If you’re looking to add a little extra love to your dinner table, Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies are seriously hard to resist. These heart-shaped pastries are packed with creamy, cheesy chicken filling and cozy veggies, all wrapped in a buttery, golden pie crust. Whether you want to charm your family on Valentine’s Day or just make a regular weeknight feel extra special, this recipe turns every bite into a warm hug. Trust me, one batch of Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies and you’ll have a new go-to comfort food that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.

Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies keep things straightforward, but every ingredient has a role in making them a real standout. From the tender chicken and sweet veggies to the luscious cheeses and flaky crust, each element builds flavor, texture, and beautiful color.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a savory base.
Small onion (finely chopped): Brings out sweetness and depth in the filling—don’t skip it!
Garlic (minced): Delivers a gentle bite and wonderful aroma that infuses the filling.
Cooked chicken (shredded): Perfect way to use up leftovers, or grab a rotisserie for extra convenience.
Frozen peas and carrots (thawed): Little pops of color and subtle sweetness that make these hand pies extra inviting.
Cream cheese (softened): Makes the filling irresistibly creamy and binds everything together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds gooey, tangy richness—mild or sharp cheddar works beautifully!
Salt: Just enough to balance and bring all the flavors to life.
Black pepper: Adds warmth and a gentle kick to every bite.
Dried thyme: Brings a whisper of herby, almost woodsy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Chopped parsley: Freshness and a burst of color to brighten everything up.
Refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts): Your shortcut to flaky, buttery pastry without the fuss.
Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the pies a shiny, golden finish that looks bakery-worthy.

How to Make Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Set the mood by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so there’s zero stick and cleanup is a breeze. Having everything ready to go means your Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies will bake up perfectly golden and slide right off when they’re done.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil, then add your finely chopped onion. Let it sizzle gently until soft and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir just until fragrant (about 30 seconds); this quick sauté is key to building the signature cozy foundation for your hand pies.

Step 3: Make the Savory Filling

Time to pile on the goodness: add the shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar directly into the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and parsley. Stir everything together until the cheeses are melted and it’s all tossed in those luscious pan juices. Let this mixture heat through—every spoonful should be creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Cut the Pie Crust Hearts

Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter (or even a paper template and paring knife in a pinch) to cut out as many hearts as possible, making sure to have an even number. These sweet shapes are the secret to irresistible Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies!

Step 5: Assemble Your Hand Pies

Place half of the hearts onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out just a smidge. Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of the savory chicken filling onto each, leaving a tidy border so you’ll have room to seal. Gently top each with a second heart and use a fork to press all around the edges—this creates that signature hand pie look and ensures the filling stays tucked in while baking.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Brush the tops of your assembled pies with a beaten egg; this quick step creates a show-stopping golden shine. Don’t forget a teensy slit in the center of each pie for steam to escape. This keeps your Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies flaky, not soggy!

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, checking for that irresistible golden brown finish. Let the pies rest for a few minutes after baking—enough time to summon your family, because the aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen!

How to Serve Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies

Garnishes

The magic is in the details! Sprinkle your Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies with a little extra chopped parsley right before serving, or add a light grating of cheddar for cheerful color and punch. For an even fancier finish, serve with a small bowl of warm marinara or ranch for dipping.

Side Dishes

Pair these savory hand pies with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, or some roasted sweet potatoes for a cozy, heartwarming meal. They’re also right at home alongside a classic tomato soup—just like little love letters to your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies look adorable stacked on a platter for parties or holiday dinners. For extra charm, tie a little parchment and ribbon around each pie for a picnic or lunchbox surprise. If you want to make them extra special for Valentine’s Day, serve two overlapping hearts on each plate—because one is never enough!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store any leftover Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They hold up beautifully, and the flavor is just as wonderful the second time around.

Freezing

If you’d like to plan ahead, assemble the pies but skip the egg wash. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, simply brush with egg wash and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftover hand pies in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on the outside. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that beautiful flaky texture that makes Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies so special.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. It’s a great way to use up holiday leftovers and give the pies a subtly different flavor, without changing the creamy-cheesy magic.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

No worries at all! You can use any large cookie cutter or even cut circles with a glass. For the “sweetheart” look, draw a heart shape on parchment, cut it out, and use it as a guide for a knife.

Can I make these Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the regular pie crusts for your favorite gluten-free brand or homemade dough. Be sure to check that your cream cheese and other add-ins are gluten-free, too.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Try adding corn, chopped spinach, or even cooked mushrooms to sneak in extra flavor and nutrition. Just avoid overstuffing the pies, so they seal properly and bake evenly.

How can I make Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies vegetarian?

For a meat-free version, use sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils, or even crumbled tofu in place of the chicken. Amp up the cheese and veggies, and you’ve got an equally delicious hand pie everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

I hope these Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies find a place in your kitchen and your heart. There’s just something magical about baking up a batch of these golden, love-filled treats for the people you cherish. Give them a try—they’re sure to become a new family favorite!

Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6–8 hand pies 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Sweetheart Chicken Hand Pies are delicious, savory pastries perfect for a kid-friendly dinner. These heart-shaped hand pies are filled with a flavorful mixture of chicken, vegetables, and cheeses, making them a delightful main course option that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Assembly:

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Prepare filling: Stir in the shredded chicken, peas and carrots, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Combine well and heat through. Remove from heat.
Assemble hand pies: Unroll the pie crusts and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts. Place half of the hearts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon filling onto each bottom heart. Top with another heart and seal edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg and cut a slit on top.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils.
Hand pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American