Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or preferred herbs)
Crust Ingredients
- 1 sheet store-bought or homemade pie crust (enough to line and cover 12 muffin cups)
- Butter or egg wash for brushing tops
Optional Variations
- Shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese (for cheesy filling or topping)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño (for a spicy kick)
- Gluten-free pie crust or phyllo dough substitute
- Plant-based margarine and coconut or almond milk (for dairy-free version)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté diced carrots, peas, and corn in butter over medium heat until tender. Add cooked chicken, then sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and any preferred herbs. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat and Prep Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface to an even thin layer.
- Cut and Line Crust: Cut pie crust into rounds slightly larger than the muffin cups. Gently press each round into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to form crust cups.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the cooled chicken pot pie filling into each crust-lined muffin cup, filling nearly to the top but leaving room for the crust topping.
- Add Crust Toppings: Cut smaller circles, strips, or decorative shapes from the remaining pie crust dough. Cover the filling in each muffin, pressing edges gently to seal.
- Bake Until Golden: Brush the tops with melted butter or egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crust is flaky, puffed, and golden brown.
Notes
- Keep pie crust chilled before shaping for a tender, flaky crust.
- Do not overfill muffin cups to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Use leftover or day-old cooked chicken for best texture and convenience.
- Simmer the filling gently, avoiding boiling, to maintain a creamy sauce.
- Brushing tops with egg wash or milk enhances color and crispness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze wrapped muffins individually for up to 2 months, reheating in the oven when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free crust substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini muffin
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: mini chicken pot pie muffins, chicken muffins, pot pie bites, party appetizers, kid-friendly snacks, comfort food, portable meals