Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies

Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies are a delightful and heartwarming comfort food perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner or simply craving a cozy homemade meal, these hand pies are sure to satisfy. With a golden, flaky crust and a savory filling of tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, they bring together delicious flavors in a compact, handheld package. The beauty of these hand pies lies in their simplicity, yet they offer a rich, comforting taste that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Special Occasions

The adorable heart-shaped hand pies make them an ideal dish for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or any time you want to impress someone with a thoughtful homemade treat.

2. Convenient and Handheld

These pies are portable, making them easy to serve and eat—ideal for a casual dinner, picnic, or lunch.

3. Comforting Flavor

With a creamy chicken and vegetable filling, seasoned with sage and pepper, every bite is rich and satisfying. The buttery, flaky crust balances the savory filling perfectly.

4. Customizable Filling

You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Add different vegetables, or swap the chicken for turkey or even a vegetarian filling if you like.

5. Make Ahead and Freeze Friendly

These hand pies can be made in advance, frozen, and baked later, making them a great option for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Ingredients

• For the Filling:
  • Butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Sage
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cooked chicken, chopped into small pieces
  • Chicken stock
  • Frozen mixed vegetables (thawed)
• For the Crust:
  • Pre-made pie crust or homemade dough (if using store-bought, make sure to roll it out and cut into heart shapes)

Variations

• Different Proteins: Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey, ham, or even shredded beef for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a combination of mushrooms, potatoes, and additional vegetables in place of the chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Spice it Up: Add a little kick by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the filling.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have sage on hand, rosemary or thyme can provide a lovely, aromatic twist to the filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes slightly golden.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Chicken

Stir in the sage, salt, and pepper to the roux. Slowly add the chicken stock, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the chopped cooked chicken and thawed mixed vegetables, stirring until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Let the filling simmer for 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crusts

If using pre-made pie crusts, roll them out on a floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out individual pie crusts for your hand pies. If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can use a round cutter and shape them into hearts afterward.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Spoon a small amount of the filling onto the center of each pie crust. Be sure not to overfill, as the crusts need to be sealed properly. Fold the crust over to create a pocket and pinch the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 5: Bake the Hand Pies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a small knife to make a few slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pies are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious, savory filling encased in a perfect flaky crust.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Seal the Edges Well: When folding the crust over the filling, press the edges down firmly with a fork to avoid any leaks while baking.
• Avoid Overfilling: Be cautious with the amount of filling you add, as overfilling can make the pies difficult to seal and result in spillage during baking.
• Golden Brown Crust: For an extra golden finish, brush the tops of the hand pies with a beaten egg before baking. This will give the crust a lovely, shiny appearance.
• Chill the Hand Pies: If you have time, chill the assembled hand pies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.

How to Serve

These Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies are perfect served on their own as a snack or light meal. Pair them with a fresh green salad or some dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara for extra flavor. They also make a lovely addition to a Valentine’s Day brunch or as part of a finger-food spread for a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness.

Freezing

To freeze the hand pies, assemble them as directed, but do not bake. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the hand pies to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, cook them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat the hand pies in the oven to preserve the crisp crust, or microwave them for a faster option, although the crust may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, using store-bought pie crust is a quick and convenient option for making these hand pies. Just be sure to roll it out a bit thinner if needed.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even leftover ham will work great as a substitute for chicken.

3. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and use more vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.

4. How can I add more flavor to the filling?

Try adding garlic, onions, or even a splash of white wine to the filling for added depth of flavor.

5. Can I freeze the hand pies before baking?

Yes! After assembling the hand pies, freeze them for later use. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them.

6. How long will the hand pies last?

The hand pies will last for about 2 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

7. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, just be sure to cook them first to remove any excess moisture before adding them to the filling.

8. Can I add cheese to the filling?

Absolutely! A little shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan would add extra creaminess and flavor to the filling.

9. Can I make these spicy?

Yes, feel free to add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.

10. Can I make these larger or smaller?

Sure! Adjust the size of the hand pies according to your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the size.

Conclusion

These Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies are a delicious and fun way to show someone you care, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a little extra love. With their flaky crust and savory filling, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Plus, with options to customize the filling, you can make these hand pies your own. Whether you enjoy them fresh or freeze them for later, they’re a comforting, convenient, and tasty treat.

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