Mini Pot Pie Recipe: A Delightful Bite-Sized Treat
Are you craving a comforting and flavorful pot pie but don't want a large portion? These mini pot pies are the perfect solution! They're easy to make, individually portioned, and packed with deliciousness. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun family activity.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 mini pot pies. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (or use leftover roast chicken!)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Crust:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's get cooking! Follow these easy steps for perfectly delightful mini pot pies:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots, chicken broth, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Mini Pies
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one pie crust and use a 4-inch cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut out circles. You can use a smaller cutter if you prefer even tinier pies!
- Press each circle into a mini muffin tin, ensuring the crust goes up the sides.
- Spoon the chicken filling into each crust-lined muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full.
Step 3: Top and Bake
- Roll out the second pie crust and cut out more circles to top the pies. You can use extra scraps to create decorative cutouts.
- Brush the tops of the crusts with the beaten egg. This helps them brown nicely!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Let the mini pot pies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Mini Pot Pies
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, butternut squash, or lentils.
- Add some spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.
- Cheese please: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese on top of the filling before adding the top crust.
- Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or sage.
These mini pot pies are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish in a fun and convenient size. They’re perfect for any occasion, and the recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Enjoy!