Freeze-Friendly and Perfect for School Lunches

It is back-to-school season, and we considered it appropriate to share a recipe that can double as a school lunch.

These Chicken Pot Hand Pies are perfect for a hearty, portable meal that kids will love. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and frozen, making busy mornings a breeze!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

¼ cup peas

¼ cup corn

½ cup cubed carrots

½ cup diced potatoes, cooked

½ cup diced onion

¼ cup butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups chicken broth

½ cup milk

Salt and pepper to taste

2 sheets of puff pastry or pie crusts, thawed

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened.

Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, forming a roux.

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.

Add the shredded chicken and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and set aside to cool slightly.

To assemble the Hand Pies, roll out the puff pastry or pie crusts on a floured surface. Cut out circles or rectangles to your desired size for the hand pies.

Spoon the chicken pot pie filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a border around the edges.

Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal. Cut a small slit on the top of each pie to allow steam to release.

Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze, place the assembled, unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid.

Transfer the frozen hand pies to a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container.

Label with the date and contents.

These can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To cook from frozen:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Place the frozen hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving!

By preparing these Chicken Pot Hand Pies ahead of time and freezing them, you can save a lot of time on busy mornings. Just pop them in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go!