Few dishes evoke comfort quite like a classic chicken pot pie—a creamy, savory filling tucked beneath a golden, buttery crust. But what if you could enjoy all that cozy goodness in a hand-held version? Enter the Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies—a delightful twist on the traditional favorite that’s just as comforting but twice as fun (and much easier to share!).
These flaky pockets are filled with tender chicken, sweet peas, and vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce—all wrapped in buttery puff pastry that bakes to crisp perfection. Whether you serve them as a snack, lunch, or cozy dinner, they’re guaranteed to satisfy. Portable, elegant, and endlessly comforting, these hand pies are a perfect way to bring homemade warmth wherever you go.
Let’s dive into how to make this heartwarming dish that transforms a comfort classic into a golden, hand-held treat everyone will love.
Recipe Overview
Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies take the beloved flavors of traditional chicken pot pie—creamy filling, savory vegetables, and flaky crust—and reimagine them in an easy-to-hold format. Made with puff pastry and a simple homemade chicken filling, these golden pastries are ideal for lunchboxes, parties, or a satisfying dinner with a side salad or soup.
They’re simple to prepare, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to become a comfort food favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup carrot, diced
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon minced thyme
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ½ cup milk
- 1⅓ cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg, beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then stir in the onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until they soften and release their aroma—about 5 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and minced thyme. These herbs give the filling that classic chicken pot pie aroma and depth of flavor.
2. Create the Base Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about 1 minute to form a light roux. This step thickens your filling and gives it a rich, creamy consistency once the liquid is added.
Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, followed by the milk. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick and smooth, resembling a luscious gravy.
3. Add the Chicken and Peas
Stir in the peas and shredded chicken until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This is important—warm filling can cause the puff pastry to soften and tear.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take the puff pastry sheets out of the fridge (they should be cold but pliable). Roll them out gently on a lightly floured surface, then cut into 8 equal rectangles.
5. Fill and Seal
Spoon a small portion of the cooled filling into the center of four rectangles. Avoid overfilling—just enough to create a generous layer that won’t leak.
Place another rectangle of puff pastry on top of each filled piece. Press the edges with a fork to seal the pies securely and create a decorative pattern.
Tip: For an extra-tight seal, you can brush the edges with a little beaten egg before pressing them together.
6. Brush and Bake
Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush the tops generously with beaten egg—this gives them that irresistible golden sheen.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and deep golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve
Once baked, transfer the hand pies to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm, and enjoy the satisfying crunch of flaky pastry revealing a creamy, savory filling.
Cooking Tips & Variations
These hand pies are wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to make them uniquely yours:
1. Change the Protein
- Turkey: Use leftover turkey for a post-holiday twist.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A great time-saver for quick prep.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or tofu.
2. Flavor Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth that complements the creamy sauce.
- Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for tang.
- Try rosemary or parsley instead of thyme for a slightly different herbal note.
3. Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade
Mix a small handful of grated cheddar or Parmesan into the sauce before cooling it for an added layer of flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free puff pastry and rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the filling.
5. Freezer-Friendly Option
Once assembled (before baking), freeze the hand pies on a tray until solid, then store in an airtight container. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooled pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months before or after baking.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes to crisp the pastry again.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes for quick results.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies with:
- A fresh garden salad for balance.
- A bowl of chicken soup for ultimate comfort.
- Or simply on their own with a side of herbed butter or creamy ranch dip.
They’re also great for picnics, road trips, or lunchboxes—no forks required!
Golden, flaky, and filled with creamy chicken goodness, these Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies are the perfect fusion of elegance and comfort. They bring all the nostalgic flavors of a classic chicken pot pie into a convenient, portable form that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Whether served at a family gathering, tucked into lunchboxes, or enjoyed warm from the oven on a chilly evening, these hand pies deliver hearty satisfaction in every bite. Simple, versatile, and downright delicious—this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
FAQs
1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
2. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely. Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe—just make sure it’s thawed but still cold before using.
3. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 12–15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
4. How can I make them vegan?
Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, veggie stock, and a vegan chicken substitute. Skip the egg wash or use a mix of plant milk and maple syrup for a golden finish.
5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results—this helps retain that flaky texture.
Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies are flaky, buttery pastries filled with creamy chicken and veggies—easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for cozy comfort food lovers!