These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies are the ultimate blend of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors, all wrapped up in a golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a snack or appetizer, they pack a flavorful punch in every bite.
Whether you’re enjoying them at a party or a cozy dinner, these hand pies are guaranteed to impress with their irresistible combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
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1/2 cup buffalo sauce
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1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
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1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought)
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and green onions. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 squares.
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Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of each square.
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Fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket, sealing the edges by pressing with a fork.
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Brush each pie with the beaten egg.
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Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 8 hand pies
The Perfect Game Day Snack
Game days are all about indulging in delicious foods that can be shared with friends and family while enjoying the excitement of the game. These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies are the perfect addition to your game day spread. The combination of buffalo chicken and cheesy goodness makes them an irresistible treat that will keep everyone coming back for more. They are easy to eat with your hands, which is perfect for mingling, cheering, and celebrating without the mess.
Instead of serving traditional buffalo wings, why not try these hand pies as a new way to enjoy the classic buffalo chicken flavor? They provide all the savory, spicy flavors of buffalo wings but in a more portable and bite-sized form. You can even offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as blue cheese or ranch, to complement the pies. Whether you’re hosting a watch party at home or bringing a dish to a tailgate, these hand pies will be the star of the show.
Why Puff Pastry Makes the Perfect Crust
One of the key elements that make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies so delightful is the puff pastry. Puff pastry has a unique texture that’s both light and flaky, creating the perfect balance against the rich and creamy filling. The pastry crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving these hand pies a golden-brown exterior that contrasts perfectly with the gooey, cheesy inside. This texture combination is what elevates these hand pies from good to great.
Puff pastry is also incredibly easy to work with, making it the ideal choice for home cooks looking to save time. You can purchase store-bought puff pastry, which requires minimal effort to use while still providing that classic buttery, flaky texture. The beauty of puff pastry is its ability to absorb the flavors of the filling without overwhelming it. The pastry also holds up well during baking, ensuring that the pies stay intact while offering a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Filling
One of the best things about these hand pies is how customizable the buffalo chicken filling is. While the classic recipe includes shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese, you can easily add other ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you want to add more veggies to your filling, you could include finely chopped celery or onions, which are often served with buffalo wings. These ingredients add a bit of crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the cheese and chicken.
If you prefer a spicier filling, you can increase the amount of buffalo sauce or even add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Alternatively, if you’re serving guests who prefer milder flavors, you can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder version to keep the heat level down.
For those following a particular diet, this recipe is quite adaptable. You can swap out the regular puff pastry for a gluten-free option if needed. Additionally, the filling can be made with different cheeses to suit your taste or dietary restrictions. For example, you could use dairy-free cheese or plant-based cream cheese to make these hand pies vegan. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this recipe to meet your needs.
Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies
While these hand pies are delicious on their own, they can be paired with a variety of sides and dips to make a complete meal. If you’re serving them as part of a larger spread, consider pairing them with fresh salads, crunchy veggies, or creamy dips. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the hand pies. Additionally, classic sides like potato wedges, crispy fries, or even coleslaw complement the spicy flavors of buffalo chicken perfectly.
For dipping, blue cheese and ranch dressing are the go-to choices. They add an extra layer of creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with the heat from the buffalo sauce. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try pairing these hand pies with a tangy honey mustard or a zesty sriracha mayo for an added twist.
These hand pies also pair well with a cold beer or a light cocktail. For beer lovers, a crisp lager or pale ale complements the spicy flavors of buffalo chicken. If you’re serving these hand pies at a party, consider making a signature cocktail with citrus and a bit of heat to balance the richness of the pies.
A Family-Friendly Recipe
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies are a great choice for families, especially for picky eaters. The bite-sized nature of these pies makes them easy for kids to handle, and the cheesy, flavorful filling is sure to please even the most discerning palates. You can involve children in the kitchen by letting them help with filling the puff pastry or brushing the pies with egg wash before baking. This simple, hands-on activity can be a fun way to get the whole family involved in making dinner.
Furthermore, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch of these hand pies ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake them off as needed. This makes them a great option for busy families who want to have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go without much effort.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies offer the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a new snack for game day, a quick dinner option, or a fun way to enjoy buffalo chicken, these hand pies are the ideal choice. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese wrapped in crispy puff pastry is irresistible, and the recipe is easily customizable to suit any taste or dietary preference.
These hand pies are not only delicious but also versatile. They’re a great addition to any meal, whether as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Plus, they’re easy to make, so even beginner cooks can enjoy crafting these delicious bites. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can transform a classic dish into a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized treat that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.