Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and comforting bites, you’re going to absolutely love this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe. These hand pies are packed with tender shredded chicken, melty cheddar, and that irresistible tangy Buffalo sauce all wrapped in buttery, flaky crust. I first made these on a chilly evening when I wanted something cozy but exciting, and let me tell you, my whole family goes crazy for them every time. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or turning them into a main meal, these hand pies are a total crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients for your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe is really key to capturing that signature zing and creamy texture. I’ve found that balancing the Buffalo sauce with cream cheese and sharp cheddar gives this recipe such a great depth of flavor, while the pie crust makes it wonderfully flaky and easy to handle.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded chicken works best; I usually boil then shred with forks for tender bites.
• Cream cheese: Use room temperature to make mixing smooth and prevent lumps.
• Buffalo sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade version; adjust amount if you want it more or less spicy.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded with anti-caking agents.
• Pie crusts: Store-bought works perfectly here and saves time.
• Egg: For an optional egg wash to get that beautiful golden crust.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe is. Depending on your mood or dietary preferences, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or occasion. Play around with the cheeses or add some extras to make it your own.

• Extra Veggies: I sometimes toss in some finely chopped celery or green onions into the filling for extra crunch and freshness.
• Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
• Make It Mild: Use a milder wing sauce and add a bit of honey to balance the heat without losing flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pie crusts to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by shredding the cooked chicken breasts — I like to cook mine in boiling water with a pinch of salt until they’re just cooked through, then shred with two forks. In a large skillet over medium heat, stir together the cream cheese with the chicken until the cream cheese melts into a creamy mixture. Then pour in the Buffalo sauce and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently for a minute or two until everything is melted and blended. This filling is where all the magic happens — be sure not to overcook it or the cheese might start to separate.

Step 2: Cut and Fill Your Pie Crust Circles

Roll out the pie crusts and use a large circular cookie cutter to cut out about 15 circles. Don’t worry about re-rolling the scraps — it works well and you’ll still get plenty of hand pies. For smaller hand pies, aim to keep the filling centered with a 1/4-inch border all around to seal properly. If you’re opting for bigger hand pies, place the filling slightly off to one side but still leave that crucial border. Wet the edges with a little water to help seal.

Step 3: Seal and Prepare for Baking

Fold each crust circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together with your fingers, then run the tines of a fork along the seams to ensure a tight seal. This is important because you don’t want the filling leaking out while baking — trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way! Cut a few small slits on top to vent steam, then if you like, brush with beaten egg for a golden glossy finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Place your hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 17-20 minutes. You’ll want the crust to transform into a gorgeous golden brown and become flaky to the touch. After baking, let them cool for at least 5 minutes — the filling stays hot, and biting too soon could burn your mouth. I always remind my family to be patient here because that’s when these pies hit their absolute best.

How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple by sprinkling chopped fresh chives or green onions on top after baking for a fresh pop of color and mild bite. Sometimes, a little crumbled blue cheese on the side works wonders if you love that tangy contrast with Buffalo flavors. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the plate makes these hand pies perfect for dipping, too.

Side Dishes

These hand pies are practically a meal on their own, but I often serve them alongside a crunchy celery and carrot sticks platter or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. If it’s game day, pair with some baked sweet potato fries or coleslaw—comfort food central!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arrange these hand pies on a wooden board with small bowls of ranch, blue cheese, and extra Buffalo sauce for dipping. You can also serve mini versions on skewers as finger food or even wrap them in foil to keep warm during potlucks. One year, I added colorful edible flowers on the platter and it made a simple spread look festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge — they stay delicious for about 3 days. When I pack lunches, I love adding one or two for a quick savory treat. Just make sure they cool completely before refrigerating to keep the crust from sogging.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I prepare and seal the hand pies but don’t bake them. I freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have fresh-tasting, warm hand pies anytime.

Reheating

I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the filling hot. Microwaving can work in a pinch but usually makes the crust soft, which I want to avoid. If in a hurry, a toaster oven does the trick too!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe has a special place in my kitchen routine—it’s a recipe that feels indulgent but comes together so quickly. What I love most is how it brings people together, whether that’s family movie night or a game day gathering. I hope you’ll give these a try and find, like I did, how fun and satisfying homemade comfort food can be. Once you make these, I bet they’ll become a trusted go-to that you turn to again and again.

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