Mediterranean Creamy Chicken & Leek Puff Pastry Hand Pies are healthy & tasty. They are prepared in about 1 hour and 32 minutes, so they are good to prepare for lunch, dinner, or a special gathering. They contain butter, leeks, kosher salt, all-purpose flour, chicken stock, shredded rotisserie chicken, sour cream, Dijon mustard, fresh tarragon, fresh thyme, black pepper, puff pastry, eggs, and water. Mediterranean Creamy Chicken & Leek Puff Pastry Hand Pies are served with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, soups, and potato side dishes. We can easily store these hand pies in the fridge or freezer, so we can make them in advance for convenient meals and gatherings.
STATS:
- Total time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Calories: 350 per hand pie
- Serving size: 1 hand pie
- Diet: Mediterranean
- Cooking time: 22 minutes
- Serving: 20 hand pies
- Course: Main
- Preparation time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
EQUIPMENT:
- Medium skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Knife and cutting board
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutters
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Fork
- Cooling rack
INGREDIENTS:
CREAMY CHICKEN AND LEEK FILLING:
- 1½ tsp chopped tarragon
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ tsp chopped thyme
- 1 cup sliced leeks
- Half tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Half cup chicken stock
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- Quarter tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- ¾ tsp Dijon mustard
ASSEMBLY:
- One tsp water
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- One large egg
- Fresh thyme sprigs
INGREDIENT NOTES:
BUTTER:
- Utilize the butter to prepare the chicken and leek filling, and it will provide a rich flavor. It will also help the leeks soften gently and give the filling a smooth, savory taste. We would also utilize light butter or olive oil instead if required.
LEEKS:
- Include the leeks to provide a mild onion flavor with a slightly sweet taste. They will become soft and tender when cooked in butter, and they will add a delicious flavor to the creamy chicken filling. We would also utilize yellow onions, shallots, or green onions instead if required.
SHREDDED ROTISSERIE CHICKEN:
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to prepare this creamy hand pie filling. It will provide tender chicken pieces and prepare the recipe quicker. We would also utilize leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken breast, or cooked turkey instead if required.
DIJON MUSTARD:
- Include the Dijon mustard to provide a mild tangy flavor to the chicken filling. It will enhance the savory ingredients and balance the creaminess of the sauce without overpowering the other flavors. We would also utilize whole-grain mustard or a small amount of yellow mustard instead if required.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, melt the butter in the skillet on medium flame & cook the sliced leeks with salt for ten minutes.
- Cook the flour in it for one minute, then add the chicken stock and simmer it for two minutes.
- Turn off the flame, then add shredded chicken, sour cream, Dijon mustard, tarragon, thyme, and black pepper.
- Add the mixture to the bowl and cool completely for 30 minutes.
- Warm the oven to 400°F and cover the sheets with baking paper, then flour the surface lightly.
- Roll the puff pastry sheets on the surface to about 13 × 13 inches and make small circles.
- Include 2 tbsp cooled chicken filling in the center of the circles and some border around the edges.
- Beat the egg with water and brush the edges of the bottom circle with this mixture.
- Put the larger pastry circles on top and press them gently, then crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush the pies with egg wash, then make small slits on top and put them on the sheets.
- Now, bake the pies for 22 minutes and rotate the pans after fifteen minutes.
- Lastly, let the hand pies rest for 5 minutes and serve them warm.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
SALADS:
- Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Greek Salad
- Lemon Arugula Salad
- Classic Garden Salad
- Apple and Fennel Salad
VEGETABLES:
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli
- Mediterranean Roasted Zucchini
- Honey Roasted Carrots
- Lemon Garlic Green Beans
- Roasted Bell Peppers
SOUPS:
- Vegetable Soup
- Mediterranean Lentil Soup
- Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
POTATO SIDE:
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Crispy Baby Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Rosemary Potato Wedges
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
DIPS AND SAUCES:
- Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Tzatziki
- Lemon Herb Yogurt Dip
- Roasted Red Pepper Dip
- Dijon Sauce
DRINKS:
- Fresh Lemonade
- Cucumber Mint Water
- Iced Green Tea
- Sparkling Lemon Water
- Unsweetened Iced Tea
TIPS:
- Keep the puff pastry chilled so it’s easier to handle, and you get flakier layers.
- Let the filling cool thoroughly so the pastry doesn’t melt and the edges seal well.
- Avoid overfilling the pies so they don’t burst open during baking.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Cool the hand pies and store them for 3 days in a closed box.
FREEZER:
- Freeze the unbaked hand pies for sixty days.
FAQs:
What would be a good alternative to sour cream?
- Include plain Greek yogurt if you are not using sour cream.
Is it possible to make these hand pies earlier?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling two days ahead and keep it in the refrigerator.
Should I add leftover cooked chicken to this recipe?
- Yes, you can add leftover grilled chicken according to your preference.
What causes the puff pastry to become soggy?
- Using warm filling or adding extra moisture leads to soggy results.
Is it fine to use dried herbs as a substitute of fresh herbs?
- Yes, you can use a small amount of dried herbs as you prefer.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 350 kcal
Net carbs: 23 g
Iron: 1.8 mg
Total carbs: 25 g
Vitamin A: 450 IU
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 45 mg
Protein: 10 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Potassium: 180 mg