Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies: 6 Cozy Pockets of Golden Perfection!

Forget the fork and plate – these delightful Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies are individual pockets of pure comfort, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun party appetizer! Imagine all the creamy, savory goodness of a classic chicken pot pie, snugly wrapped in a flaky, golden crust, ready to be picked up and enjoyed. They’re an absolutely irresistible twist on a beloved classic, making even the most challenging weeknight dinner feel like a cozy occasion. If you’re looking for an Easy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies recipe that delivers on flavor and convenience, you’ve found your new favorite!

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious hand pies:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 sheets puff pastry (or pie crust), thawed
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparation Instructions

Creating these portable wonders is simpler than you might think, and the result is incredibly satisfying. Follow these steps to make your own batch of delicious Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies that everyone will adore. This Easy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies recipe is perfect for home cooks of all levels!

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Chicken & Veggies: Stir in the cooked shredded or diced chicken, frozen peas, and frozen corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm through.
4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a light roux that will thicken the sauce.
5. Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens to a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Season the Filling: Stir in the dried thyme, and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the pastry.
7. Prepare Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets (or pie crusts) onto a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into three rectangles.
8. Fill the Pies: Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the chicken pot pie filling onto one half of each pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Seal the Hand Pies: Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges firmly to seal, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring a tight seal and an appealing design. Cut a few small slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Egg Wash & Bake: Transfer the assembled hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg to create an egg wash, and brush generously over the top of each hand pie.
11. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown and puffed.
12. Serve: Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These hand pies are already a delight, but a few simple twists can make them even more special!

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a subtle kick.
Cheese Please: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese into the filling just before assembling for an extra layer of richness.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry) into the filling.
Herb Garden: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or sage, finely chopped and added to the filling.
Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of cranberry sauce, gravy, or even a creamy dill sauce for dipping.
Sweet Potato Topping: For a rustic touch, you could make a small batch of mashed sweet potato and pipe a swirl on top of each pie before baking, instead of an egg wash.

Reviews

Sarah K. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“These Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies are an absolute game-changer for dinner! So much easier than a full pie and perfect for grab-and-go. My kids devoured them.”

David L. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Flaky crust and a perfectly seasoned filling. I made these for a potluck, and they were the first thing to disappear. A definite winner!”

Jessica P. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Delicious and comforting! I used leftover rotisserie chicken, which made it even quicker. Next time I might add some sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.”

FAQ

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes, absolutely! Store-bought pie crust works wonderfully for these hand pies. Just follow the same cutting and sealing instructions.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the hand pies just before serving for the best flaky crust.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer for best results, to crisp up the crust.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies?
A: Yes! You can freeze them either unbaked or baked. For unbaked, assemble, brush with egg wash, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Baked hand pies can also be frozen and reheated.

Q: What kind of chicken should I use?
A: Cooked chicken breast or thighs work best. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor!

Conclusion

These Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful experience wrapped in golden pastry. They offer all the beloved flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in a fun, portable format that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a quick family dinner, or simply craving comfort food, this Easy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich, creamy filling and the satisfyingly flaky crust in every single bite!

Recipe Note

For an even crispier bottom crust, try baking your hand pies on a preheated pizza stone or a dark baking sheet, which conducts heat more efficiently.