Name: Mini Pot Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1½ lb chicken breast; 5¼ tbsp butter; onion; 3 carrots; ½ cup flour; 1 cup milk; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup peas; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 4 puff pastry; 1 egg

The mini pot pies recipe is a whimsical twist on a classic comfort food. These individual pies are packed with a savoury chicken and vegetable filling, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. They are perfect for parties, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in.

Photos of Mini Pot Pies Recipe

Most ingredients for this recipe are common household staples like chicken, carrots, and peas. However, puff pastry might not be readily available in your pantry. It can be easily found in the frozen aisle of any supermarket. Remember to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.

Ingredients for Mini Pot Pies

Olive oil: This is used to cook the chicken. It adds a subtle flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.

Chicken breast: The main protein in this recipe. It's lean, healthy and absorbs the flavors of the pie filling.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the filling.

Onion: Gives a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the savory elements.

Carrots: Adds sweetness, color, and nutrition to the pot pies.

Flour: Used to thicken the filling.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the filling.

Chicken broth: Infuses the filling with a deep, savory flavor.

Peas: Adds sweetness and a pop of green color.

Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.

Puff pastry: Provides a flaky and buttery crust. Buy it frozen and thaw before use.

Egg: Used to brush the tops of the pies for a shiny, golden finish.

One reader, Ferne Lockwood says:

The mini pot pies recipe was a hit with my family! The chicken and vegetable filling was flavorful and comforting, and the puff pastry was perfectly flaky. It was a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish in individual portions. I'll definitely be making this recipe again!

Ferne Lockwood

Key Techniques for Crafting Delicious Mini Pot Pies

How to cook the chicken: Cook the chicken in a large pot over high heat, stirring for about 7 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl.

How to make the roux: Melt butter in the same pot, add the onions and carrots, and stir for about 8 minutes until softened. Add the flour, stirring to combine. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, alternating between the two, stirring continuously and bringing to a boil.

How to assemble the mini pot pies: Lay out puff pastry sheets and use a small 6-inch bowl to cut circles out of it. Place the dough circles in a nonstick muffin tin and fill with pot pie mixture. Using the remaining puff pastry, cut ⅛-inch strips of dough and make a lattice top for each muffin cup. Brush the lattice tops with the egg.

How to bake the mini pot pies: Bake for about 15 minutes at 425 degrees F, until golden brown.

How To Make Mini Pot Pies

Fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and delicious spices simmered in a creamy broth makes up this butter-crisp mini pot pies for a rich snack!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tbspolive oil
1½lbchicken breast,boneless, skinless
5¼tbspbutter
onion,diced
3carrots,diced
½cupflour
1cupmilk
2cupschicken broth
1cuppeas,frozen
1tspsalt
½tsppepper
4puff pastry,sheets
1egg,beaten

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Add the oil to a large pot over high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the chicken, and stir for about 7 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl.
Melt butter in the same pot. Add the onions and carrots and stir for about 8 minutes until softened.
Add the flour, stirring to combine. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, alternating between the two, stirring continuously and bringing to a boil.
Add the cooked chicken, peas, salt, and pepper, and stir until thoroughly mixed. Remove from heat and let cool.
Lay out puff pastry sheets and use a small 6-inch bowl to cut circles out of it. Place the dough circles in a nonstick muffin tin and fill with pot pie mixture.
Using the remaining puff pastry, cut ⅛-inch strips of dough, and make a lattice top for each muffin cup. Brush the lattice tops with the egg.
Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 305.56kcal
Fat: 19.00g
Saturated Fat: 7.01g
Trans Fat: 0.26g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.22g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.44g
Carbohydrates: 16.74g
Fiber: 1.45g
Sugar: 3.21g
Protein: 16.46g
Cholesterol: 66.21mg
Sodium: 351.51mg
Calcium: 44.98mg
Potassium: 295.08mg
Iron: 1.28mg
Vitamin A: 203.55µg
Vitamin C: 5.81mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Mini Pot Pies

When making your mini pot pies, it's important to not overfill the puff pastry cups with the pot pie mixture. Overfilling can cause the mixture to spill over during baking, which can lead to a messy oven and unevenly cooked pies. Aim to fill each cup about 3/4 full to allow for the mixture to expand during baking without overflowing. This will ensure your pies bake evenly and come out perfectly every time.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mini Pot Pies

Prep ahead: Chop and cook the chicken and vegetables in advance to save time when assembling the pot pies.

