What’s the perfect comfort food to warm up a chilly evening? These easy mini chicken pot pies are a great solution, filled with tender chicken and flaky homemade pastry, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Save this idea for a family favorite that’s sure to become a staple, try it soon with rotisserie chicken and puff pastry for an easy twist. Pin for later and enjoy

Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the warmth of a homemade meal with the convenience of an easy-to-make treat. Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies are just that – a perfect blend of comfort food and creativity, using everyday ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. These bite-sized pies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a fantastic option for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer for your next gathering. With their golden crusts and savory fillings, they’re sure to impress both kids and adults alike. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the simple process of creating these mouthwatering mini pies, from prep to plate.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to balance rich flavors with easily accessible ingredients. You won’t need to hunt for exotic spices or hard-to-find meats; everything you need is likely already in your local grocery store.
Ease of preparation: Despite their impressive appearance, these mini pies are surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to work with, even for those who are new to baking or cooking.
Impressive results with minimal effort: One of the best things about this recipe is the impressive results you get with relatively minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be amazed at how professional these mini pies look and taste.

Key Ingredients

To make these Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the filling, you’ll use chicken breast, diced into small pieces, along with some onions, carrots, and peas for added flavor and nutrition. A can of condensed cream of chicken soup serves as a convenient base for the filling, mixing it with some chicken broth and spices to give it a rich, savory taste. For the crust, you can either make your own pastry dough from scratch or use pre-made pie crusts – whichever you prefer. Some olive oil, salt, and pepper will also come in handy for seasoning. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients; for example, you can use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh carrots and peas, or opt for low-sodium broth for a healthier option.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the onions and dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. If using fresh carrots and peas, chop them up as well. Measure out your spices and broth, and have your cream of chicken soup ready.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re translucent, then add the diced chicken. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Add the mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let this mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: While the filling is cooking, prepare your pie crusts. If making your own, roll out the dough to a thickness that’s easy to work with. If using pre-made crusts, follow the package instructions to thaw them. Cut out circles of dough that are large enough to fit into your mini pie dishes with some extra to seal the edges.
Step 4: To assemble the pies, place a spoonful of the chicken filling into the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges of the dough with a little bit of water, then fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with some extra olive oil and bake in a preheated oven until the crusts are golden brown.

Handy Tips

One of the most helpful tips for making these mini pies is to not overfill them. Leave enough room for the filling to expand a bit during baking without overflowing. Also, make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Heat Control

Baking these mini pies requires some attention to heat and timing. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The pies should bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes, as oven times can vary. The pies are done when the crust is nicely browned and the filling is hot and steaming.

Crunch Factor

The crust of these mini pies should be crispy and golden, providing a nice crunch that complements the soft, savory filling. To achieve this, make sure the oven is at the right temperature, and don’t overbake the pies. A light brush of olive oil on the tops before baking also helps to create a beautifully browned crust.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For an extra flaky crust, try keeping your pie dough cold until you’re ready to bake. This helps the butter in the dough to stay solid, which creates flakes as it bakes. Also, don’t overwork the dough when you’re rolling it out or assembling the pies, as this can make the crust tough.

Storage Tips

If you’re not serving the pies immediately, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For longer storage, the pies can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the pies, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and put the sheet into the freezer until the pies are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake frozen pies at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is hot.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These mini pies are not only delicious but also make a wonderful gift, especially during the holidays or for potlucks. To package them as gifts, consider placing a few pies in a decorative tin or a gift box lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift bag. Adding a ribbon around the tin or bag with a homemade gift tag that says “Homemade with Love” can make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for a more complex flavor profile. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick of heat.
Creative toppings: Before baking, you can brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg for a glaze, or sprinkle some grated cheese or chopped herbs on top for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, you could swap the chicken with extra mixed vegetables or some sautéed mushrooms. Using different types of cheese or adding some diced ham or bacon can also change up the flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your crust turns out too tough, it might be because the dough was overworked. Try to keep handling of the dough to a minimum. If the filling is too runny, you can try adding a little more cream of chicken soup or some flour to thicken it.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make a substitute by mixing some flour and butter to make a roux, then slowly adding in chicken broth, whisking continuously.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your pies while they’re baking. If the crust starts to get too brown, you can cover the tops with foil to prevent overbrowning. If the filling isn’t hot and steaming when you cut into a pie, it might need a few more minutes in the oven.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, these mini pies can be frozen either before or after baking. See the storage tips section for more details.
Is it gluten-free? The filling of these pies is naturally gluten-free, but the pie crust contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you would need to use a gluten-free pie crust or make your own gluten-free dough.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.

Conclusion

Making Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies is a fun and rewarding experience that’s perfect for any level of cook. With their easy-to-follow instructions and accessible ingredients, these pies are a great project for a family dinner or a fun afternoon activity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and comforting from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these mini pies are sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, get baking, and share the joy of homemade cooking with your loved ones!