These Mini Chicken Pot Pies are the ultimate cozy meal! With a buttery, flaky crust and a creamy, savory filling packed with tender chicken and hearty vegetables, they’re a bite-sized take on a comforting classic. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a special dinner, these individual pot pies are a guaranteed hit!
What makes these even better? They’re freezer-friendly and perfect for quick, satisfying meals. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or enjoy them solo—either way, these Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies bring all the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional pot pie in an easy-to-eat, adorable package!
Full Recipe:
- 1 batch of pie crust
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
- ¾ cup chopped carrots
- ¾ cup chopped potatoes
- ¾ cup fresh green beans, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup fresh or frozen corn
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 to 1½ cups milk
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Add enough chicken broth to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain (reserving the broth), stir in corn, and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions until soft. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Slowly add 1¾ cups of the reserved broth and 1 cup of milk, stirring continuously. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Combine the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture with the sauce. If the filling is too dry, gradually add more broth and milk until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pie crust and cut into 12 circles, large enough to fit into the muffin tin with some overhang. Press dough into each muffin cup.
- Fill the pies: Spoon the chicken mixture generously into each dough-lined muffin cup.
- Cover and seal: Roll out remaining dough and cut 12 smaller circles for the tops. Place over each filled muffin cup and press the edges to seal.
- Brush with egg wash and cut a few small slits in the top to release steam.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies: The Perfect Comfort Food in Miniature Form
Chicken pot pie is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, savory, and wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Traditionally made as a large pie, this muffin tin version offers all the same delicious flavors but in individual, portable servings. These mini pot pies are perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or even serving at parties. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this versatile recipe, explore customization ideas, and discuss why muffin tin chicken pot pies should be a staple in your kitchen.
Why Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies Are So Popular
Muffin tin chicken pot pies have gained immense popularity for their convenience and adaptability. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing meals for the week, or simply craving a personal-sized portion of this beloved dish, muffin tins allow for easy portion control and faster cooking. The individual servings mean everyone can enjoy their own perfectly baked pot pie with the ideal balance of filling and crust.
Another major perk of muffin tin chicken pot pies is their freezer-friendliness. After baking, they can be easily stored in the freezer, making them an excellent option for quick weeknight meals. Simply reheat in the oven for a warm, comforting dinner, just like the day they were made.
A Twist on the Classic Recipe
While the classic chicken pot pie is always a winner, the muffin tin version brings a fresh twist to the dish. The crust-to-filling ratio is perfectly balanced in these mini versions, offering a bite-sized comfort that’s both crispy on the outside and rich on the inside. The beauty of these mini pies is that you can adjust the filling to suit your tastes, making them as classic or creative as you like.
For example, while the traditional chicken and vegetable filling is always delicious, you can experiment with various ingredients to make your muffin tin pot pies unique. Try adding different vegetables like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or even spinach for a twist on the classic. You could also swap out the chicken for turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or chickpeas, making this recipe incredibly versatile.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Meal prepping is a popular way to save time during the week, and muffin tin chicken pot pies are an ideal dish for this purpose. You can prepare a large batch of these mini pies, freeze them, and then heat them up whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal. Because they’re already portioned out, you don’t need to worry about dividing the meal into servings or making a mess with large dishes.
These mini pies can also be stored in the fridge for a few days, making them a great option for work lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. If you’re planning to store them for the long-term, freeze them once they’ve cooled completely. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. To reheat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven until the crust is golden and flaky again.
Customization Ideas for Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies
One of the best things about muffin tin chicken pot pies is their versatility. You can make the recipe as simple or as fancy as you like. Here are a few ideas for customizing your mini pot pies to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Pot Pies: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, squash, and spinach. Add in beans or lentils for a protein boost. You can also use a creamy béchamel or cashew cream sauce for a rich, velvety filling.
- Crust Variations: While the classic flaky pie crust is always a winner, you can switch things up by using puff pastry, biscuit dough, or even a cornbread topping. Each variation offers a different texture and flavor profile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your crust choices.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can take these mini pot pies to the next level. Add rosemary, thyme, or sage to the filling for a fragrant, aromatic touch. You could also infuse your chicken broth with herbs for added depth of flavor.
- Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top before baking. The cheese will melt into the crust, creating a crispy, golden top with an added richness that pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
Why Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies Are Perfect for Different Occasions
Muffin tin chicken pot pies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, preparing a meal for a potluck, or serving a dish at a party, these individual pies are sure to be a hit. Their portability and single-serving nature make them easy to serve, and their comforting flavors will satisfy guests of all ages.
- Family Dinners: These mini pies are perfect for feeding your family without the hassle of slicing and serving a large pie. Each person gets their own personal serving, and you can easily adjust the fillings to cater to different preferences.
- Potlucks and Parties: Muffin tin pot pies are also fantastic for potlucks or parties. You can easily make a large batch and offer a variety of flavors to suit different dietary preferences. They’re easy to transport and can be reheated on-site, making them a convenient and tasty party dish.
- Holiday Meals: For holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, muffin tin chicken pot pies offer a fun twist on the classic pot pie. You can even make them with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts to add a festive touch.
Tips for Perfecting Your Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies
To ensure your muffin tin chicken pot pies come out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use a generous amount of filling: Don’t be afraid to fill your muffin tin cups with plenty of the creamy chicken mixture. These mini pies should have a generous dome of filling, and the more filling, the better the flavor.
- Seal the edges properly: When adding the top crust, make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from spilling out while baking. A quick pinch around the edges with your fingers or a fork will do the trick.
- Brush with egg wash: For a golden, glossy finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking. This will give your mini pot pies a beautiful, professional-looking finish.
- Check for doneness: Bake the pies until the crust is golden brown and crispy. You may need to bake them a little longer if they are especially packed with filling, so keep an eye on them during the final minutes.
Conclusion
Muffin tin chicken pot pies offer all the comforting flavors of the classic dish in a convenient, mini format. They’re perfect for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a delicious homemade meal. With endless customization options and the ability to freeze and reheat, they’re a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or bringing them to a potluck, these mini pies will always be a crowd-pleaser. The crispy, golden crust, creamy filling, and flavorful chicken make these muffins a must-try in your culinary repertoire. So, next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, give muffin tin chicken pot pies a try—you’ll be amazed by how simple, satisfying, and versatile they are.