These Mini Chicken Pot Pies are everything you love about a classic chicken pot pie, but in a perfectly portioned, handheld form. They feature a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, creamy chicken and vegetable mixture, making them an irresistible comfort food. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for an easy freezer-friendly meal, these mini pies are a perfect option.
Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. You can swap in your favorite veggies, use store-bought crust for convenience, or even substitute rotisserie chicken to save time. Plus, they’re a fun way to get kids excited about dinner! Serve them with a simple salad or a warm bowl of soup for a complete, comforting meal.
Full Recipe:
- 1 batch of pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
- ¾ cup chopped carrots
- ¾ cup chopped potato
- ¾ cup fresh green beans, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- ½ cup fresh or frozen corn
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Other spices to taste (garlic powder, celery seed, onion powder)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 to 1½ cups milk
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Add enough chicken broth to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Drain, saving the broth, then stir in the corn and set aside.
- In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions until soft. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and spices.
- Gradually stir in 1¾ cups of the reserved chicken broth and 1 cup milk. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Mix the chicken and vegetable mixture with the sauce. If needed, add extra broth or milk, one tablespoon at a time, to reach a thick, creamy consistency.
- Roll out pie dough to about ½ inch thick. Cut into 7-inch circles to fit jumbo muffin tins.
- Press each dough round into the muffin tin, allowing some overhang. Fill generously with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Place another dough round on top of each filled pie, pressing the edges together to seal. Trim excess and crimp edges.
- Brush with egg wash and cut small slits on top to release steam.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 6 mini pies
Mini Chicken Pot Pies – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Chicken pot pie is a timeless comfort food that has been a staple in many households for generations. Its creamy filling, flaky crust, and warm, hearty flavors make it a go-to dish for cold weather, family gatherings, or whenever you need a satisfying meal. These Mini Chicken Pot Pies take everything you love about traditional pot pie and transform it into a fun, individually portioned dish that’s easy to serve and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or even freezing them for later, these muffin tin chicken pot pies are a convenient and delicious option.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Chicken Pot Pies
One of the biggest advantages of making mini pot pies is their size. Unlike a traditional pot pie that requires slicing and serving, these individual portions make it easy to control serving sizes and avoid messy plating. They are great for kids, as little hands can easily grab and eat them. Plus, if you have a family with different dietary preferences, it’s simple to customize a few pies to suit everyone’s taste.
Another reason to love these mini chicken pot pies is their versatility. You can swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand, use store-bought crust for convenience, or even substitute rotisserie chicken for a faster prep time. The recipe is also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for busy families or meal preppers.
The Secret to a Perfectly Flaky Crust
The crust is arguably one of the most important parts of a great pot pie. While homemade pie dough provides the best flavor and texture, you can absolutely use store-bought dough, puff pastry, or even biscuit dough for a different twist. The key to getting that golden, crispy crust is to roll the dough slightly thicker than you would for a traditional pie, as it needs to hold the filling and bake evenly in the muffin tin.
Another important step is brushing the tops of the pies with an egg wash before baking. This creates a rich, golden-brown crust that looks as good as it tastes. Adding a few small slits in the top of each pie before baking helps release steam and prevents the filling from bubbling over.
A Creamy, Flavorful Filling
The heart of any good chicken pot pie is its filling. These mini pies feature a creamy, savory filling made with tender chicken, fresh or frozen vegetables, and a flavorful sauce thickened with butter, flour, and milk. The key to achieving the perfect consistency is cooking the roux (butter and flour mixture) until it’s smooth before slowly adding the broth and milk. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky, rich texture.
While the classic mix of carrots, peas, corn, and green beans works beautifully, feel free to get creative. Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even sweet potatoes can be added for extra nutrients and flavor. The seasonings can also be adjusted to your liking—garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of thyme or rosemary add an extra depth of flavor that takes the filling to the next level.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
One of the best things about these mini chicken pot pies is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days, these are a fantastic option. Once they have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For longer storage, freeze the pot pies by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, let them thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes and then bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave, though the crust won’t be as crispy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While these mini chicken pot pies are satisfying on their own, pairing them with a few simple sides can elevate the meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pies. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus make a great side dish, while a bowl of homemade soup, such as tomato basil or butternut squash, adds another comforting element.
For a fun twist, serve them as part of a casual dinner party with a variety of mini comfort food dishes, like individual shepherd’s pies, stuffed mushrooms, or mac and cheese bites. They also make a great addition to holiday gatherings where guests can grab a mini pot pie and enjoy a perfectly portioned meal without the need for slicing and serving.
Variations to Try
These mini chicken pot pies are incredibly customizable. If you want to switch things up, try one of these fun variations:
- Turkey Pot Pies: Use leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian Pot Pies: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. A creamy mushroom sauce can replace the chicken broth.
- Cheesy Chicken Pot Pies: Stir shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the filling for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Spicy Chicken Pot Pies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for some heat.
- Herb-Infused Crust: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the pie dough for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Mini Chicken Pot Pies are the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and deliciousness. They capture all the classic flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie but in a fun, individually portioned format that makes serving and storing a breeze. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner, prepping them ahead for easy meals, or serving them at a gathering, they are sure to be a hit.
With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and endless customization options, these mini pot pies are a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Try them out, experiment with different flavors, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food in a fun, bite-sized form!