Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies
These mini chicken pot pies are the perfect comfort food, packed with a creamy filling of shredded chicken, vegetables, and a buttery, flaky crust. The best part? They’re mini-sized, making them perfect for individual servings. Simple to make and satisfying, these pot pies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
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1/3 cup onion, diced
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup milk
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Crust:
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1 package puff pastry or pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
Full Recipe:
1. Prepare the Filling:
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In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
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Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux (paste). This will help thicken the filling.
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Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the cooked chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
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Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Pastry:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the puff pastry or pie dough on a lightly floured surface.
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Use a round cutter (or the top of a glass) to cut circles that are slightly larger than the diameter of your muffin tin cups. You will need one circle for each mini pie.
3. Assemble the Mini Pies:
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Grease a muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray.
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Place each dough circle into a muffin tin cup, pressing gently to fit.
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Spoon the chicken and vegetable filling into each dough-lined muffin cup. Be sure to fill them generously.
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If you have extra dough, cut additional smaller circles to place on top of the pies. Alternatively, you can cut the dough into strips and create a lattice top for a beautiful finish.
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Press the edges of the dough together to seal the pies and trim off any excess dough.
4. Bake the Mini Pot Pies:
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Brush the tops of the pies with a little milk or egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
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Customization: Feel free to add extra seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder to elevate the flavor of the filling.
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Crust Option: If you prefer, you can use a store-bought pie crust instead of puff pastry for a more traditional look.
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Leftovers: You can store leftover chicken pot pies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
Tips:
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Puff Pastry: If using puff pastry, be sure to thaw it completely before rolling out to prevent it from tearing.
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Freezing: These mini pot pies freeze wonderfully. Assemble the pies and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use other vegetables like green beans, corn, or potatoes instead of the mixed vegetables, depending on your preferences.
Servings:
This recipe makes about 6 mini chicken pot pies, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
Nutritional Info (per pie, based on 6 servings):
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Calories: 380 kcal
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Carbs: 30g
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Fat: 22g
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Protein: 15g
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Fiber: 2g
Benefits:
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High in Protein: With plenty of chicken, this dish offers a satisfying amount of protein, which is great for muscle repair and fullness.
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Vegetable Rich: The mixed vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting digestive health.
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Comfort Food: These mini chicken pot pies are a comforting, warm meal, perfect for cozy evenings or as a hearty lunch.
Q&A for Mini Chicken Pot Pies:
Q: Can I make these mini pies ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time and assemble the pies when you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them unbaked and bake them later.
Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken? A: Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe, making it an even quicker option.
Q: Can I use a different type of vegetables? A: Yes! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Green beans, mushrooms, or even spinach could be great alternatives.
Q: How can I make the pies gluten-free? A: To make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry.