Pin it Golden, flaky hand pies filled with zesty chicken piccata—juicy chicken, tangy lemon, and capers—perfectly portable and irresistibly delicious.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved the burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Yield: 8 mini pies
- Diet: Contains Poultry, Dairy
- For the 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
- For the 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 it These hand pies quickly became a family favorite during game nights where sharing bites and smiles went hand in hand.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the hand pies with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light side salad for a balanced snack or appetizer.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy), and chicken. Capers may be processed with other allergens. Check labels if concerned.
Pin it These mini hand pies bring a burst of flavor to any occasion and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for the filling?
Cooked chicken breast, finely chopped, offers the best texture and flavor for the filling. Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- → How does the lemon enhance the flavor?
Fresh lemon juice and zest add bright, tangy notes that balance the savory chicken and capers, giving the filling a lively character.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be made ahead and refrigerated to save time. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the pies.
- → What pastry is recommended for the dough?
Ready-rolled puff pastry creates light, flaky hand pies with a golden crust that's perfect for holding the juicy filling.
- → Are these pies best served warm or cold?
They are delicious warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for serving at gatherings or as snacks.