Name: Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 46 reviews

If you’re looking for a charming and utterly delicious treat to warm up any gathering or simply brighten your day, the Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe is an absolute winner. These flaky, golden hand pies are packed with a creamy, savory chicken and vegetable filling seasoned to perfection with sage and just the right touch of seasoning. They’re the perfect blend of cozy comfort food wrapped in a playful, heart-shaped package that’s sure to bring smiles to the table—whether you’re serving them for a casual snack, a family meal, or even a festive occasion.

Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Every component plays a role from the buttery roux that thickens the filling to the puff pastry that bakes up irresistibly flaky.

Butter: Adds richness and creates the base for the roux that thickens the filling.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy texture.
Sage: Brings a warm, earthy note that complements the chicken beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the filling.
Pepper: Gives a subtle kick that balances the creaminess.
Cooked chicken, chopped: The hearty protein center of the filling.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and moistness to the filling.
Frozen mixed vegetables, thawed: Provides color, sweetness, and crunch.
Puff pastry or pie crust sheet: The golden, flaky wrapper that turns this dish into a handheld delight.
Egg (optional): Makes the crust beautifully shiny and golden when brushed on top.

How to Make Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Chicken Filling

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook it for a couple of minutes until it’s bubbling and smooth—this thickens the filling beautifully without lumps. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Add the sage, salt, and pepper, then fold in your small pieces of cooked chicken and thawed mixed vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined, then set it aside to cool while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Cut Out the Heart-Shaped Dough Pieces

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry or pie crust sheet until it’s smooth and about 1/8 inch thick. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many heart shapes as you can—remember each hand pie needs two hearts, so plan ahead. This is a fun step where you can embrace the charm of these pies, making them perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra love.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a generous spoonful of the cooled chicken and vegetable filling onto one heart-shaped dough piece. Carefully top it with a second heart, aligning the edges. Press the two layers together firmly, then use a fork to crimp around the edges. This sealing keeps the filling inside and gives your pies a classic, pretty finish. If you want to up your pie game even more, brush the tops with a beaten egg for that radiant golden shine.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your prepared hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slide them into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until they’ve puffed up and turned a gorgeous shade of golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them cool for just a bit before digging in—this ensures the filling sets slightly for the perfect bite.

How to Serve Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

One of the joys of the Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe is that you can dress them up simply and elegantly. Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of chopped sage add a boost of color and a hint of freshness. A light drizzle of your favorite creamy dressing or a small dollop of sour cream can turn these hand pies into a delightful appetizer or main dish feast.

Side Dishes

These pies are wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Pair them with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables for a more filling meal. A bowl of tomato soup or a simple broth also complements these hand pies perfectly, making every meal feel cozy and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange these Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe treats on a decorative platter lined with fresh greens or edible flowers. They also make charming picnic bites or party hors d’oeuvres when skewered with small cocktail picks. For a family brunch, serve with a variety of dipping sauces—mustard aioli, garlic ranch, or even a tangy cranberry chutney add wonderful layers of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and maintain their flaky texture and flavorful filling with proper storage.

Freezing

These hand pies freeze beautifully. Freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can have a homemade comfort food treat ready whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven or a toaster oven for the best flaky crust and warm filling—avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp. A quick 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) will reawaken that fresh-from-the-oven magic you remember fondly.

FAQs

Can I use leftovers chicken or rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! Using cooked chicken like leftovers or rotisserie meat is perfect for this Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe and makes the prep quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.

Is puff pastry better than pie crust for this recipe?

Puff pastry gives a wonderful flaky, buttery texture that really elevates these hand pies, but pie crust works well too if you prefer a sturdier, more traditional pie feel. Both options are delicious.

Can I make these hand pies vegetarian?

Definitely! You can swap the chicken with hearty vegetables, mushrooms, or even a plant-based protein to make a vegetarian version that’s just as tasty and satisfying.

Do I need to brush the pies with egg wash?

Brushing with egg wash is optional but highly recommended if you want a beautiful shiny golden crust. If you prefer, you can use milk or skip it altogether—the pies will still bake up delicious.

How can I make sure the filling doesn’t leak out?

Sealing the edges well with a fork and making sure not to overfill the pies helps prevent leakage. Letting the filling cool slightly before assembling also makes it thicker and easier to handle.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe — comforting, cute, and downright delicious in every bite. Whether you’re making these for a loved one or treating yourself, they bring warmth and heart to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to give these a try and discover how quickly they become one of your favorite go-to recipes!