Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re a fan of spicy, cheesy, and totally handheld comfort food, then you’re going to adore this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it combines tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, melty cheddar, and that unmistakable kick of Buffalo sauce all wrapped up in flaky pie crust. When I first tried these hand pies, they quickly became my family’s favorite game day snack and an easy dinner solution. Keep reading — I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to nail these every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I like that this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have or are easy to find. The real trick is to use good quality pie crusts and room temperature cream cheese so everything melds beautifully.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cooking and shredding your own makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Buffalo sauce: Pick your favorite brand or make your own — this is the heart of the flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts best, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
• Pie crusts: Store-bought works perfectly here and saves so much time.
• Egg: Optional, but an egg wash gives the crust that beautiful golden shine.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste or dietary needs. I’ve played around with several variations, so feel free to get creative!

• Make it milder: My kids aren’t big fans of spicy foods, so I sometimes swap some of the Buffalo sauce with ranch dressing for a creamier, milder filling.
• Use different cheeses: I once used pepper jack for a little extra zing, and it was fabulous — just what the buffalo flavor needs!
• Swap the crust: For a gluten-free version, try using store-bought gluten-free pie crusts or even puff pastry to mix things up.
• Add veggies: I’ve thrown in some diced celery or green onions for a little crunch and freshness, which I highly recommend.

How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Get that Buffalo Chicken Mix Perfectly Melty

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your shredded chicken and softened cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese melts and coats all the chicken evenly — this creates a luscious, creamy base. Then, stir in the Buffalo sauce and cheddar cheese, letting everything melt together for a minute or two. It’ll smell incredible at this point. This step is crucial because you want a cohesive filling that won’t leak out of your pies.

Step 2: Cut and Prepare Your Pie Crusts

I use a large circular cookie cutter to get about 15 hand pies from two pie crusts — and yes, you’ll have to re-roll the dough once or twice to maximize your yield. If you want bigger, fewer pies, just cut larger circles or squares. Keep in mind leaving a ¼-inch border is essential for sealing later. Pro tip: dust your surface lightly with flour to avoid sticking while rolling.

Step 3: Fill, Fold, and Seal Those Hand Pies

Divide your Buffalo chicken mixture equally onto the center (or one side if you’re making larger pies) of each crust circle. Wet the edges of the crust with a touch of water — this helps with sealing. Fold the crust over to form a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges together firmly, or press with a fork for a classic look. Make sure the seal is tight so the filling stays in place during baking. Lastly, cut a few small slits on top to let steam escape, then brush with egg wash if you’d like that glossy golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your hand pies at 400°F for 17-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. I learned the hard way to let them cool for at least 5 minutes before digging in — the filling is wicked hot! Trust me, patience here pays off for both flavor and safety.

How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these hand pies, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a nice pop of color and freshness. A side of blue cheese or ranch dressing is practically essential — it’s the perfect cooling complement to the spicy Buffalo heat.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks, just like at the wing joint. Sometimes, I’ll pair them with a simple side salad or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or casual parties, I love arranging these hand pies on a wooden board with little bowls of ranch, blue cheese, and extra Buffalo sauce. It turns snacking into an experience — guests get to customize their bites, which is always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When refrigerated, they keep their flavor really well — just be ready to reheat!

Freezing

Freezing these hand pies is a game-changer for meal prep. After assembling but before baking, I freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the pies in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving since the crust can get soggy — warming in the oven keeps that flaky texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the ultimate combo of comfort and convenience. When I want something satisfying, a little spicy, and totally shareable, these pies hit the spot every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a fun family dinner, or prepping snacks ahead of time, give this recipe a try — I promise, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

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