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Ultimate Leftover Chicken or Turkey Puff Pastry Hand Pies: An Easy & Delicious Recipe

Transform your leftover roast chicken or Thanksgiving turkey into an irresistible meal with these savory Puff Pastry Hand Pies. This recipe offers a delightful combination of flaky, golden puff pastry, seasoned cream cheese, and tender shredded poultry, creating a handheld delight perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a delicious packed lunch, or a creative way to use up holiday leftovers, these hand pies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort in every bite.

I’ve been making variations of this recipe for years, adapting it from a classic Pepperidge Farm concept. The original version often called for whole chicken breasts, but through countless batches, I discovered that using cooked, shredded meat makes all the difference. Not only does it simplify the assembly process, making it much quicker and easier to fill the pastry squares, but it also results in a far more enjoyable eating experience. No more awkward slicing through thick chicken—just perfectly integrated, flavorful filling in every mouthful.

The beauty of this recipe truly shines when you have an abundance of leftover chicken or turkey. Post-Thanksgiving, or after any large poultry meal, finding creative ways to repurpose cooked meat is a culinary win. These hand pies are a fantastic solution, turning what might have been another mundane sandwich into a gourmet-style treat. You’ll be amazed at how easily these come together and how quickly they disappear!

Puff Pastry on a plate with broccoli and a small salad — Golden, flaky puff pastry hand pie, perfectly served alongside fresh broccoli and a vibrant side salad.

Why You’ll Love These Savory Puff Pastry Pies

There are countless reasons to add these chicken or turkey puff pastry hand pies to your recipe rotation. First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile. While perfect for holiday leftovers, you can easily prepare them with freshly cooked chicken any time of the year. This makes them an ideal go-to meal when you need something quick, comforting, and delicious.

The combination of textures is another highlight. The rich, creamy filling of seasoned cream cheese and tender shredded poultry contrasts beautifully with the crispy, buttery layers of puff pastry. It’s a culinary experience that excites the palate and satisfies the soul. Plus, the ease of preparation means even novice cooks can achieve impressive results. Puff pastry, a true kitchen hero, does most of the heavy lifting, creating a gourmet crust with minimal effort.

These hand pies are also wonderfully customizable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even add vegetables to the filling. They’re a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens or use up other bits and bobs from your fridge. Their individual portion size makes them perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a convenient grab-and-go dinner. Once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever managed your leftovers without them!

Essential Ingredients for Your Hand Pies

Crafting these delectable chicken or turkey hand pies requires just a few simple, yet impactful, ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special.

Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show. One sheet of store-bought puff pastry, typically found in the freezer aisle, is all you need. Ensure it’s fully thawed before use for easy handling. Puff pastry creates an incredibly light, airy, and flaky crust that elevates the entire dish.
Cooked, Shredded Chicken or Turkey: Approximately 1½ to 2 cups of your chosen poultry. This is where those wonderful leftovers come in handy! Whether it’s white meat, dark meat, or a mix, finely shredding the meat ensures an even distribution in the filling and a tender bite. If you don’t have leftovers, simply boil or bake some chicken breasts and shred them.
Whipped Cream Cheese: About ½ cup. I highly recommend using whipped cream cheese as its lighter texture makes it much easier to spread. An herb or chive-flavored variety adds an extra layer of savory depth and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the filling. If plain cream cheese is all you have, feel free to mix in your own herbs and seasonings.
Fresh Parsley (Optional but Recommended): ¼ cup, finely chopped. Fresh herbs always add a vibrant touch and a hint of freshness that brightens the rich flavors of the filling. While optional, it certainly elevates the dish.
Egg and Water (for Egg Wash): One egg and one tablespoon of water. Whisked together, this creates an egg wash that gives the pastry its beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely sheen, making your hand pies look as good as they taste. It also acts as a sealant for the edges.

With these ingredients at the ready, you’re well on your way to creating a truly memorable meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Crafting Your Delicious Chicken or Turkey Hand Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these hand pies is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency and maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked, golden parcels of deliciousness.

