Pin Golden, flaky hand pies filled with zesty chicken piccata—juicy chicken, tangy lemon, and capers—perfectly portable and irresistibly delicious.
I first made these mini hand pies for a family picnic and they disappeared quickly everyone loved them.
Ingredients
- Filling: 1 cup cooked chicken breast finely chopped, 2 tablespoons capers rinsed and chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Dough: 1 sheet (225 g) ready-rolled puff pastry thawed, 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook until thickened about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 3:
- In a medium bowl combine chopped chicken capers parsley lemon zest lemon juice Parmesan garlic powder salt pepper and the prepared roux. Mix until well combined. Let cool slightly.
- Step 4:
- Unroll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 circles (about 4 inches/10 cm in diameter). Gather scraps reroll and cut more circles if needed.
- Step 5:
- Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg. Fold over to form a half-moon and press edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
- Step 6:
- Place pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with remaining egg wash.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly before serving.
Pin This recipe always brings my family together and everyone enjoys the burst of lemony flavor in each bite.
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
Saucepan Mixing bowl Rolling pin Circular cookie cutter (or glass) Baking sheet Pastry brush Fork
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) Egg Milk (dairy) Chicken. Capers may be processed with other allergens Check labels if concerned.
Pin These mini hand pies are a delightful appetizer perfect for any occasion packed with flavor and convenience.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of chicken works best for these pies?
Cooked chicken breast works well, finely chopped for easy filling. Rotisserie chicken can also be used for convenience.
- → How do the capers affect the flavor?
Capers add a tangy, briny bite that complements the lemon and enhances the overall zest of the filling.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made in advance and refrigerated briefly before assembling the pies.
- → What’s the best way to seal the hand pies?
Brush the edges with beaten egg, fold over the dough, press to seal, and crimp with a fork for a secure seal.
- → How should these hand pies be served?
Serve warm or at room temperature. They pair nicely with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio for added enjoyment.