Learn how to make flaky, savory chicken pasties with this simple, step-by-step chicken pasty recipe. Perfectly golden hand pies filled with tender chicken and vegetables!
Chicken Pasty Recipe
Craving something hearty, flaky, and comforting? This chicken pasty recipe delivers exactly that — a golden pastry filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy seasoning that melts in your mouth.
Whether you call it a savory hand pie or a chicken hand pie, these pasties are a delicious grab-and-go meal or an elegant comfort dish for dinner.
What makes this recipe special is its balance of flaky crust and rich filling. Once you learn how to make chicken pasty from scratch, it might just become your favorite homemade snack.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know — from ingredients to baking tips and creative variations.
What Is a Chicken Pasty?
A pasty (pronounced pass-tee) is a traditional hand pie that originated in Cornwall, England. The classic Cornish version was filled with beef, potatoes, and turnips — an all-in-one meal for miners.
Over time, creative home cooks developed delicious versions like this chicken pasty recipe, featuring tender chicken and vegetables wrapped in a flaky crust.
Unlike a traditional pot pie, a pasty is completely enclosed in pastry, making it portable and less messy. Think of it as a savory hand pie you can enjoy warm or cold — perfect for picnics, school lunches, or cozy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Component | Ingredients | Quantity / Details |
|---|---|---|
| For the Pastry (Pasty Crust Recipe) | All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Cold unsalted butter, cubed | 1 cup | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Cold water | 6–8 tablespoons | |
| For the Chicken Filling | Butter or olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 | |
| Garlic clove, minced | 1 | |
| Cooked chicken, shredded or diced | 1 cup | |
| Potato, peeled and diced | 1 small | |
| Frozen peas and carrots mix | ½ cup | |
| Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Cream or chicken broth | 2 tablespoons |
You can adjust this chicken pasty filling by adding corn, mushrooms, or even cheese for extra richness.
Step-By-Step Method
1. Make the Pastry
Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Do not overwork — this ensures a flaky pastry chicken crust. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add diced potato and cook until slightly tender.
Stir in chicken, peas, carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add cream or broth and cook until thick and creamy. Let it cool before assembling.
3. Assemble and Seal the Pasties
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut 6-inch circles and spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling on one half.
Fold over, press the edges, and crimp with a fork to seal. Brush tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
4. Bake the Chicken Pasty
Place pasties on a parchment-lined tray and bake chicken pasties for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma of butter and herbs will fill your kitchen — a sure sign they’re ready.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pasties
- Chill your dough: A cold dough makes a flakier crust.
- Avoid soggy bottoms: Let the filling cool completely before adding.
- Seal tightly: Use a fork or twist the edges to prevent leaks.
- Vent steam: Cut small slits on top before baking.
- Crisp crust tips: Brush with egg wash or milk for shine and color.
These small details elevate your chicken pasty recipe from simple to bakery-quality perfection.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with fun twists:
- Chicken Tikka Pasty: Add curry powder, cumin, and yogurt for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Chicken Pasty: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Veggie Pasty: Replace chicken with mushrooms, spinach, or tofu.
- Mini Pasties: Make bite-sized versions for snacks or parties.
These pasty variations show how versatile and customizable this recipe truly is.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
You can easily make freezing pasties part of your weekly prep.
- Store baked pasties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, cool completely and seal in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheating pasties: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until crisp.
Avoid microwaving — it makes the crust soft instead of flaky.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken pasty recipe warm with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes. For dipping, try gravy, ketchup, or mustard sauce. A glass of lemonade or iced tea pairs beautifully with these savory hand pies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought pastry?
Yes! Shortcrust or puff pastry works perfectly for quick results.
2. Can I freeze raw pasties?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze, then bake directly from frozen — just add 10 minutes to the cooking time.
3. How do I avoid soggy bottoms?
Always cool your filling and bake on parchment for airflow.
4. Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, swap chicken for mushrooms, lentils, or spinach for a meat-free version.
5. How long do pasties last?
Keep them in the fridge up to 4 days or freezer up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This chicken pasty recipe combines the comfort of flaky pastry with flavorful chicken filling in every bite. Whether you’re baking for dinner, meal prep, or a picnic, these savory hand pies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Once you master the crust and filling, you can experiment with endless pasty variations — from classic to creative.So go ahead, bake your own chicken pasty recipe today and bring a taste of homemade comfort straight from your oven!
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