Preparation is Key: Thawing and Rolling the Pastry

The first step to success is ensuring your puff pastry is properly prepared. Remove one sheet of puff pastry from its packaging and let it thaw completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on your kitchen’s warmth. Once thawed, gently unfold the pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. The key is to handle it minimally to keep its delicate layers intact.

Using a rolling pin, carefully roll the pastry out to form an approximate 14-inch square. Aim for an even thickness across the entire sheet. This ensures uniform baking and a consistent texture in your finished hand pies.

puff pastry sheet cut into fourths — A perfectly rolled puff pastry sheet, carefully cut into four equal, seven-inch squares, ready for filling.

Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to divide the large square into four smaller, approximately 7-inch squares. Precision isn’t paramount, but aiming for relatively equal sizes will ensure your hand pies bake evenly.

Building the Flavor: Cream Cheese and Meat Filling

Now, it’s time to add the creamy, savory filling. Take about two tablespoons of the whipped cream cheese and spread it evenly onto the middle of each pastry square. Don’t spread it all the way to the edges, as you’ll need space for sealing the pies later. If you’re using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the cream cheese spread before adding the meat. This helps it adhere and distributes the flavor nicely.

cream cheese and parsley added to each pastry square — Each pastry square is generously topped with a dollop of herb-infused cream cheese and fresh parsley.

Next, spoon about one-third to one-half cup of the shredded chicken or turkey onto the cream cheese. This is a crucial step: be mindful not to overfill the squares. An overstuffed pie can be difficult to seal and may burst open during baking, leading to messy leaks. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least a one-inch border around the edges of the pastry.

Sealing the Deal: Egg Wash and Folding Technique

brush applying egg wash to edges of pastry which has shredded meat in the middle — A pastry brush delicately applies an egg wash to the edges of the pastry, ensuring a secure seal for the savory filling.

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with one tablespoon of water to create your egg wash. Before folding, lightly brush the edges of each pastry square with this mixture. The egg wash acts as a culinary glue, helping the pastry edges stick together and form a strong seal.

There are a few ways to fold these hand pies, but I find the most effective and aesthetically pleasing method is to overlap opposite corners first, then fold in the remaining two corners towards the center. This creates a neat, securely bundled parcel. Gently press down on all the seams to ensure they are well-sealed. You can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch and to reinforce the seal, preventing any delicious filling from escaping during baking.

pastry corners being folded in toward the center — The pastry corners are expertly folded towards the center, encasing the filling into a neat, golden packet.

folded up pastry — A perfectly folded puff pastry hand pie, with all edges securely sealed, showcasing a neat bundle ready for baking.

The goal is to create a nice, neat bundle with a good overlap of pastry edges, ensuring no filling is peeking through. This careful sealing prevents leaks and ensures your hand pies bake beautifully.

Once all four squares are filled and sealed, carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is a fantastic non-stick solution that not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup incredibly easy, catching any potential leaks and ensuring a crisp bottom crust.

The Final Touches: Egg Wash and Baking

For that irresistible golden-brown finish, brush the entire surface of each folded pastry with the remaining egg wash. This step is essential for achieving a beautiful color and a slight sheen that makes your hand pies even more appetizing.

pastry on a baking sheet being brushed with egg wash — Each savory pastry on the baking sheet receives a generous brushing of egg wash, promising a beautiful golden crust.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the hand pies for approximately 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.

4 baked puff pastry hand pies on the baking sheet — Four perfectly baked puff pastry hand pies, golden and flaky, resting on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Once baked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the hand pies cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the filling to set and prevents the hot pastry from falling apart when you try to move it. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flaky pastry, seasoned cream cheese, and tender meat in every bite!

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of flaky pastry, rich, seasoned cream cheese, and tender meat. It’s a truly satisfying and flavorful experience!

Fork showing the inside of the stuffed pastry — A close-up shot revealing the delectable interior of a puff pastry hand pie, with tender meat and creamy filling.

