Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe

The Coziest Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe for Chilly Nights

Chicken pot pie hand pies offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food that fits perfectly in your palm.

Compact and portable, these miniature delicacies upgrade traditional pie expectations into crispy, handheld magic.

Flaky pastry envelops a rich, creamy filling bursting with tender meat and hearty vegetables.

Each bite promises a warm, satisfying experience that connects nostalgia with contemporary culinary creativity.

Small enough to grab and go, yet substantial enough to fulfill hunger, these hand pies represent versatile dining at its finest.

The golden, buttery crust provides a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, savory interior.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts will appreciate how these compact treasures elevate everyday meal moments.

What Makes Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies So Comforting

  • Unlock Portable Comfort: Transform traditional chicken pot pie into convenient, handheld treats perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or quick snacks that don't sacrifice delicious homemade flavor.
  • Master Easy Gourmet Technique: Create restaurant-quality hand pies using simple techniques like sautéing vegetables, making a creamy sauce, and sealing pastry with just a fork, making complex cooking feel effortless.
  • Customize Flavor Adventure: Swap ingredients like adding herbs, changing protein, or mixing vegetables to personalize these golden, flaky hand pies while maintaining their comforting core essence of creamy chicken goodness.

What Goes Inside Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

Chicken Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Lean, boneless meat that forms the protein core of the hand pies.
  • Chicken Stock: Rich, flavorful liquid that adds depth to the filling.
Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic mirepoix mix that provides aromatic base and texture.
  • Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable that adds color and fresh flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste profile.
Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:
  • Thyme: Fresh herb that brings earthy, slightly minty flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the filling and create creamy consistency.
Pastry and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: Flaky, buttery dough that creates crisp exterior.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté vegetables.
  • Milk: Contributes to smooth, creamy filling texture.
  • Egg: Used for egg wash to create golden, shiny crust.

How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies from Scratch

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Then add:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become soft and tender.

Step 2: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh thyme leaves

Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Reduce heat to medium and gradually mix in flour. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This creates a roux that will thicken the filling.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Filling

Add to the pan:
  • Frozen peas
  • Chicken stock
  • Milk

Continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken

Fold in shredded chicken. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Pastry

Preheat oven to 392°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Remove puff pastry from refrigerator. Roll out and cut into 8 equal rectangles.

Step 7: Assemble Hand Pies

Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling onto half of the pastry rectangles. Cover with remaining pastry rectangles.

Use a fork to crimp and seal edges completely.

Step 8: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk an egg in a small bowl. Gently brush the top of each hand pie with egg wash.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20-22 minutes until pastries turn golden brown and flaky.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let hand pies rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes to cool slightly.

Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Clever Tips for Flaky Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

  • Chill the Filling: Let the chicken mixture cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy pastry and ensure clean, crisp edges.
  • Perfect Pastry Technique: Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and maintain delicate layers.
  • Seal with Precision: Press fork edges firmly to create a tight seal, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
  • Egg Wash Elegance: Brush egg wash generously for a golden, glossy finish that adds professional-looking shine to hand pies.
  • Temperature Matters: Use cold ingredients and work quickly to keep puff pastry layers flaky and crisp, ensuring a light, airy texture.

Best Way to Keep Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Fresh

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken pot pie hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy a quick meal later.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated hand pies in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. For frozen pies, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain their flaky texture.

What Complements Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Well

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy richness of the chicken pot pie hand pies, offering a refreshing contrast that enhances the buttery pastry and savory filling.
  • Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: A light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, chives, and dill provides a zesty counterpoint to the hearty hand pies, balancing the meal with bright, fresh flavors.
  • Complement with Tangy Coleslaw: A creamy yet tangy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar adds crunch and acidity, helping to lighten the dense, comforting texture of the hand pies.
  • Pour Sparkling Cidre: A dry sparkling hard cider brings a subtle apple sweetness and effervescence that perfectly matches the savory chicken filling and complements the flaky pastry.

Tasty Filling Ideas for Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Hand Pies: Replace thyme with chili powder, cumin, and add diced green chiles to the filling for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pockets: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano into the chicken mixture for a Greek-style hand pie experience.
  • Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parcels: Swap some chicken with sautéed mushrooms, add cream cheese, and sprinkle fresh parsley for an earthy, rich flavor profile.
  • Curry Chicken Hand Pies: Mix in mild curry powder, ginger, and a touch of coconut milk to transform the classic recipe with an Indian-inspired twist.
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Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe

Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting chicken pot pie hand pies bring classic American comfort to a portable, crispy package. Flaky pastry embraces tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy sauce, offering you a delicious handheld meal that satisfies deeply.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 ⅓ cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 1 egg, beaten

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 23 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ½ cup carrot, diced
  • ¼ cup celery, diced
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon minced thyme

Dairy, Flour, and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 puff pastry sheets

Instructions

  1. Create a flavorful base by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, releasing its rich aroma.
  2. Infuse the butter with minced garlic, then introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and become translucent, developing a deep, savory foundation.
  3. Enhance the mixture with fragrant thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
  4. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable medley, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the filling.
  5. Pour in chicken stock and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a creamy, velvety sauce.
  6. Incorporate sweet green peas and tender shredded chicken into the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  7. Remove the filling from heat and let it cool completely, which helps prevent soggy pastry.
  8. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  9. Gently roll out puff pastry sheets and slice into precise rectangles, ensuring uniform hand pies.
  10. Spoon the cooled chicken filling onto pastry rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges.
  11. Carefully layer a second pastry rectangle on top, pressing and crimping the edges with a fork to seal completely.
  12. Brush the hand pies with beaten egg, creating a golden, glossy exterior that will crisp beautifully during baking.
  13. Bake until the pastry transforms into a stunning, amber-colored crust with a delicate, flaky texture.
  14. Allow the hand pies to rest briefly on a wire rack, letting the filling set and preventing potential burns.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by chopping vegetables and cooking chicken in advance to streamline the hand pie assembly process.
  • Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use, ensuring a flaky and crisp texture when baked.
  • Use a fork’s tines to create a tight seal around the edges, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
  • Customize the filling by adding herbs like rosemary or swapping vegetables based on seasonal availability.
  • If freezing, wrap unbaked hand pies individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, so let chicken stock and milk sit out briefly before combining.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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