Chicken Parmesan Puff Pillows

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender lean protein absorbs the flavors best Look for fresh cutlets for juiciness
• Marinara sauce: Tangy tomato base brings classic Italian flavor Choose a thick quality sauce for best texture
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for that gooey pull Select whole milk mozzarella for richness
• Puff pastry: Flaky buttery blanket for the filling Thaw completely in the fridge for easy rolling
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory sharp bite Choose aged Parmesan and grate fresh for a punchy finish
• Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps brown pastry Use extra virgin for best taste
• Italian seasoning: Boosts herbs and depth Make sure yours is still aromatic and green not brown
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening flavors Use kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy

Cook the Chicken:

Dice chicken into even bite sized pieces Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat Add chicken and sauté for six to eight minutes Stir occasionally until golden and just cooked through This keeps your filling juicy not dry

Flavor and Finish the Filling:

Stir in marinara sauce directly to the pan with the browned chicken Lower the heat and let it gently simmer for five minutes which infuses the meat Simmering thickens the sauce too Take the pan off the heat Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses Mix until the cheeses melt and the filling becomes creamy and scoopable

Shape the Pillows:

On a lightly floured surface carefully unfold and roll out the puff pastry Cut pastry into four by four inch squares Spoon a generous amount of filling onto the center of each square Fold the corners to the center pressing gently Seal the edges by crimping with a fork to lock in the filling

Bake to Perfection:

Brush the tops of each pillow lightly with olive oil This promotes crispness and golden color Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes on the prepared sheet Look for a deep golden brown crust Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving

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The magic ingredient for me is the fresh Parmesan because it gives both aroma and salty bite My family lights up at the smell of these in the oven especially after a busy day

Storage tips

Finished pillows keep well covered in the fridge for up to three days Just crisp in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for a few minutes to reheat For longer storage lay unbaked pillows in a single layer on a tray freeze until firm then transfer to a freezer bag

Ingredient substitutions

For shredded mozzarella try provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses If you do not eat chicken try cooked mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian spin Even store bought rotisserie chicken works in a pinch for extra convenience

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Serving suggestions

Serve hot with extra marinara on the side for dipping A simple green salad or roasted broccoli makes a great plate If you are hosting add toothpicks for easy sharing and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for flavor

Cultural context

Chicken Parmesan started as an Italian American classic combining breaded cutlets with red sauce and cheese This recipe transforms that comfort food into a pastry hand pie so you get those family favorite flavors in a new and fun way

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute pre-cooked chicken. Simply dice it and warm with marinara before assembling in the pastry.

→ What type of puff pastry works best?

Store-bought, all-butter puff pastry yields the flakiest, most flavorful result. Thaw before use for easy handling.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure the pastry edges are firmly sealed with a fork and avoid overfilling each square for best results.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the pillows a few hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for optimal crispness.

→ Which sauces pair well as a dip?

Classic marinara is perfect, but basil pesto or a garlic cream sauce also complement these savory pillows deliciously.