Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies

Introduction

These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies are the perfect all-in-one snack or meal, packing the iconic spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo wings into a flaky, portable pastry. You get tender shredded chicken and melted cheese in every bite, without any of the mess. They’re ideal for game day, packed lunches, or a quick, satisfying dinner.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 15 hand pies

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts ((cooked and shredded))
4 ounces cream cheese ((at room temperature))
1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese ((shredded))
2 pie crusts
1 egg ((lightly beaten, optional egg wash))

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch round cutter (or a small bowl), cut out as many circles as you can from each crust. You should get about 7-8 circles per crust. Gently re-roll the scraps to cut more circles if needed.
Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto the center of half of the pastry circles.
Brush the edges of the filled circles lightly with water. Place a second pastry circle on top and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Arrange the sealed hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
For a golden finish, brush the tops of the hand pies with the lightly beaten egg.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Spicy Upgrade: Add a sprinkle of extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling mixture before assembling.
Different Shapes: Instead of circles, cut the dough into squares or rectangles to make triangle-shaped turnovers.
Dip It: Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or a simple extra bowl of Buffalo sauce.
Mini Pies: Use a smaller cutter to create bite-sized appetizer portions, adjusting the baking time down by a few minutes.

Tips for Success

Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to make mixing smooth and easy.
Don’t overfill the hand pies, as this can cause them to burst open during baking.
For a crispier bottom crust, preheat your baking sheet in the oven before placing the hand pies on it.
If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 4-5 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. About 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken is a perfect, time-saving substitute for cooking the chicken breasts yourself.

What if I don’t have a round cutter?

You can use the rim of a glass, a wide-mouth mason jar lid, or even a clean, empty can. Alternatively, cut the dough into squares and fold them over into triangles.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the hand pies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time.

My filling is a bit runny. What can I do?

Make sure your cooked chicken is well-drained and not wet. You can also chill the filling for 15-20 minutes before assembling to help it firm up.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, while the recipe calls for cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or a Colby blend would also work very well.

Are the hand pies very spicy?

The spice level depends on the Buffalo sauce you use. For a milder version, choose a mild sauce or mix it with a little ranch dressing. For more heat, use an extra-hot sauce.