Use store-bought pastry: Save time by using pre-made puff pastry instead of making it from scratch.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra mini pot pies for future quick and easy meals.

One-pot cooking: Use a single pot for cooking the filling to minimize cleanup and save time.

Organize ingredients: Pre-measure and organize all ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Multi-task: While the pot pies are baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen and prepare the dining area.

Substitute Ingredients For Mini Pot Pies Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a neutral substitute for olive oil in this recipe, providing a similar cooking function without altering the flavor significantly.
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean alternative to chicken breast, offering a similar texture and flavor profile in the pot pies.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, providing a similar fat content and texture to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, offering a milder and slightly sweeter flavor to the pot pies.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips can be used as a substitute for carrots, providing a similar earthy sweetness and texture to the filling of the pot pies.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of flour, providing a gluten-free alternative for thickening the filling.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk, adding a subtle tropical flavor to the pot pie filling.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a similar savory flavor to the pot pie filling.
peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can be used as a substitute for peas, offering a similar pop of color and texture to the pot pie filling.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile and texture to the dish.
pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for pepper, adding a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the pot pie filling.
puff pastry - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can be used as a substitute for puff pastry, providing a flaky and crispy texture to the top of the pot pies.
egg - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used as a substitute for egg wash, providing a similar golden brown finish to the pastry crust.

Perfect Presentation Ideas for Serving Mini Pot Pies

Elevate the pastry: Gently brush the puff pastry with a light egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden sheen, adding a touch of elegance to the mini pot pies.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives or parsley on top of the mini pot pies to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Present on individual serving plates: Serve each mini pot pie on a carefully chosen, stylish plate, ensuring that each portion is beautifully presented and easily accessible for the judges.
Incorporate a side salad: Accompany the mini pot pies with a small side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, adding a refreshing and complementary element to the dish.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Consider using individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins to present the pot pies, adding a rustic and visually appealing touch to the overall presentation.
Add a drizzle of sauce: Artfully drizzle a small amount of a complementary sauce, such as a velvety tarragon cream sauce, around the mini pot pies for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Incorporate edible flowers: Carefully place a few edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, on the plate for a delicate and sophisticated touch that showcases attention to detail.
Consider height and dimension: Arrange the mini pot pies on the plate with attention to height and dimension, creating an aesthetically pleasing presentation that catches the eye.
Use elegant plating techniques: Employ techniques such as quenelles or carefully arranged stacks to add a professional and artistic touch to the plating of the mini pot pies.
Highlight with microgreens: Sprinkle a few delicate microgreens, such as pea shoots or micro basil, on top of the mini pot pies to add a burst of freshness and visual interest.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mini Pot Pies

Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces or heating liquids.
Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for pastry or pasta.
Muffin tin: A baking pan with individual cup-shaped depressions, used for baking muffins or cupcakes.
Pastry brush: A kitchen tool with bristles, used for spreading butter, egg wash, or glazes on pastries.
Bowl: A round, deep dish used for mixing ingredients or serving food.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.

Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Mini Pot Pies

Allow the mini pot pies to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the crust soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled pot pies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the mini pot pies. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped pies in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated pot pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If reheating frozen pot pies, there's no need to thaw them first. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen pies on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy. Keep an eye on the pies to ensure the crust doesn't burn.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual pot pies in the microwave. Place a pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. However, note that the crust may not be as crispy when microwaved.

