Can I make these hand pies larger for a main dish?

Absolutely! Instead of making 18 small pies, you can cut larger circles (about 5-6 inches) and make 6-8 bigger hand pies. Just increase the filling accordingly and add 5-7 minutes to the baking time, checking that the pastry is golden and the filling is hot throughout.

What can I substitute for curry powder if I don't have any?

If you don't have curry powder, you can make a quick substitute with 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander, and a pinch of ground ginger and cinnamon. Adjust to taste, as curry powders can vary significantly in flavor profile.

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of puff pastry?

Yes! While the texture will be different (more tender and less flaky), a homemade or store-bought pie crust works wonderfully. Roll it slightly thinner than you would for a traditional pie and reduce the baking time by about 2-3 minutes.

Why did my hand pies leakduring baking?

Leakage usually happens for two reasons: overfilling or inadequate sealing. Make sure you're using just about a tablespoon of filling per small pie, and take extra care to press the edges firmly together before crimping with a fork. Also, make sure your filling isn't too hot or too liquid when assembling.

Easy Curry Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

Name: Easy Curry Chicken Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons salted butter; 1/4 cup celery, diced; 1/4 cup onion, diced; 1/4 cup carrots, diced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup light sour cream; 1 cup sliced curry chicken, diced (any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, works well); 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg, whisked; 2 tablespoons water; Flake sea salt

These irresistible Curry Chicken Hand Pies are a game-changer for busy weeknights! Imagine biting into a flaky, golden pastry shell filled with tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy curry sauce. These portable little pockets of flavor combine the comfort of homemade cooking with the convenience of handheld eating – perfect for dinner on the go, lunch boxes, or simply gathering around the table for a meal that feels special without hours of work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Convenient: These hand pies are portable, freezable, and reheat beautifully – making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of curry spices, tender vegetables, and creamy sauce creates a rich, satisfying filling that tastes like it took hours to develop.
Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with whatever protein or vegetables you have on hand – making this a fantastic recipe for using leftovers.
Impressive Without Stress: These hand pies look like you spent all day in the kitchen, but the shortcut of using store-bought puff pastry makes them surprisingly simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry: The magic ingredient that creates those irresistibly flaky layers with minimal effort. Let it thaw completely before working with it.
Butter: Creates the flavorful base for sautéing your vegetables and building the sauce.
Celery, Onion, and Carrots: This classic trio forms the aromatic foundation of the filling, adding texture and nutrition.
Flour: Acts as a thickener for the sauce, helping it cling to the chicken and vegetables.
Curry Powder: The star seasoning that gives these hand pies their distinctive warm, complex flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce while keeping it light.
Sour Cream: Creates a rich, creamy sauce with a slight tanginess that perfectly complements the curry spices.
Deli Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken (like Boar’s Head Curry Chicken) is the ultimate time-saver. The pre-seasoned variety adds an extra layer of flavor.
Egg Wash: Gives the pastry that beautiful golden shine and helps seal the edges.
Flaky Sea Salt: That final sprinkle elevates the entire hand pie, creating delicious little bursts of saltiness against the flaky crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or cubed roasted butternut squash for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spice Level Adjustments: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat, or mix in a spoonful of mango chutney for a sweeter profile.
Protein Swaps: Try using leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked ground lamb for a different twist.
Pastry Options: If puff pastry isn’t available, refrigerated pie crust or empanada dough works well too – each offering a slightly different texture.

How to Make Curry Chicken Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced celery, onion, and carrots. Cook until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The vegetables should soften but still retain some texture.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Sprinkle flour and curry powder over the vegetables and stir until they’re completely coated. Keep stirring until a paste forms – this step is crucial for preventing lumps in your sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a quick boil before reducing the heat. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens noticeably.

Step 3: Finish the Filling

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the sour cream and diced chicken. The residual heat will warm everything through without curdling the sour cream. Set aside while you prepare the pastry.

Step 4: Prepare the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut circles in the dough. You should get approximately 18 circles from two sheets.

Step 5: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place about a tablespoon of filling on one half of each pastry circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they might burst during baking. Lightly moisten the edges with water, then fold the empty side over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then use a fork to create a decorative seal along the edge.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the sealed pies on a greased baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them for expansion. Brush each pie with the egg wash mixture, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and beautifully puffed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Pastry Works Best: If the puff pastry becomes too warm while you’re working with it, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Cold pastry creates flakier layers.
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to stuff more filling inside, but this can lead to leakage during baking. Stick to about a tablespoon per hand pie.
Seal Thoroughly: Take the extra time to ensure your edges are well-sealed to prevent filling from escaping. The fork crimping isn’t just decorative – it helps create a tight seal.
Let the Filling Cool Slightly: Using a hot filling on the pastry can cause it to soften too much before baking. Allow the filling to cool for about 5-10 minutes before assembling.
Make Extra Filling: The filling is fantastic on its own over rice or noodles. Consider doubling the filling portion of the recipe and saving half for another meal.

How to Serve

These versatile curry chicken hand pies shine in multiple settings:

As an Appetizer:

Serve warm from the oven with a tangy dipping sauce like mango chutney or a cucumber-yogurt raita.

For a Complete Meal:

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pastry.

For Lunch:

Pack in lunch boxes alongside fresh fruit – they’re delicious at room temperature and much more exciting than a regular sandwich.

For Casual Entertaining:

Create a hand pie bar with these curry pies alongside other flavors, letting guests mix and match their selections.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store baked hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresher if you place a paper towel under them to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing

These hand pies freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking:

For unbaked pies: Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
For baked pies: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed hand pies in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch (30-45 seconds), but the pastry won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these hand pies larger for a main dish?

Absolutely! Instead of making 18 small pies, you can cut larger circles (about 5-6 inches) and make 6-8 bigger hand pies. Just increase the filling accordingly and add 5-7 minutes to the baking time, checking that the pastry is golden and the filling is hot throughout.
What can I substitute for curry powder if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have curry powder, you can make a quick substitute with 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander, and a pinch of ground ginger and cinnamon. Adjust to taste, as curry powders can vary significantly in flavor profile.
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of puff pastry?

Yes! While the texture will be different (more tender and less flaky), a homemade or store-bought pie crust works wonderfully. Roll it slightly thinner than you would for a traditional pie and reduce the baking time by about 2-3 minutes.
Why did my hand pies leakduring baking?

Leakage usually happens for two reasons: overfilling or inadequate sealing. Make sure you’re using just about a tablespoon of filling per small pie, and take extra care to press the edges firmly together before crimping with a fork. Also, make sure your filling isn’t too hot or too liquid when assembling.

Final Thoughts

These Curry Chicken Hand Pies bring together the comfort of home cooking with the convenience modern life demands. With their golden, flaky exteriors and creamy, flavorful filling, they’re sure to become a recipe you turn to again and again. Don’t be surprised if family members start requesting them for dinner, lunch boxes, or even breakfast! The beauty of these hand pies is that they make any meal feel special, even when you’re short on time. Give them a try tonight – your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!