Curry Chicken Hand Pies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Caramel Cake: Just the name conjures up images of golden, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, doesn’t it? I remember my grandmother always baking one for special occasions, and the rich, buttery aroma would fill the entire house. It was pure magic! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a slice of Southern tradition, a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary.

While the exact origins are debated, caramel cake is deeply rooted in Southern American culinary history, evolving from earlier butter cakes and the resourceful use of readily available ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour. It represents a time when baking was an act of love and a way to bring families together. The caramel frosting, often made from scratch, is the defining characteristic, lending a distinctive sweetness and depth of flavor that sets it apart from other cakes.

People adore caramel cake for its comforting taste and satisfying texture. The moist, tender crumb of the cake perfectly complements the smooth, decadent caramel frosting. It’s a delightful combination that’s both rich and comforting, making it a perfect dessert for holidays, birthdays, or simply a cozy evening at home. Plus, while it may seem intimidating, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, allowing you to create a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience the joy of baking and savoring every bite of this classic treat!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• For the Curry Chicken Filling:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Preparing the Curry Chicken Filling:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our hand pies – the flavorful curry chicken filling! This is where all the deliciousness comes from, so pay close attention.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; letting the onions soften properly builds a good flavor base.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
3. Incorporate the Bell Peppers: Add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften slightly. The peppers add a nice sweetness and texture to the filling.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before moving on to the next step. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Spice it Up: Add the curry powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This is a crucial step for developing the rich curry flavor.
6. Simmer in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Add Peas and Cilantro: Stir in the frozen peas and chopped cilantro. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the peas are heated through. The peas add a pop of freshness and sweetness, while the cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous note.
8. Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This is important because you don’t want to melt the butter in the crust when you assemble the hand pies. You can even prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Making the Pie Crust:

Now, let’s tackle the pie crust. Don’t be intimidated! With a few simple steps and some cold ingredients, you’ll have a flaky, delicious crust in no time.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. This is what creates the flaky layers in the crust. Keep everything as cold as possible!
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed.
4. Form into Disks: Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out.

Assembling and Baking the Hand Pies:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Time to put everything together and bake these beauties.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles of dough.
3. Fill the Hand Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled curry chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overfill them, or they will be difficult to seal.
4. Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
5. Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden-brown color.
6. Bake: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Keep everything cold: This is the key to a flaky pie crust. Use cold butter, ice water, and chill the dough before rolling it out.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten and makes the crust tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Cool the filling completely: This prevents the butter in the crust from melting when you assemble the hand pies.
• Seal the edges tightly: This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Experiment with spices: Adjust the amount of curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper to your liking.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as potatoes, carrots, or spinach.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the filling and the dough a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Curry Chicken Hand Pies! They’re perfect for a snack, lunch, or even a light dinner. They are also great for parties and potlucks. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Curry Chicken Hand Pies are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m not just saying that. The flaky, buttery crust combined with the savory, aromatic, and slightly spicy curry chicken filling creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Seriously, these aren’t your average hand pies; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite! The warmth of the curry spices, the tenderness of the chicken, and the comforting embrace of the pastry make these perfect for a cozy night in, a potluck gathering, or even a sophisticated appetizer for your next dinner party.

But what truly sets these hand pies apart is their versatility. While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to experiment and make them your own! For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and spinach. You could also add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the chicken mixture for extra nutrients and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! Serve these warm with a dollop of plain yogurt or a cooling raita to balance the spice. A side of mango chutney adds a touch of sweetness that complements the curry beautifully. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a simple green salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. They’re also fantastic as a grab-and-go lunch or a satisfying snack.

And don’t forget about variations! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry instead of making your own crust. While homemade is always best, the convenience of pre-made pastry can’t be beat. You can also adjust the size of the hand pies to suit your needs. Make mini versions for appetizers or larger ones for a more filling meal. You can even bake them in muffin tins for individual servings!

I truly believe that this Curry Chicken Hand Pies recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It’s relatively easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly adaptable. The combination of savory and spicy flavors is simply irresistible, and the flaky crust adds the perfect touch of indulgence.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, have fun with it! Cooking should be enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on this recipe.

Once you’ve tried these Curry Chicken Hand Pies, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create!