Mini Chicken Pot Pie Puff Pastry Cups
Yield: 12 cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cups
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), thawed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
Topping
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth.
- Add milk and whisk until smooth.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until thick.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in chicken and vegetables.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare Puff Pastry
- Roll pastry slightly thinner.
- Cut into 12 squares or circles.
- Press each piece into a muffin cup.
Step 4: Fill
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each pastry cup.
- Do not overfill.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 18–25 minutes, until:
- pastry is puffed
- edges are golden brown
- filling is bubbling
Step 6: Serve
Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Serve warm.
Tips
- Rotisserie chicken works great.
- Add cooked mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle cheese on top before baking.
- Brush pastry with butter or egg wash for extra browning.
Storage
Refrigerator
- Up to 4 days.
Freezer
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes (pastry will be softer).
Nutrition (Approximate Per Cup)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 42 mg |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Nutrition is an estimate and varies with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Variations
- Turkey Pot Pie Cups
- Ham and Cheese Cups
- Beef and Vegetable Cups
- Buffalo Chicken Cups
- Seafood Pot Pie Cups
- Vegetarian (replace chicken with mushrooms and potatoes)
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes. Drain it well before mixing into the filling.
Q: Can I use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes. Biscuit dough makes a softer, bread-like cup, while puff pastry gives flaky layers.
Q: Why did my pastry become soggy?
A: The filling was likely too thin. Cook it until thick before filling the cups, and avoid overfilling.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the cups and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or bake them fully and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze them before baking?
A: Yes. Freeze the assembled, unbaked cups in the muffin tin until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What vegetables work best?
A: Peas, carrots, corn, green beans, diced potatoes, mushrooms, celery, or broccoli all work well.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use gluten-free puff pastry and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch.
Q: What can I serve with these?
A: A green salad, roasted vegetables, fresh fruit, or a cup of tomato or vegetable soup make great side dishes.
