Easy Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies | Easy Dinner Recipe

These Easy Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies are the ultimate comfort food made portable. With a creamy, savory filling of chicken and vegetables wrapped in golden, flaky pastry, they come together in about 40 minutes. Perfect for beginner bakers, they make a delicious weeknight dinner, a fun lunchbox treat, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, but making a full pie can be time-consuming. This hand-held version gives you all the creamy, savory goodness of the classic dish in a convenient, mess-free package . By using store-bought puff pastry, you get beautifully flaky, buttery layers without the fuss of homemade dough . It’s a simple, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Whether you’re using leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie bird, these hand pies are a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into something special . They’re perfect for using up leftovers and are guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

These savory hand pies are easier than they look. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.

Step 1: Make the Filling

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant .

Stir in the carrots, celery, and thyme. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste .

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste .

Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely. This is a crucial step to prevent a soggy pastry .

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper .

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth out the creases. Cut each sheet into 4 equal rectangles, giving you 8 pieces total .

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto one half of each pastry rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges .

Brush the edges of the pastry with a little water to help seal them. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a rectangle or triangle. Press the edges firmly together with a fork to seal completely .

Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the milk or water. Brush the tops of each hand pie generously with the egg wash. This gives them a beautiful glossy, golden-brown finish .

Use a sharp knife to cut 2-3 small slits on top of each pie. This allows steam to escape and prevents the pastries from bursting .

Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the hand pies are puffed up and deep golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before serving .

Step 5: Serve

Serve the hand pies warm with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables . They’re delicious on their own or with a side of gravy for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Hand Pies

Keep the pastry cold: Puff pastry needs cold butter to create those beautiful flaky layers. If your dough becomes too warm while working, pop it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking .

Cool the filling completely: This is the most important rule! A hot filling will melt the butter in the pastry before it hits the oven, resulting in a soggy bottom .

Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in the filling, too much can cause the pies to burst open during baking. A moderate amount ensures perfect baking .

Seal the edges well: Press the edges firmly with a fork to create a tight seal. This prevents the filling from leaking out .

Use your favorite add-ins: Feel free to swap out the vegetables to suit your taste. Corn, green beans, or even small diced potatoes are great additions .

Delicious Variations to Try

• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use 1 1/3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to save time .
• Vegetarian Pot Pies: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables .
• Cheesy Chicken Pies: Stir 1/4 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese into the filling before assembling .
• Herbed Chicken Pies: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley or a pinch of poultry seasoning to the filling for extra flavor .
• Turkey Pot Pie Pies: Substitute the chicken with leftover cooked turkey. This is perfect for after Thanksgiving!

How to Store and Reheat

Storing: Baked hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days . They’re delicious cold, at room temperature, or reheated.

Reheating: For best results, reheat hand pies in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again. A toaster oven works great. The microwave will make the pastry soft, so it’s best to avoid it .

Freezing: Unbaked hand pies can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to the baking time .

Frequently Asked Questions