Description
These Creamy Mini Chicken Pies with Puff Pastry are the perfect bite-sized comfort food. With tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, they make for an irresistible snack, appetizer, or a delightful dinner. These little pies are quick and easy to make, and they’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re the perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Puff Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned.
- Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir well to coat.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Simmer for 5 minutes until the filling becomes creamy.
- Add the fresh thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Lightly grease a muffin tin and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into squares (about 4-5 inches each) to fit into the muffin tin.
- Gently press each square into the muffin tin, allowing the corners to hang over the edges.
Step 3: Assemble the Mini Pies
- Fill each pastry shell with the prepared chicken mixture, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Place another square of puff pastry over each filled cup.
- Press the edges together and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to seal the pies.
- Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
Step 4: Bake the Mini Pies
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the pies ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze unbaked pies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or corn. You can also swap the herbs for rosemary, sage, or dill.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with olive oil.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg