharing at gatherings. Trust me, once you try Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows, they’ll be your new go-to for fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dinners!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows: you can make magic with just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each component brings something special, whether it’s creaminess, crunch, or an herby punch that lifts everything to the next level.
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken keeps things easy, juicy, and extra flavorful—perfect for a quick assembly.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Adds dreamy creaminess and holds the chicken filling together.
- Milk: Loosens up the filling and makes it luscious without being heavy.
- Grated Parmesan: This salty, nutty cheese adds richness and a little bite.
- Garlic (pressed or minced): Fresh garlic infuses every pillow with its unmistakable aromatic zing.
- Dried Oregano: A classic herb that brings a Mediterranean flair to the mix.
- Dried Basil: Adds subtle sweetness and a fragrant lift.
- Dried Thyme: Rounds out the herb blend for a well-balanced, earthy finish.
- Chopped Green Onion: For color, freshness, and a hint of mild onion bite.
- Crescent Rolls: Store-bought dough makes the perfect flaky, tender envelope for your filling.
- Butter (melted): Brushed on top for that glossy, golden glow.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: Finishes each pillow with a satisfying crunch and little burst of herb flavor.
How to Make Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350˚F. This gives you exactly the gentle, steady heat needed to ensure your Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows bake up golden on the outside and gooey on the inside. Be sure to do this first so your oven is ready when you need it!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, parmesan, milk, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and those fresh green onions. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed and creamy. The aroma of the herbs and garlic at this stage always makes my mouth water! This mixture is going to be the star inside each flaky pillow.
Step 3: Prep the Dough
Unroll your crescent rolls flat on a clean surface. Gently press the perforated seams together so you’ll end up with four larger rectangles from each package—eight in total. This step is surprisingly satisfying and lets you customize the size of your Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Scoop 1/8 of the filling onto each crescent rectangle. Wrap the dough up and over the filling, pinching all seams closed to form a neat, round pillow—don’t stress about perfection; rustic always tastes amazing! Place each pillow seam-side down on a greased baking sheet so they hold their beautiful shape during baking.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Brush the tops of each pillow with melted butter. This doesn’t just help the breadcrumbs stick, it also gives them that irresistible, glossy bakery sheen. Sprinkle a generous pinch of Italian breadcrumbs over each, which will crisp up and add an extra flavor layer during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 18–23 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and deeply golden—don’t rush it; every oven is unique. As the Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows bake, your kitchen will fill with the buttery, herbaceous scent of home baking at its best.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows

Garnishes
Right before serving, I love to shower my Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows with a little extra chopped green onion or a sprinkle of grated parmesan. For ultimate freshness, a handful of chopped parsley or a pop of cracked black pepper does wonders, too. Fancy, but effortless!
Side Dishes
These pillows are hearty on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a scoop of garlicky mashed potatoes turns dinner into a feast. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots round things out and make the meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
When serving a crowd, stack the Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows onto a platter with a dip bowl of warm marinara or herbed yogurt sauce. For a more intimate meal, plate two pillows per person with a leafy salad and a lemon wedge for a bright finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows to room temperature, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, making them perfect for easy lunches or a quick dinner redo.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance, assemble and bake the pillows, let them cool completely, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. They’re great for meal prep and can be stored frozen for up to two months—just thaw and reheat when cravings strike!
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows in a 350˚F oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is re-crisped. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the crust will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works just as well as chicken in Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows, and is a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have oregano or basil?
Feel free to swap in Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, or even a little rosemary for a new twist—the key is keeping that medley of earthy, fragrant flavors.
Do I have to use crescent rolls?
Crescent rolls make things quick and easy, but you can also use puff pastry or homemade biscuit dough for a different sort of pillow—just adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I make Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough (several brands now offer it) or use gluten-free biscuit dough and certified gluten-free breadcrumbs for a fully GF version.
How can I add a spicy kick?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño to the filling if you like some heat. You can even sprinkle a little cayenne on top with the breadcrumbs for a gentle, warming spice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that delivers big on flavor with very little fuss, Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows are the answer. They’re just as welcome on a cozy weeknight as they are on a table full of friends. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own staple at home!
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Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 pillows 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows are a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll pillow. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 4 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
For the Pillows:
- 2 packages crescent rolls
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, parmesan, milk, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and green onion in a large bowl.
- Unroll the crescent rolls, press the seams together, and separate into 4 rectangles each.
- Fill each rectangle with chicken mixture, fold edges over the top, and close to form a round pillow. Repeat for all pieces.
- Place pillows seam side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the top of each pillow with melted butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- You can customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add some shredded cheese for an extra gooey filling.
- These pillows can be served with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pillow
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows, Chicken Crescent Roll Pillows, Creamy Chicken Pillows