There is something truly heartwarming about these Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe that makes them impossible to resist. Imagine buttery, flaky pastry pockets bursting with creamy, herb-kissed chicken and vibrant mixed vegetables, all perfectly seasoned with sage and a touch of pepper. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and a little bit special. These hand pies are an ideal way to turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal or snack, and they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to try them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward and essential ingredients is all it takes to create these charming hand pies. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of creamy filling and flaky crust, making sure every bite is as delicious as the last.
- Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a silky roux for the filling.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the filling, giving it a luscious, velvety texture.
- Sage: Adds a warm, earthy herbaceous note that beautifully complements the chicken.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors to make the filling sing.
- Pepper: Offers a subtle kick and balances the savory elements.
- Cooked chicken, chopped: The star of the filling, tender and packed with protein.
- Chicken stock: Infuses depth into the filling, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Frozen mixed vegetables, thawed: Adds color, texture, and a fresh burst to the filling.
- Puff pastry or pie crust: The flaky, buttery shell that holds all the goodness together.
- Egg (for egg wash, optional): Gives the hand pies a gorgeous golden shine and crisp finish.
How to Make Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Make the filling base
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat—it’s the foundation of flavor and the base for the creamy texture. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove that raw flour taste. This step is crucial because it thickens the filling and gives it a silky smooth consistency.
Step 2: Add the chicken stock and seasonings
Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, being careful to avoid lumps. Keep whisking as the mixture thickens, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in sage, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavors—a simple seasoning blend that makes all the difference. This filling sets the stage for the delicious heart-shaped hand pies.
Step 3: Combine chicken and vegetables
Fold in the cooked chicken and thawed mixed vegetables until everything is well combined. The chicken brings hearty protein while the vegetables introduce pops of color and freshness. Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly to make it easier to handle for the next steps.
Step 4: Prepare the pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry or pie crust until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to stamp out dough pieces—two for every pie, one for the top and one for the bottom. This shape adds a charming, festive touch perfect for sharing.
Step 5: Assemble the hand pies
Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the center of one heart-shaped piece. Top it with the matching heart piece and carefully press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, making sure no filling leaks out during baking. This step guarantees you get those perfect little pockets of flavor.
Step 6: Bake to golden perfection
If you want your hand pies to gleam with an irresistible golden crust, brush the tops with a beaten egg. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed up and beautifully golden, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
After baking, let the pies cool slightly before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set so every bite stays neat—and it also means your fingers won’t get burned as you bite into these delightful parcels of goodness.
How to Serve Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light dusting of cracked black pepper can add just the right touch of color and brightness to your sweetheart chicken hand pies recipe. A small dab of sour cream or a spoonful of homemade cranberry chutney also pairs beautifully, bringing acidity and creaminess that complement the savory filling.
Side Dishes
These hand pies shine on their own but can be accompanied by a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a cozy, comforting meal. Roasted root vegetables or simple steamed green beans also work wonderfully for a heartier plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pies on a rustic wooden board with a cluster of fresh herbs nearby. You could also wrap each hand pie in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming picnic-style presentation. During holidays, adding edible flowers or using different-shaped cutters can turn the Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe into a conversation-starting centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra hand pies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating gently in the oven helps maintain the crispiness of the pastry, unlike the microwave which can turn them soggy.
Freezing
These pies freeze beautifully before baking. Simply assemble them, place on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and golden.
Reheating
To reheat and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, place the pies on a baking tray in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method crisps the crust back up and warms the filling evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of protein for this Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian protein like cooked mushrooms or lentils. Just make sure the protein is chopped finely and well mixed with the filling to maintain that cohesive texture.
Is it necessary to use puff pastry, or can I use another type of dough?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flaky texture, but pie crust or even biscuit dough can work as well. Just keep in mind that each dough type will affect the final texture and flavor, so puff pastry remains the most classic choice for these hand pies.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time and freeze them?
Yes! Making the Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe ahead and freezing them before baking makes for an easy-to-bake, fresh-tasting meal later on. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure thorough cooking.
How can I make these hand pies gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry available at many supermarkets. Just be sure to check the labels on other ingredients like flour substitutes and chicken stock to keep everything gluten-free.
What is the best way to keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensuring the filling is cooled before assembling helps prevent soggy pastry. Also, using a thickened filling with a roux, as in this recipe, is key to a firm, creamy interior that doesn’t release excess moisture during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that feel like a warm hug from the inside out, then this Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe is calling your name. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these hand pies combine simple ingredients with a loving touch to create something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try making them and enjoy every flaky, flavorful bite as much as I do!
Print
Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies are delightful individual pastries filled with a creamy mixture of tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and savory herbs, encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a charming appetizer or a comforting snack, these hand pies bake to a golden brown with a shiny finish and offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will please any crowd.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup cooked chicken, chopped into very small pieces
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 3/4 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Dough and Assembly
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning and to cook out the flour taste.
- Prepare Filling Base: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and whisking the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes, creating a smooth, creamy base.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the sage, salt, and pepper. Then add the chopped cooked chicken and thawed mixed vegetables. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the hand pies.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry or pie crust to an even thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes for the hand pies. You will need two heart shapes per pie.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and vegetable filling onto the center of one heart-shaped dough piece. Place another heart-shaped piece of dough on top.
- Seal Edges: Press the edges of the two dough layers together to seal the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: If desired, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the assembled hand pies to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set and avoid burns.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with diced cooked mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative.
- Ensure the filling is not too hot when assembling the pies to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- You can freeze assembled but unbaked pies for up to one month; bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
- Use a sharp knife or cutter to seal the pastry edges neatly for better presentation.
- If you prefer a sweeter hand pie, add a pinch of nutmeg or a small amount of honey to the filling mixture.
