A Homestyle Favorite – The Story Behind Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies
Nothing says comfort like a warm chicken pot pie, and turning it into individual hand pies makes it even more special. I love how these little parcels are portable, perfectly portioned, and still packed with all the flavors of the classic dish. The aroma of sautéed vegetables, herbs, and tender chicken wrapped in buttery puff pastry fills the kitchen with a sense of home and nostalgia. Making these hand pies feels like a labor of love, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser, whether for lunchboxes, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need for These Savory Hand Pies
Using fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to make about eight delicious hand pies:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup carrot, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon minced thyme
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/3 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg, beaten
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, flavorful filling wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.
Preparing the Filling – Cooking the Vegetables and Chicken
Start by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant—you’ll notice the kitchen instantly smells like a cozy home kitchen. Then add the onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until soft and lightly golden. This base forms the heart of the filling.
Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to build a deep, savory flavor. Reduce the heat slightly, stir in the flour, and cook for a minute or so. This helps thicken the filling and removes the raw flour taste.
Next, add the peas, chicken stock, and milk gradually while stirring constantly. You’ll see the mixture begin to thicken into a creamy consistency that clings to the spoon beautifully. Finally, fold in the shredded chicken, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling the hand pies—it’s easier to work with and prevents the pastry from getting soggy.
Rolling and Cutting the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (about 400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the puff pastry sheets from the fridge and roll them out slightly. Cut each sheet into eight equal rectangles. I like to keep them roughly the same size to ensure even baking.
Assembling the Hand Pies
Spoon a generous amount of the cooled filling onto the center of a rectangle. Place another rectangle on top and press the edges with a fork to seal completely. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfectly straight—hand pies are meant to be rustic and charming! Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden shine once baked.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky, about 20–25 minutes depending on your oven. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as the pies bake—the scent of buttery pastry combined with savory chicken and vegetables is irresistible. Allow the hand pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to let the filling set.
Serving and Storing Your Hand Pies
These hand pies are perfect served warm straight from the oven, but they’re also excellent at room temperature, making them ideal for picnics or packed lunches. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the baked hand pies; just reheat them in the oven to bring back their flaky texture.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Hand Pies
Try serving these hand pies with a side salad or a small bowl of soup for a complete meal. They also make wonderful appetizers at parties—just cut them in half to show off the creamy filling. If you like a bit of a twist, sprinkle a little shredded cheese on the filling before sealing for an extra layer of indulgence.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with the filling. Swap the peas for corn or green beans, or add a dash of paprika or garlic powder for more flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or parsley, to give the filling a fresh twist. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Nutrition Snapshot
These hand pies are hearty and satisfying, offering a good balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. They’re a comforting, filling meal in a compact package. Keep portion sizes in mind, and enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
Handy Tips and FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the hand pies just before baking.
What if I don’t have puff pastry? You can use homemade pie dough or store-bought shortcrust pastry, though the texture will be slightly different.
Can I freeze them before baking? Absolutely. Freeze assembled pies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms? Make sure the filling is cooled before assembling and don’t overfill the pies.
Making Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies is a comforting, rewarding experience. The flaky pastry, creamy filling, and savory aroma will keep everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
