Description
These Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies are a delightful and comforting snack or meal, featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, vegetables, and aromatic sage. Perfectly portioned for six, these hand pies are baked to golden perfection and make a charming treat for any occasion.
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 & Finishing
- 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 flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Stock and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, taking care to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in sage, salt, and pepper, then add the chopped cooked chicken and thawed mixed vegetables. Mix well to evenly combine the filling, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry or pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out even heart shapes; each hand pie requires two pieces of dough.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and vegetable filling onto the center of one heart-shaped dough piece. Top with a second heart-shaped piece and press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges using a fork to secure the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: If using, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies for a shiny, golden finish after baking.
- Bake: Arrange 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 from the oven and let the hand pies cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure the filling is cool before assembling to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with your favorite veggies like peas, carrots, or corn.
- If puff pastry is unavailable, pie crust or shortcrust pastry can be used instead for a different texture.
- These hand pies can be made ahead, refrigerated, and baked fresh when needed.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a suitable pie crust.