Chicken Piccata Mini Hand Pies

Featured in: Savory Stories

These golden, flaky hand pies feature tender chicken enhanced by zesty lemon juice and capers, blended with fresh parsley and Parmesan for depth. Encased in buttery puff pastry, they bake to a crisp, portable treat ideal for snacks or appetizers. Prepare a savory roux to enrich the filling, then fill and seal individual pies before baking until golden. Serve warm or room temperature for a flavorful, convenient dish inspired by Italian-American flavors.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:45:00 GMT
Flaky golden Chicken Piccata Mini Hand Pies, filled with savory chicken, capers, and lemon zest. Save
Flaky golden Chicken Piccata Mini Hand Pies, filled with savory chicken, capers, and lemon zest. | tastychuck.com

Golden, flaky hand pies filled with zesty chicken piccata—juicy chicken, tangy lemon, and capers—perfectly portable and irresistibly delicious.

I first served these mini pies at a family gathering and they disappeared quickly—a true crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast: finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons capers: rinsed and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice:
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese:
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt:
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter:
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour:
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth:
  • 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry: thawed (225 g)
  • 1 egg: beaten for egg wash

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3:
In a medium bowl, combine chopped chicken, capers, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the prepared roux. Mix until well combined. Let cool slightly.
Step 4:
Unroll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 circles (about 4 inches/10 cm in diameter). Gather scraps, reroll, and cut more circles if needed.
Step 5:
Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg. Fold over to form a half-moon and press edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
Step 6:
Place pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with remaining egg wash.
Step 7:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly before serving.
Tangy and delicious, these Chicken Piccata Mini Hand Pies are perfect for an appetizer or snack. Save
Tangy and delicious, these Chicken Piccata Mini Hand Pies are perfect for an appetizer or snack. | tastychuck.com

My family loves to gather around and enjoy these pies, especially during weekend brunches.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Saucepan, mixing bowl, rolling pin, circular cookie cutter (or glass), baking sheet, pastry brush, fork

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy), chicken. Capers may be processed with other allergens. Check labels if concerned.

Imagine a handheld Chicken Piccata Mini Hand Pie; its golden crust offers a delightful, savory bite. Save
Imagine a handheld Chicken Piccata Mini Hand Pie; its golden crust offers a delightful, savory bite. | tastychuck.com

These mini hand pies offer a delightful blend of flavors in an easy-to-eat package, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Guide

What type of chicken is best to use?

Cooked chicken breast works best, finely chopped to blend well with the filling and maintain moistness.

Can I prepare the hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pies and refrigerate them before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture.

What kind of pastry is recommended?

Ready-rolled puff pastry provides a flaky, buttery crust that crisps beautifully during baking.

How can I add extra flavor to the filling?

Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or increase fresh parsley for additional brightness and a subtle kick.

What beverages pair well with these hand pies?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and caper flavors perfectly.

Chicken Piccata Mini Hand Pies

Golden, flaky hand pies filled with tangy lemon chicken, capers, and Parmesan—a perfect savory snack.

Prep duration
30 min
Heat time
25 min
Full duration
55 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Medium

Heritage Italian-American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

What you'll need

Filling

01 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
02 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped
03 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
04 1 tablespoon lemon zest
05 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Dough

01 1 sheet (7.94 ounces) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed
02 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Make roux and sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Phase 03

Combine filling ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix chopped chicken, capers, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the prepared sauce until evenly combined. Let cool slightly.

Phase 04

Shape dough circles: Unroll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into eight 4-inch diameter circles using a cookie cutter or glass. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut additional circles if necessary.

Phase 05

Fill and seal pies: Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle. Lightly brush edges with beaten egg. Fold dough over to form a half-moon shape and press edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork to secure.

Phase 06

Bake pies: Arrange hand pies on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with remaining beaten egg. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Kitchen tools

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Circular cookie cutter or glass
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • Fork

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy), and chicken
  • Capers may be cross-contaminated with other allergens; check labels if concerned

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 10 g