Why You’ll Love Chicken Hand Pieshis Recipe
These chicken hand pies are everything you want in a satisfying homemade meal. They are rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, while still being simple enough to make with refrigerated pie crusts. The filling comes together quickly on the stovetop, and because everything is wrapped into individual portions, they are easy to serve, store, and reheat. They also make a great make-ahead option for meal prep, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
½ cup yellow onion, diced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth, or 1 cup water plus 1½ teaspoons chicken bouillon
1¼ cups whole milk
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 refrigerated rolled pie crusts, 1 standard 14-ounce 2-pack
1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until translucent.
Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes until the flour mixture begins to lightly brown.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, adding a little at a time and stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth.
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce bubbles and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
Add the cream cheese, frozen peas and carrots, and diced chicken. Stir until everything is evenly combined and the cream cheese melts into the filling.
Unroll one pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using an upside-down bowl. Gather the scraps and gently reroll as needed to cut additional circles. Repeat with the second crust until you have enough rounds.
Place the dough circles onto a baking sheet coated with non-stick cooking spray.
Spoon a scoop of the chicken filling into the center of each dough circle.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the water to make an egg wash.
Brush the edges of each circle with egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling to create a crescent shape, then press the edges together and crimp with your fingers or a fork to seal. Brush the tops with more egg wash and poke a few holes in each pie with a fork.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and crisp.
Let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 chicken hand pies, making it a great choice for a family meal or for saving extras for later.
Prep Time: 33 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Variations
You can easily customize these chicken hand pies to fit your preferences or use what you already have on hand. Swap the chicken for turkey if you have leftovers from another meal. Add diced potatoes or mushrooms to make the filling heartier. For a cheesy twist, stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella along with the cream cheese. You can also add herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary for extra flavor. For a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes for an even flakier crust. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the crust will be softer.
For longer storage, freeze the baked hand pies once they have cooled completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well and saves time. Just dice or shred it before mixing it into the filling.
Can I make these chicken hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to assemble. You can also assemble the pies a few hours before baking.
Can I freeze the hand pies before baking?
Yes, you can freeze them unbaked. Arrange them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use a little extra milk and some shredded cheese, or even a spoonful of sour cream, though the texture may be slightly different.
How do I keep the pies from leaking?
Do not overfill them, and make sure to brush the edges with egg wash before sealing. Crimping the edges well also helps keep the filling inside.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes, homemade pie crust works great as long as it is rolled thick enough to hold the filling without tearing.
What vegetables can I add?
In addition to peas and carrots, you can try corn, diced green beans, mushrooms, or finely chopped celery.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The crust should be golden brown and crisp on the outside. Since the filling is already cooked, the main goal is baking the pastry thoroughly.
Can I make these in a different shape?
Yes, you can make them round, rectangular, or even use a pastry cutter for smaller appetizer-sized pies.
Are chicken hand pies good for lunchboxes?
Yes, they are a great lunch option because they are portable, filling, and taste good warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Chicken Hand Pies are a simple and comforting recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a meal everyone looks forward to. With their flaky crust, creamy chicken filling, and convenient individual size, they are perfect for dinner, meal prep, or sharing with family and friends. Once you make them, they are likely to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
