Craving a savory snack that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than these irresistible Chicken and Cheese Hand Pies! Perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a party appetizer, these flaky pastries are filled with tender chicken and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a golden crust. With just 50 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can impress your family and friends. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to creating these mouthwatering hand pies that are sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1 cup puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the pastry into 8 equal rectangular pieces.
- Place approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangular or rectangular hand pie, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely and prevent filling from leaking.
- Brush the top of each hand pie with beaten egg, which will help create a golden, shiny crust when baked.
- Make 1-2 small slits on the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can prepare the chicken and cheese filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you're ready to serve!
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative! Add in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or swap out the cheese for your favorite variety to make it your own.
- Keep the Pastry Cold: Make sure your puff pastry stays cold while you work with it. If it becomes too warm, it can be difficult to handle and won’t puff up as nicely in the oven.
- Seal Well: To prevent any filling from leaking out during baking, be sure to press the edges of the pastry firmly with a fork. You can also use a bit of water to help seal the edges if needed.
- Perfectly Golden Crust: For an extra crispy and golden crust, brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg generously before baking. This will give them a beautiful shine!
- Serve Warm: These hand pies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Let them cool slightly, but serve them warm for the ultimate flavor experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
