Ah, chicken pot pie and pies! Just saying those words conjures up the image of golden, flaky crusts enveloping creamy, savory goodness. I’ve always loved the warmth and comfort of a classic chicken pot pie, but when I discovered how effortlessly a portable version could be made, I was hooked. Hand pies make everything better. Why?
They are the perfect balance of convenience and nostalgia, combining the best of both worlds. Let me take you through my journey of mastering chicken pot pie hand pies, filled with rich flavor and fluffy textures.
What Are Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies?
At their core, chicken pot pie hand pies are a simplified version of the classic chicken pot pie. Imagine the traditional pie but miniaturized! These little wonders boast a flaky crust filled with a creamy mixture of chicken and vegetables. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner in or a picnic in the park. The beauty of hand pies lies in their versatility. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or serve them cold for a delightful snack.
You will also like the following Lunch and Dinner recipes!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies
Portable Comfort Food: They’re easy to hold and eat, making them the ultimate comfort food for on-the-go meals.
Fill ’Em Up: You can get creative with the fillings. Any chicken or veggie leftovers can be transformed into a delightful filling.
Make Ahead: These hand pies can be made in advance and kept in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep a breeze.
Fun for All Ages: Whether you are cooking for kids or adults, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Customizable: Use your favorite ingredients to make them unique to your tastes. That’s the beauty of cooking!
The Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. For this delicious treat, you will need:
- ½ cup peeled and diced carrot: Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast: The main protein for your filling.
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest: A touch of brightness for the palate.
- 1 box of ready-made pie crusts: Two delicious crusts make it easy.
- 1 small sprig of fresh thyme, leaves stripped: For an herbal depth of flavor.
- 3½ tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Essential for richness.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: For seasoning.
- 1 small egg, beaten well for egg wash: To achieve that golden finish.
- ½ cup diced celery stalks: Adds crunch and freshness.
- 2 small yellow baby potatoes, peeled and diced: Creamy texture in the filling.
- 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth: The base for our creamy filling.
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced: For aromatic flavor.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
- ½ cup whole milk: Creaminess guaranteed.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: For a burst of fresh flavor.
- ¼ cup frozen green peas: A classic addition to the filling.
- 2 small cloves of garlic, minced: For depth and fragrance.
With our ingredients in hand, let’s get ready to whip up these marvelous hand pies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breast. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and season it with salt and pepper. Sear it for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining 2½ tablespoons of butter. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic. Cook these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. They should start to soften. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir well to coat. This will help create a nice, thick filling. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. This avoids any lumps. Let this mix bubble and thicken. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Then, add the milk and stir until combined.
Step 4: Combine the Filling
Add the shredded chicken back into the pan along with the lemon zest, fresh thyme, parsley, and frozen peas. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another minute until heated through. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Take the ready-made pie crusts and gently roll them out on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles about 5 inches in diameter. You should get around 8-10 circles from the dough.
Step 6: Fill the Hand Pies
Place a generous spoonful of the filling onto one half of each circle. Be sure not to overfill; otherwise, you’ll have a mess on your hands! Fold the other half over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Don’t forget to make a couple of slits on top for steam to escape.
Step 7: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the prepared hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each pie with the beaten egg for a glossy finish.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible—trust me!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed hot, warm, or even at room temperature!
Tips & Tricks
Use high-quality chicken: Fresh or organic chicken can make a huge difference in flavor.
Experiment with spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the filling for an interesting twist.
Chill your crusts: If your dough gets too warm, the crust may not be as flaky. Let it chill before rolling.
Sealing is key: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent leaks during baking.
Serve with a sauce: A drizzle of gravy or a side of ranch dressing takes these hand pies to the next level!
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 hand pie, based on eight total):
Always adjust based on your choice of ingredients!
Can I Store Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies?
Absolutely! These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to savor them longer, freeze them before baking. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies?
A few delicious side options to consider:
- Simple Mixed Green Salad: Offers a fresh crunch that balances the richness.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting. Perfect for dipping!
- Steamed Veggies: A colorful array of broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a healthy touch.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tart contrast to the savory pies.
- Applesauce: Who doesn’t love applesauce on the side?
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some exciting ways to switch up your chicken pot pie hand pies:
- Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies: Swap the regular chicken for shredded buffalo chicken. Add a sprinkle of blue cheese for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Hand Pies: Replace chicken with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or jackfruit. Don’t forget to up the veggie content.
- Spicy Chicken Hand Pies: Throw in some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for a fiery kick.
- Cheesy Chicken Hand Pies: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella into your filling for a gooey treat.
- Herbed Chicken Hand Pies: Use a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and dill instead of just thyme and parsley to elevate the flavor.
Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- instant thermometer
Ingredients
- ½ cup peeled and diced carrot
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 box of ready-made pie crusts
- 1 small sprig of fresh thyme leaves stripped
- 3½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small egg beaten well for egg wash
- ½ cup diced celery stalks
- 2 small yellow baby potatoes peeled and diced:
- 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth½ yellow onion
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
- ¼ cup frozen green peas
- 2 small cloves of garlic
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cooking the chicken breast. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and season it with salt and pepper. Sear it for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the remaining 2½ tablespoons of butter. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic. Cook these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. They should start to soften. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir well to coat. This will help create a nice, thick filling. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. This avoids any lumps. Let this mix bubble and thicken. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Then, add the milk and stir until combined.
Step 4: Combine the Filling
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pan along with the lemon zest, fresh thyme, parsley, and frozen peas. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another minute until heated through. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
- Take the ready-made pie crusts and gently roll them out on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles about 5 inches in diameter. You should get around 8-10 circles from the dough.
Step 6: Fill the Hand Pies
- Place a generous spoonful of the filling onto one half of each circle. Be sure not to overfill; otherwise, you’ll have a mess on your hands! Fold the other half over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Don’t forget to make a couple of slits on top for steam to escape.
Step 7: Preheat and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the prepared hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each pie with the beaten egg for a glossy finish.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible—trust me!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed hot, warm, or even at room temperature!
Notes
- Use high-quality chicken: Fresh or organic chicken can make a huge difference in flavor.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the filling for an interesting twist.
- Chill your crusts: If your dough gets too warm, the crust may not be as flaky. Let it chill before rolling.
- Sealing is key: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent leaks during baking.
- Serve with a sauce: A drizzle of gravy or a side of ranch dressing takes these hand pies to the next level!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust can elevate these hand pies. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before rolling out.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to the baking stage, refrigerate, or freeze them. They’re a fantastic option for meal prep.
What are some alternative proteins I can use?
Turkey, ham, or even tofu are excellent substitutes. The filling possibilities are endless!
How can I reheat leftover hand pies?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain their flaky texture.
Are hand pies freezer-friendly?
For sure! Bake then freeze them. Just ensure they’re completely cooled before wrapping.
Conclusion
Chicken pot pie hand pies are more than just a meal; they are a delightful experience. The combination of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables encased in beautifully flaky crust brings joy with each bite. Whether you’re whipping these up for a family dinner or a casual gathering, they are sure to impress. Don’t be surprised when your friends request the recipe!
Embrace your culinary courage and dive into this fun, easy project. You might just find yourself enjoying these hand pies more than the traditional version. After all, there’s something special about holding a mini comfort food in your hand. Happy cooking!