Easy Golden Fried Chicken Hand Pies: Your New Favorite Savory Snack

Craving a crispy, savory snack that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these delightful Golden Fried Chicken Hand Pies! Perfectly golden and wonderfully flaky, these homemade pies are filled with a delicious mix of tender chicken, sweet peas, and carrots. They’re an absolute crowd-pleaser, ideal for appetizers, lunchboxes, or a satisfying treat any time of day. While our star is the classic fried chicken pie, we’ve also included a variety of other savory hand pie ideas to keep your taste buds excited.

Get ready to whip up these easy-to-follow recipes and discover your next favorite comfort food!

Quick Overview

• Main topic: Savory Hand Pies
• Best for: Snacks, appetizers, light meals, party food
• Number of recipes: 6
• Prep style: Frying and Baking (variations)
• Reader benefit: Delicious, easy-to-make, versatile comfort food

Recipe 1: Golden Fried Chicken Hand Pies

The star of our show, these crispy hand pies are packed with a comforting chicken and vegetable filling, fried to golden perfection.

Servings: 8 pies
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook / chill / rest time: 15 minutes (frying)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup diced cooked carrots
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or cream
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 sheets (about 1.1 lbs) ready-made pie crust or puff pastry, thawed
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in shredded chicken, peas, carrots, chicken broth (or cream), salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined. Let the filling cool slightly.
3. Unroll the pie crust or puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
4. Place a spoonful of the cooled chicken filling in the center of each pastry circle.
5. Fold the pastry over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal securely.
6. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Remove the pies with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

Serve warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best crispness.

Recipe 2: Cheesy Potato & Onion Hand Pies

A delightful vegetarian option, these hand pies combine fluffy mashed potatoes with sweet caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese.

Servings: 8 pies
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook / chill / rest time: 20-25 minutes (baking)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed potatoes (leftover works great)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of dried chives (optional)
• 2 sheets ready-made pie crust or puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and chives (if using). Mix well.
3. Unroll pastry sheets and cut into 4-inch circles.
4. Spoon filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a small border.
5. Fold the other half over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Place pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

Best served warm. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven.

Recipe 3: Spicy Black Bean & Corn Hand Pies

A zesty and satisfying vegetarian hand pie with a delightful kick, perfect for a plant-based snack or light meal.

Servings: 8 pies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook / chill / rest time: 20-25 minutes (baking)

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt to taste
• 2 sheets ready-made pie crust or puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, cayenne (if using), and salt. Mash about half of the beans slightly to help bind the filling.
3. Unroll pastry sheets and cut into 4-inch circles.
4. Spoon filling onto one half of each circle.
5. Fold the other half over and crimp edges with a fork.
6. Place pies on the prepared baking sheet, brush with egg wash.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

These pies are great warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Recipe 4: Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies

All the comforting flavors of a classic shepherd’s pie, neatly packaged into a handheld, savory pastry.

Servings: 6 pies
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook / chill / rest time: 25-30 minutes (baking)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked ground beef or lamb, seasoned (e.g., with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper)
• 1/2 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 2 sheets ready-made pie crust or puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the cooked ground meat, mixed vegetables, beef broth, and tomato paste. Mix well.
3. Unroll pastry sheets and cut into 4-5 inch circles.
4. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto one half of each pastry circle.
5. Top the meat mixture with a spoonful of mashed potatoes.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over and crimp to seal. You can also leave the top open and pipe mashed potato on top for a more traditional shepherd’s pie look, then use a second pastry circle for the bottom.
7. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

Serve warm. Excellent as a hearty snack or a mini meal. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe 5: Apple & Cheddar Hand Pies

A surprisingly delicious combination that pairs tart apples with sharp cheddar cheese for a unique sweet and savory treat.

Servings: 8 pies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook / chill / rest time: 20-25 minutes (baking)

Ingredients:

• 1 large apple (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2 sheets ready-made pie crust or puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine diced apple, cheddar cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Unroll pastry sheets and cut into 4-inch circles.
4. Spoon filling onto one half of each circle.
5. Fold the other half over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Place pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the apples are tender.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

Enjoy warm as a dessert or a unique snack. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe 6: Breakfast Sausage & Egg Hand Pies

Start your day right with these grab-and-go breakfast hand pies, featuring savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and cheese.

Servings: 8 pies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook / chill / rest time: 20-25 minutes (baking)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
• 2 scrambled eggs, cooked and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 sheets ready-made pie crust or puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, gently combine the cooked sausage, chopped scrambled eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Unroll pastry sheets and cut into 4-inch circles.
4. Spoon filling onto one half of each circle.
5. Fold the other half over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Place pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

Perfect for meal prep! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Simple Tips for Best Results

• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to put too much filling in each pie, or they will be difficult to seal and may burst during cooking.
• Seal Tightly: Use a fork to crimp the edges thoroughly. A good seal prevents the filling from leaking out.
• Chill the Dough: If your pastry becomes too warm and sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before working with it.
• Even Frying/Baking: For fried pies, maintain a consistent oil temperature (around 350°F / 175°C) for even cooking. For baked pies, ensure your oven is preheated properly.
• Experiment with Fillings: These recipes are just a starting point! Feel free to get creative with other cooked meats, cheeses, or vegetable combinations.

FAQ

Can I bake the Golden Fried Chicken Hand Pies instead of frying?

Yes, you can! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the pies with an egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. They’ll be less crispy but equally delicious.

Can I prepare these pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pies and then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1-2 months. Bake or fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What kind of pastry dough should I use?

Ready-made pie crust or puff pastry sheets work wonderfully for convenience. You can also use a homemade savory shortcrust pastry if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Homemade hand pies are a truly versatile and satisfying treat, and these Golden Fried Chicken Hand Pies are a fantastic place to start. Whether you stick to the classic fried chicken, experiment with a hearty Shepherd’s Pie variation, or try a unique Apple & Cheddar twist, these recipes are designed to be easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Enjoy the process of creating these wonderful savory snacks at home!