How To Reheat Leftover Mini Pot Pies

To reheat leftover mini pot pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pot pies on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the crust from burning while the filling heats through. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crispy.
Another option is to reheat the mini pot pies in the microwave. Place one or two pot pies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the filling is heated through. Keep in mind that the crust may become slightly soggy in the microwave, but it will still taste delicious.
If you want to reheat a larger batch of mini pot pies, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pot pies on the baking rack. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crispy.
For a crispy crust, you can also reheat the mini pot pies in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pot pies in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crispy.
If you have leftover filling and crust separately, you can assemble the mini pot pies and bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is golden brown.

Fascinating Trivia About Mini Pot Pies

The mini pot pies recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with various fillings such as chicken, vegetables, or beef.

Is Making Mini Pot Pies at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this mini pot pies recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of ingredients. Chicken, butter, and puff pastry can be pricey, but the dish yields multiple servings, making it relatively cost-effective. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. Considering the hearty and satisfying nature of the dish, it's a good value for a family meal. Rating: 8/10.

Are Mini Pot Pies Healthy or Unhealthy?

The mini pot pies recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The use of puff pastry, which is high in saturated fats and calories, contributes significantly to the dish's overall calorie count. Additionally, the recipe calls for a considerable amount of butter, which further increases the saturated fat content. The inclusion of milk and chicken broth also adds to the sodium levels in the dish.

However, the recipe does have some redeeming qualities. The use of chicken breast provides a good source of lean protein, while the inclusion of vegetables like carrots and peas adds some essential vitamins and minerals. The onions also offer some health benefits, such as being a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the puff pastry with a whole wheat or phyllo dough alternative to reduce the saturated fat and calorie content
Use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative to decrease the overall fat content
Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium levels in the dish
Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables used, such as adding mushrooms, celery, or bell peppers, to boost the nutrient content
Use olive oil instead of butter to sauté the vegetables, as it contains healthier monounsaturated fats
Experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive salt

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Mini Pot Pie Recipe

The mini pot pie recipe is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to delight. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich, creamy sauce encased in flaky puff pastry creates a satisfying and delicious meal. The use of a muffin tin to create individual servings adds a charming touch, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy family dinner. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, resulting in a beautiful golden-brown finish. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to become a favorite in any home kitchen.

Enhance Your Mini Pot Pies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic and chives

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze

Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing

Tomato Soup: Homemade tomato soup with a hint of basil and a dollop of sour cream

Chocolate Mousse: Decadent chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings

Delectable Alternatives to Mini Pot Pies

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. With a mix of colorful fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, it's a healthy and delicious addition to your table.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and flavorful mushroom risotto. With a rich and velvety texture, it's a luxurious dish that's perfect for a special dinner at home.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Mini Pot Pies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy filling, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with bruschetta, a classic Italian dish featuring toasted bread topped with a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. The combination of fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor in every bite, making it a refreshing and satisfying start to any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and decadent texture will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender-crisp apples, a buttery oat crumble topping, and a hint of cinnamon. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

Why trust this Mini Pot Pies Recipe:

This recipe uses fresh chicken breast and vegetables to create a hearty and flavorful filling. The combination of butter and flour creates a rich and creamy sauce, while the puff pastry provides a light and flaky crust. The use of chicken broth adds depth of flavor, and the seasonings are carefully balanced to enhance the overall taste. The step-by-step instructions ensure a successful outcome, and the final touch of a golden brown egg wash adds a beautiful finish. Trust in the quality of ingredients and the methodical approach to create a delicious mini pot pie that will surely impress.

Share your thoughts on this delicious Mini Pot Pies Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make it even better!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for chicken in this recipe?

You can substitute the chicken with turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make the pot pies ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can assemble the pot pies and freeze them before baking. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of puff pastry?

Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust can be used as a convenient alternative to puff pastry. Just follow the same process for cutting and filling the mini pot pies.

How long will the mini pot pies stay fresh if refrigerated?

The mini pot pies can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy them warm and fresh.

Can I add other vegetables to the pot pie filling?

Of course! Feel free to customize the filling with additional vegetables such as corn, green beans, or diced potatoes to suit your taste preferences. Just ensure they are cooked to your desired tenderness before assembling the pot pies.