Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe

If you are searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that fits in the palm of your hand, this Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, shredded chicken mixed with sweet peas, fragrant thyme, and creamy veggies all wrapped in a flaky cream cheese dough that bakes to golden perfection. These hand pies bring all the heartwarming flavors of classic chicken pot pie into a portable, indulgent snack or meal that’s perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a fun dinner. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of creamy filling and buttery crust, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a special role in creating the rich, comforting flavor and texture of the hand pies. From the fresh vegetables adding color and crunch to the cream cheese dough that ensures a tender, flaky crust, every component has its moment to shine.

• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the veggies to soften and release their flavors.
• Yellow onion: Adds a savory sweetness that forms the foundation of the filling.
• Carrot: Offers gentle sweetness and a pop of bright color inside the pies.
• Celery: Contributes subtle earthy notes and crunch to balance the creamy filling.
• Minced thyme: Brings an aromatic, herbaceous depth typical of traditional pot pies.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the filling to that perfect, luscious consistency and combines with the dough ingredients for structure.
• Chicken stock: Infuses the filling with savory, meaty undertones.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture essential for the smooth texture.
• Cooked shredded chicken breast: The hearty protein star of the filling, tender and ready to soak up the flavors.
• Frozen peas: For bursts of sweetness and a delicate pop of color.
• Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the delicious flavors.
• All-purpose flour (for dough): The base that holds the dough together, providing a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives a little lift to the crust for a soft but flaky texture.
• Salt (for dough): Essential to bring out the buttery flavors and balance the dough.
• Cold unsalted butter (cubed): Vital for creating flakiness in the dough by layering in small pockets of fat.
• Cold cream cheese (cubed): Adds richness and tenderness, making the crust uniquely soft and flavorful.
• Ice water: Helps bind the dough without melting the fats, ensuring structure.
• Apple cider vinegar: Tenderizes the dough and enhances its flavor complexity.
• Egg (beaten): Provides that golden glossy finish and helps seal the edges.

How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat to create a flavorful base. Then, add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking them just until tender to unlock their natural sweetness and soften their texture. Stir in minced thyme for an herby lift, then sprinkle in the flour. Cooking the flour briefly here is key because it removes that raw taste and sets the stage to thicken the filling beautifully. Next, gradually add chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Finally, fold in the shredded chicken and peas, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let this rich filling cool completely so it firms up slightly, making it easier to fill the pies.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Pie Dough

While the filling cools, it’s time to craft the dough. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a food processor and pulse a few times to mix. Add the cold, cubed butter and cream cheese, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This uneven texture is what gives the crust its delightful flakiness. Drizzle in the ice water and apple cider vinegar, pulsing until the dough just comes together into a smooth ball. Avoid over-processing so you keep those pockets of butter intact. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and relax the gluten.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

Roll out one chilled disc on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 15 by 24 inches. Cut the dough into three evenly sized 5 by 8-inch rectangles. Brush the top surfaces of each piece with beaten egg — this egg wash will help seal the pies beautifully. Spoon about a quarter cup of the cooled filling onto the bottom half of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling carefully, pressing gently to avoid trapping air pockets. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork, then score the top of each pie with a sharp knife for steam to escape during baking. Brush the tops again with egg wash to develop a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place your hand pies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space in between each. Bake them in a preheated 425°F oven for 18 to 22 minutes, monitoring as they transform into stunning golden parcels. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the buttery crust bakes and the filling bubbles gently is pure comfort. Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes so the filling sets, making them easy and delightful to eat without losing any of that creamy goodness.

How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe, simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper on top can add freshness and a bit of visual flair. You might also offer a small side of tangy cranberry sauce or a light herb aioli for dipping to add a bright contrast to the rich filling.

Side Dishes

These hand pies pair wonderfully with crisp green salads loaded with tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables to balance the meal with some lightness. For a comforting pairing, creamy mashed potatoes or a bowl of warm tomato soup serve as nostalgic favorites that make every bite feel like a hug.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider serving mini versions of these pies on a platter lined with lettuce leaves and colorful edible flowers. You could also place them in rustic baskets lined with checked cloth for a charming picnic vibe. Wrapping each hand pie in parchment paper tied with twine makes them perfect for grab-and-go lunches or casual gatherings too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the crust crisp-ish and the filling fresh enough to enjoy later without any loss of flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these hand pies either before or after baking. To freeze pre-baked, assemble the pies, place them on a tray to freeze solid, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil before transferring to a freezer bag. For baked pies, cool completely first, then wrap tightly. Frozen pies keep well for about 1 to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, bake frozen hand pies in a 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. For refrigerated leftovers, a 350°F oven for 15 minutes will bring them back to warm and delicious. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain that flaky crust experience.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut that adds great flavor and saves prep time without compromising the taste of your filling.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes and use vegetable stock for a tasty vegetarian twist.

Can I make the dough without a food processor?

Definitely! Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter and cream cheese into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form, then mix in the liquids by hand.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the dough?

You can substitute with an equal amount of cold sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tender crust, but cream cheese gives the most rich and flaky results.

How do I prevent the filling from making the crust soggy?

Cooling the filling thoroughly before assembling helps a lot. Also, avoid overfilling the pies and ensure the edges are sealed tightly to keep moisture contained inside.

Final Thoughts

If you want a meal that combines homestyle comfort with ease and a touch of fun, I cannot recommend the Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies Recipe enough. It’s a cozy classic reinvented into adorable handheld treats filled with layers of flavor. Once you try making these beauties, they’ll become your go-to recipe for warming up any day with deliciousness in every bite.

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