Description
Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies are delightful handheld pastries filled with a savory mixture of chicken, vegetables, and herbs, all encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a cozy snack or a charming appetizer, these pies combine comfort food flavors with an elegant heart-shaped presentation, baking to a golden, crispy finish in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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 and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.
- Prepare the sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock to the roux, making sure to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cooking for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy.
- Add seasonings and filling: Stir in sage, salt, and pepper. Then add the chopped cooked chicken and thawed mixed vegetables. Mix well, then remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the hand pies.
- Prepare the pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry or pie crust. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes, making sure you have pairs for each hand pie.
- Fill the pies: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled chicken and vegetable filling onto the center of one heart-shaped dough piece.
- Seal the pies: Place another heart-shaped dough piece on top of the filling. Press the edges firmly together to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork for a secure closure and decorative touch.
- Apply egg wash (optional): If desired, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies to achieve a shiny, golden crust.
- Arrange and bake: Place the finished hand pies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken filling is cooled before filling the dough to prevent soggy pastry.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter to make clean, defined heart shapes for a beautiful presentation.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh diced vegetables for extra freshness.
- Egg wash is optional but recommended for a glossy, golden-brown finish.
- These hand pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven.
