Mummy Chicken Pot Pies

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative with classic comfort foods, and Mummy Chicken Pot Pies are a festive and delicious way to delight family and guests. These individual pies are filled with a creamy, savory chicken and vegetable mixture and wrapped in a buttery pie crust designed to resemble spooky mummies. Candy eyes placed atop each pie add a playful touch, making them perfect for Halloween dinners, parties, or even as a fun family cooking activity. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to make the filling, assemble the pies, bake them to golden perfection, and present them for a spooky yet comforting meal, along with tips, flavor variations, and frequently asked questions.

Ingredients

For the crust:
• 1 double pie crust recipe or one 15-ounce box refrigerated pie crusts with two 9-inch crusts

For the filling:
• 2 cups cubed, cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, diced (about ¾ cup)
• 3–4 celery ribs, chopped (about ¾ cup)
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg, beaten for brushing
• 12 large candy eyes for decorating

These ingredients provide a creamy, hearty, and flavorful filling while the pie crust adds a crisp, buttery exterior perfect for shaping into mummy designs. Vegetables add texture, flavor, and color, while the seasoned chicken and creamy sauce ensure a comforting and rich bite. Candy eyes bring a fun Halloween theme to a classic dish, making it appealing for kids and adults alike.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the crust. If using refrigerated pie crusts, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to make rolling easier. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or small ramekins for individual pies. Step 2: Prepare the filling. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 3–4 minutes until mushrooms release moisture. Step 3: Thicken the filling. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, then stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Step 4: Season and add chicken. Add the cubed chicken, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat the chicken through. Remove from heat and fold in frozen peas and chopped parsley. Allow the filling to cool slightly to make it easier to handle when assembling pies. Step 5: Assemble the pies. Roll out the pie crust and cut strips approximately 1/2 inch wide for the mummy design. Place a small portion of the filling into each muffin tin or ramekin. Drape or weave the pie crust strips over the top to create a mummy pattern, leaving space for candy eyes. Brush the exposed crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Step 6: Decorate. Press 2 candy eyes onto each mummy pie, positioning them between the crust strips to look like peeking mummy eyes. Step 7: Bake. Place the pies in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Step 8: Serve. Allow pies to cool slightly before serving. Carefully remove from muffin tin or ramekin and place on a festive platter for a Halloween-themed presentation.

Tips for Perfect Mummy Chicken Pot Pies

1. Dough handling: Keep strips thin but sturdy enough to hold shape during baking.
2. Filling consistency: Slightly thickened filling prevents the pies from becoming soggy.
3. Egg wash: Brushing crust with egg ensures a shiny, golden finish.
4. Candy eyes placement: Press lightly to avoid melting or sliding during baking.
5. Cooling: Let pies cool 5–10 minutes before serving to allow filling to set slightly.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Halloween dinner platter: Arrange pies on a tray with mini Halloween decorations.
• Party activity: Let kids help weave pie crust strips for interactive fun.
• Spooky sides: Serve with roasted vegetables, Halloween salad, or creepy breadsticks.
• Individual servings: Use small ramekins for personal-sized pies.
• Themed presentation: Add small edible decorations like tiny pumpkins or ghost-shaped cheese.

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy twist: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the filling for extra richness.
• Herb variation: Substitute thyme with rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile.
• Spicy mummy: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the filling for a subtle kick.
• Mini pies: Use phyllo dough for thinner, crispier mummy pies.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with a mix of roasted vegetables or chickpeas.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Filling prep: Make the filling a day in advance and refrigerate; assemble pies just before baking.
• Dough prep: Pie crust can be rolled and cut ahead of time, stored wrapped in plastic.
• Leftovers: Store baked pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes.
• Freezing: Assemble pies and freeze unbaked; bake directly from frozen, adding extra 5–10 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition Overview

Per serving (1 mini mummy pie): Calories: ~350–400, Protein: 20–25g, Carbohydrates: 30–35g, