Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies

Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, these savory mini pies are filled with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. Their portable size makes them easy to serve and enjoy on the go. You’ll love how they combine rich flavors with a flaky crust, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these delicious pot pies ready in no time.
• Versatile Filling: Customize your filling with different vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand.
• Perfect Portions: The muffin tin format ensures each pie is just the right size for individual servings, making them great for parties.
• Freezable: These pot pies freeze well, so you can prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun size and tasty flavors, making this dish a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: This is crucial for shaping your pot pies. Its individual cups create perfectly sized servings that bake evenly.
• Saucepan: Ideal for cooking your filling ingredients and making the sauce, ensuring everything blends well together.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the pie crust evenly, helping to achieve that perfect flaky texture.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 1 batch of pie crust

For the Filling

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cubed
• ¾ cup chopped carrots
• ¾ cup chopped potato
• ¾ cup fresh green beans cut into 1 or 2 inch pieces
• ⅓ cup butter
• ⅓ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup fresh or frozen corn
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 to 1½ cups milk

How to Make Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This ensures that your pot pies cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• In a saucepan, combine cubed chicken, chopped carrots, potatoes, and green beans.
• Add enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil for about 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and drain while saving the chicken broth. Stir in corn and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and cook chopped onions until soft and translucent.
• Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.
• Gradually whisk in 1¾ cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine Filling and Sauce

Combine the chicken mixture with the thickened sauce. If it seems too dry, add more broth or milk gradually until you reach a desired gravy consistency.

Step 5: Prepare Dough Rounds

Each third of dough should yield four dough rounds. Roll each circle until large enough to fit into muffin tins with about a half-inch overhang.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tins

After placing dough rounds in each muffin cup, generously fill each one with your chicken mixture. Allow the filling to dome slightly above the edges.

Step 7: Seal Your Pot Pies

Take six remaining dough circles and place one on top of each filled muffin tin. Press down where layers meet and trim any excess dough. Pinch edges together using fingers or back of a knife for sealing.

Step 8: Bake

Brush tops with an egg wash or milk if desired. Cut slits in each top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. Bake at 425 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Enjoy your Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies!

How to Serve Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies

Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies are a delightful and hearty dish that can be served in many ways. Their individual portions make them perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and Parmesan cheese pair well with the savory pies.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli offers a rich contrast to the pie’s filling.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds a sweet and spicy kick that complements the savory flavors.

As Part of a Cozy Meal

• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting combo with the pies.
• Steamed Veggies: Brightly colored steamed vegetables provide nutrition and balance to the meal.

How to Perfect Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies

Creating the perfect Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pies are delicious every time.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold butter and water for the pie crust. This helps create a flaky texture.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in lots of filling, leave some space at the top so they bake evenly.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Tailor the flavor by trying different herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until golden brown; underbaked pies can have a soggy crust.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps set the filling.

Best Side Dishes for Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies

Pairing side dishes with Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies can elevate your meal. Consider these options that complement the flavors of the pies perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery option that’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the pies.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and brightness alongside the rich chicken pot pies.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn offers a fun, seasonal touch that pairs beautifully.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies makes for a healthy addition to your plate.
6. Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy sides add sweetness and texture alongside your savory dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold crust: Not chilling the pie crust before rolling can lead to a tough texture. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Bold filling proportions: Overfilling the muffin tin with filling can cause spills. Aim for a generous but controlled amount that allows for expansion.
• Bold seasoning: Skipping spices or seasonings can result in bland pies. Taste your filling and adjust the spices before sealing.
• Bold cooking time: Not baking long enough may leave the crust undercooked. Keep an eye on your pies and ensure they are golden brown on top.
• Bold sealing edges: Failing to properly seal the edges can lead to leaks during baking. Pinch thoroughly and trim excess dough for a tight seal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies

• Allow pies to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies.

How can I make Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies vegetarian?

You can replace chicken with diced vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use store-bought pie crusts for Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies?

Absolutely! Store-bought options save time and still yield delicious results. Just follow the same steps as with homemade crusts.

What other fillings work well in Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies?

Feel free to customize with ingredients like spinach, peas, or even different proteins like turkey or beef.

How do I know when my Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies are done?

Look for a golden brown color on top and bubbly filling around the edges to indicate they’re fully cooked.

Can I reheat Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies more than once?

It’s best not to reheat multiple times to maintain quality. Only reheat what you plan to eat at one time.

Final Thoughts

Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies are not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners, so give it a try!