When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty chicken pot pie. The creamy filling, the tender chicken, and the savory vegetables all encased in a flaky crust make for an irresistible meal. But what if you could capture all of that goodness in a convenient, bite-sized form? Enter mini chicken pot pies – a delightful twist on the classic dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a little bit of comfort food magic. This recipe yields 12 mini pot pies, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Before diving into the steps, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (buttermilk, traditional, or reduced fat)
- 1 cup chicken breast, cut into small cubes (about one 6oz. chicken breast)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (regular or reduced fat)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (regular or low fat)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Biscuit Dough: The refrigerated biscuit dough is a time-saver and provides a deliciously flaky crust. You can choose from buttermilk, traditional, or reduced fat options depending on your preference.
- Chicken Breast: Cutting the chicken into small cubes ensures that it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Using frozen vegetables that have been thawed not only saves time but also adds a variety of textures and flavors to your mini pot pies. The mix typically includes carrots, peas, corn, and green beans.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This condensed soup is the key to creating a creamy, flavorful filling. You can opt for the regular or reduced-fat version based on your dietary needs.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheese adds a rich, savory element to the filling. Regular or low-fat options can be used.
- Seasonings: Onion powder and pepper provide subtle seasoning that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Directions
Now, let’s walk through the steps to create these delicious mini chicken pot pies:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the biscuit dough from sticking and make it easier to remove the mini pot pies once they’re baked.
- Separate the Biscuits: Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough. You’ll need to separate the biscuits into 12 rounds. Since most cans contain 8 biscuits, you can create 4 additional biscuits by carefully removing a layer off the top of each of the 8 biscuit rounds. Press each biscuit into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups, forming a little well for the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the cubed chicken, thawed vegetables, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the soup.
- Fill the Biscuit Cups: Spoon the chicken mixture into each biscuit cup. Make sure to divide the filling evenly among the 12 cups, ensuring each one is nicely filled but not overflowing.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Once the mini chicken pot pies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a minute or two. This makes them easier to handle. Carefully remove the pot pies from the tin and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Mini chicken pot pies are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Appetizer: These mini pot pies make an excellent appetizer for parties and gatherings. Their small size makes them easy to eat with your hands, and they’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
- Main Course: Serve the mini pot pies as a main course alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup. They pair well with a variety of sides, making them a flexible option for lunch or dinner.
- Snack: These pot pies also make a great snack. They’re portable and easy to reheat, so you can enjoy them on the go or pack them in a lunchbox.
Tips for Success
- Thaw the Vegetables: Make sure to thaw the frozen mixed vegetables before using them in the recipe. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t release excess water into the filling.
- Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the chicken breast into cubes, use a sharp knife to make clean, even cuts. This will help the chicken cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Don’t Overfill: When spooning the filling into the biscuit cups, be careful not to overfill them. The filling should reach just below the top edge of the biscuit dough to prevent spillage during baking.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the pot pies as they bake. The biscuits should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly. If necessary, you can use a toothpick to check if the biscuits are fully cooked.
Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Turkey Pot Pies: Substitute cooked turkey for the chicken. This is a great way to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals.
- Vegetarian Pot Pies: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables or use a plant-based protein substitute.
- Spicy Pot Pies: Add a little kick to your pot pies by including diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the filling.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
Conclusion
Mini chicken pot pies are a delightful, easy-to-make comfort food that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. With their savory filling and flaky biscuit crust, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main course, or snack, these mini pot pies are a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. So next time you’re craving something warm and comforting, give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!