If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and perfect for sharing, this Chicken Curry Pasties Recipe will become your new go-to. These flaky, golden parcels are packed with a vibrant, mildly spiced chicken curry filling that’s creamy and just the right amount of cozy. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a light meal, or at your next gathering, these pasties bring together the best of British pastry tradition and Indian-inspired curry in every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is all you need to whip up those irresistible Chicken Curry Pasties. Each element plays a crucial role in building the perfect flavor, texture, and color profile for this dish.
- Vegetable oil: For sautéing the onions and spices evenly to bring out their aromas.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as the base of the filling.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings a warm, savory kick to brighten the curry flavors.
- Curry powder: The star spice blend that gives the dish its signature taste and color.
- Ground turmeric: Enhances color and offers an earthy undertone that complements the curry.
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Provides hearty protein and texture in the filling.
- Frozen peas: Add sweetness, vibrant green color, and a burst of freshness.
- Small potato, peeled and boiled: Adds comforting creaminess and helps bind the filling.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Gives a creamy, tangy element that balances the spices.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to round out and enhance flavors.
- Thawed puff pastry: The flaky golden envelope that makes these pasties utterly irresistible.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, beautifully browned crust once baked.
How to Make Chicken Curry Pasties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cook Aromatics
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this sets you up for a perfect bake without sticking. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, around 4 to 5 minutes. This slow cooking unlocks its sweetness, which forms the flavorful backbone of the filling.
Step 2: Build the Curry Flavor
Add the minced garlic along with the curry powder and ground turmeric to the onions, cooking for another minute until the spices become fragrant. This brief step boosts the warmth and complexity of the curry, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Stir in the cooked chicken, peas, and tender diced potato, folding them gently into this warmly spiced base. Then, mix in the plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy texture that ties the filling together, seasoning well with salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to cool slightly — this helps it set better inside the pasties and prevents the pastry from getting soggy.
Step 4: Shape the Pasties
Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares or circles around 4 to 6 inches wide. Spoon a generous amount of cooled filling onto the center of each piece. Carefully fold the pastry over to form a triangle or half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing and crimping with a fork. This keeps your filling snug and your pastry beautifully sealed.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the pasties with beaten egg to give them their signature golden sheen and place them on your lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up, crisp, and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of flaky crust and creamy spicy filling.
How to Serve Chicken Curry Pasties Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling finely chopped fresh cilantro or a light dusting of chili flakes on top just before serving can elevate the flavor and add a fresh burst of color. A cooling side of yogurt or raita also complements the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
These pasties pair wonderfully with a simple salad of crisp cucumber and tomatoes or a light chutney, allowing the rich curry flavors to shine while balancing each bite with refreshing elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these pasties on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual snack or appetizer. For a party, stack them artfully with small bowls of mango chutney and mint sauce for dipping, encouraging sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chicken Curry Pasties make for a delicious next-day treat. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorsome.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasties before baking by placing them on a tray to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked pasties anytime by baking straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, place the pasties in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and the pastry crisps up again, rather than using a microwave which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds extra flavor to your pasties. Just shred or dice it and use as directed in the recipe.
Is it possible to make these pasties dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the Greek yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream to keep the creaminess without dairy.
Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition that complement the curry spices beautifully.
How spicy is the filling?
The filling is mildly spiced to appeal to a wide range of tastes. If you prefer heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to spice things up.
What should I do if the pastry tears during folding?
No worries! Just press gently to seal and if needed, patch small tears with a little extra pastry or some water brushed on the edges to help stick everything together.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Curry Pasties Recipe enough for anyone craving a cozy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and always impresses. The harmony of spices, creamy filling, and flaky pastry is pure comfort food magic that you’ll want to share again and again. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try — your taste buds are in for a real treat!
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Chicken Curry Pasties Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 pasties
- Category: Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Indian Fusion
- Diet: Dairy-Free option available
Description
These Chicken Curry Pasties combine a flavorful spiced chicken filling with crispy, golden puff pastry for a delicious British-Indian fusion snack or main course. Perfectly seasoned with curry powder and turmeric, and enriched with creamy yogurt, peas, and tender potatoes, these savory hand pies are baked to perfection for a satisfying and portable meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 small potato, peeled, diced, and boiled until tender
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pastry
- 1 package (14 oz) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes, developing a sweet, mellow base flavor.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, curry powder, and ground turmeric, cooking for another minute until fragrant to infuse the mixture with warm, aromatic spices.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and boiled diced potato to the skillet. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Incorporate Creaminess and Season: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to add moisture and creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and allow the filling to cool slightly so it is easier to handle.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Cut into 4–6 inch squares or circles depending on your preferred shape.
- Assemble Pasties: Spoon an appropriate amount of the cooled filling onto the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or half-moon shape and press the edges together, sealing by crimping with a fork to prevent filling leakage.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each pasty with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared pasties on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasties cool slightly before serving for best texture and flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- These pasties can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking for convenient future meals.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut to save time when preparing the filling.
- Adding chopped cilantro or a pinch of chili flakes to the filling boosts extra flavor and heat.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute yogurt or sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
