Biting into a creamy chicken hand pie is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting hug. These delightful pastries combine the golden, flaky exterior of puff pastry with a rich and savory creamy chicken filling that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a cozy dinner, these hand pies are incredibly versatile and satisfyingly delicious. With each bite, you’ll experience layers of flavor and texture, making them an indulgent treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging in a homemade meal, creamy chicken hand pies will be the star of the show.
One of the best things about these hand pies is their simplicity. With just a few key ingredients—like cooked chicken, cream cheese, and cheese—you can whip up these delectable snacks in no time. They are gluten-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions, while still being incredibly satisfying and filling. You can even get creative with the fillings, adding your favorite vegetables or spices to customize each hand pie to your liking. Truly, these savory pastries are a labor of love that delivers pure joy with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Hand Pies
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, these hand pies can be prepared in under an hour.
- Comfort Food: These creamy chicken hand pies are guaranteed to warm you up and comfort your soul.
- Versatile Dish: Great as appetizers, snacks, or even a hearty meal with a side salad.
- Gluten-Free: Made with gluten-free puff pastry, these treats can be enjoyed by everyone.
- Customizable Fillings: Personalize your hand pies by adding your favorite vegetables or spices!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure a smooth cooking experience, start by preparing your kitchen and workspace accordingly. Gather all your ingredients and tools before you start cooking. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a fork, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, ensure that it’s fully thawed before rolling it out—this will make it easier to work with. Gather your measuring cups and spoons to accurately portion out the ingredients, so everything flows smoothly during the assembly process.
Find a clean, spacious area to roll out your dough; a lightly floured surface is ideal. Having all your ingredients ready to go will make the pie assembly process quick and efficient. Taking these simple steps will save you time and frustration, allowing you to enjoy the delicious aroma of your creamy chicken hand pies in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This important step ensures that your hand pies will bake evenly and develop that golden-brown crust we all love. As the oven is preheating, take a moment to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the hand pies from sticking and make for easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, gather your shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and frozen peas. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together thoroughly. You want a consistent filling that combines all the flavors beautifully. Don’t be shy about tasting it—just make sure to avoid double-dipping!
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Next, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a clean, lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch to ensure your hand pies are flaky yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Once you’ve rolled it out, cut the dough into squares measuring around 4-5 inches on each side. This helps in folding and sealing each pie.
Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Now comes the fun part—filling and forming the hand pies! Take one of your dough squares and spoon a generous portion of the creamy chicken filling into the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this could lead to spillage during baking. Once you have the filling in place, fold the dough square in half over the filling to create a pocket. Use a fork to press down on the edges, sealing the hand pie securely so your delightful filling stays inside.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Before baking, give the tops of the hand pies a beautiful golden sheen by brushing them with the beaten egg. This step is crucial for achieving that envy-inducing color and crispness. Place each hand pie onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them for expanding. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up like little pockets of joy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the hand pies are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This step may test your patience, but it ensures you won’t burn your mouth on the delicious fillings! For added flavor, you can sprinkle some extra salt and pepper on top. Serve alongside a dipping sauce of your choice, like ranch or a spicy aioli, and savor each bite of your creamy chicken hand pies!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute cooked chicken with turkey, shredded pork, or even cooked tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning for a kick of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- This recipe is versatile; feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients for a delicious twist!
- For extra crispy hand pies, consider using a wire rack in the oven instead of a baking sheet.
- If using homemade puff pastry, ensure it’s properly chilled before rolling out for easier handling.
- These hand pies freeze beautifully; just store them in a freezer-friendly bag after baking!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside various dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy ketchup.
Tips
- For a deeper flavor, sauté your onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the filling mix.
- Always taste your filling before assembly to adjust seasoning to your preference.
- To reheat, place hand pies in a toaster oven or conventional oven to retain their crispiness—microwaving may make them soggy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per hand pie
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 430mg
FAQs
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and even assemble the hand pies ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use gluten-free puff pastry?
Yes! Many brands offer gluten-free options that work wonderfully for this recipe.
What dipping sauces pair well with these hand pies?
Pair your creamy chicken hand pies with dips like ranch, honey mustard, spicy aioli, or ketchup for a delicious experience.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creamy chicken hand pies are a fantastic addition to your meal repertoire, combining delightful flavors with easy preparation. They are perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer at a gathering or a cozy snack on a chilly evening. The ability to customize them to your tastes makes this recipe even more appealing. Don’t hesitate to explore different fillings or add your favorite herbs and spices. Your family and friends will surely appreciate these tasty treats! Try them out, and let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!
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Creamy Chicken Hand Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Biting into a creamy chicken hand pie is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting hug.
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into squares.
- Place filling on dough squares, fold them over, and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
These hand pies freeze beautifully; store them in a freezer-friendly bag after baking!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Protein: 15 g