Variations and Customizations

While the basic recipe is fantastic, these hand pies are incredibly adaptable to your tastes and what you have on hand:

Cheese Swaps: Instead of plain cream cheese, try Boursin cheese for an extra herb-packed punch, or mix in some shredded cheddar or Gruyere with your cream cheese for a richer flavor.
Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, spinach (squeezed dry), or caramelized onions can be added to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients. Just make sure they’re cooked and cooled to prevent excess moisture.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce in the cream cheese, or some smoked paprika can add a nice kick.
Herbs & Seasonings: Beyond parsley, consider fresh chives, dill, or thyme. A little garlic powder or onion powder in the cream cheese also works wonders.
Different Meats: While chicken and turkey are ideal, you could experiment with shredded pork or even cooked ground beef seasoned like taco meat for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

These savory hand pies are quite versatile in how they can be served. They make a hearty main course, especially when paired with a fresh side. Consider:

Fresh Green Salad: A simple vinaigrette-dressed salad cuts through the richness of the pastry.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are excellent choices for a balanced meal.
Soup: A light tomato soup or a creamy vegetable soup would complement these perfectly.
Appetizer Portions: For a party, you can cut the puff pastry into smaller squares (e.g., 9 or 16 squares per sheet) to make mini hand pies. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These chicken or turkey hand pies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they also store and reheat well:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked hand pies for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: For best results, reheat baked hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Microwaving is an option for speed, but it may make the pastry less crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked, store-bought shredded chicken?: Absolutely! This recipe is designed for convenience, so store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken works perfectly. Just ensure it’s unseasoned or lightly seasoned to control the overall flavor.
What if my puff pastry cracks when I unfold it?: Puff pastry is delicate, especially when cold. If it cracks, don’t worry! You can gently press the cracks together with your fingers, or use a tiny bit of egg wash to help seal them. Ensuring it’s fully thawed before unfolding is the best way to prevent cracks.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?: Yes, you can assemble the hand pies up to a day in advance. Place the unbaked pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake as directed, potentially adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since they will be cold.
My pastry isn’t puffing up properly. What went wrong?: Several factors can affect puff pastry. Ensure it’s cold when you start but not frozen (after the initial thaw). Overworking the dough or letting it get too warm can prevent it from puffing. Also, make sure your oven is properly preheated to the specified temperature.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?: For a dairy-free version, you would need to find a suitable dairy-free puff pastry and cream cheese alternative. Gluten-free puff pastry is also available in some specialty stores, but results may vary as it has a different texture. Always check ingredient labels.

📖 Recipe

chicken in puff pastry hand pie on a plate with salad and broccoli

Chicken or Turkey in Puff Pastry Hand Pies

A fresh take on leftover turkey or chicken. The herby cream cheese delivers moist creamy goodness in every bite!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 575 kcal

Author: Sula

Ingredients

1 sheet Puff Pastry (thawed, ½ of a box)
1½ – 2 cups chicken or turkey (cooked and shredded)
½ cup whipped cream cheese (herb or chive flavor preferred)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Beat egg and water in a small bowl using a whisk or fork to create an egg wash.
Unfold the pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out to make an approximate 14-inch square. Cut into 4 (7-inch) squares.
Spread 2 tablespoons of cream cheese in the center of each square. If using, top with about a tablespoon of fresh parsley, then add one-third to one-half cup of shredded meat.
Brush edges of each square with the egg mixture, then fold the corners of the square to the center to cover the chicken and press firmly to seal. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for extra security and decoration.
Place filled pastries seam side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of all pastries generously with the remaining egg mixture for a golden finish.
Bake for 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimates only, calculated using online tools. Please verify using your own data for accuracy.

These chicken or turkey puff pastry hand pies are more than just a meal; they’re a clever way to minimize waste, maximize flavor, and bring comfort to your table. With their flaky crust and creamy, savory filling, they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness!