Homemade Shortcrust Chicken Pies

These homemade chicken pies are the perfect blend of buttery, flaky shortcrust pastry and a rich, savory filling. The dough is tender yet sturdy, making it ideal for holding a creamy chicken-and-vegetable mixture inside. Whether you’re making them for snacks, parties, or meal prepping, these golden little pies are comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.

 Ingredients

SHORTCRUST DOUGH

• 500g flour

• 250g cold butter or margarine

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 egg

• Cold water (as needed)

CHICKEN FILLING

• 300–400g cooked, shredded chicken

• 2–3 medium potatoes (diced small)

• 1 medium carrot (diced small)

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 1 tbsp butter or oil

• 1 seasoning cube

• ½ tsp curry

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)

• A little water or chicken stock

 Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.

3. Add the egg and mix gently.

4. Add cold water little by little until the dough comes together (do not overwork it).

5. Shape into a ball, wrap, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. Heat the butter/oil in a pan.

2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft.

3. Add diced potatoes and carrots; stir for 2–3 minutes.

4. Add shredded chicken, seasoning cube, curry, thyme, black pepper, and salt.

5. Add a little water or chicken stock just to help it cook.

6. Cover and cook until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

7. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp of flour to thicken the filling.

8. Mix well and allow it to cool completely.

3. Assemble the Chicken Pies

1. Preheat oven to 180–190°C (350–375°F).

2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface.

3. Cut into rectangles or squares.

4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece.

5. Cover with another piece of dough and seal the edges with a fork.

6. Poke small holes on top to release steam.

7. Brush with a little beaten egg (optional for golden color).

4. Bake

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

 Conclusion

These homemade chicken pies are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with delicious flavor. They’re perfect for family gatherings, school snacks, picnics, or even freezing for later. With simple ingredients and a little prep time, you can create a batch of warm, comforting pies everyone will love!

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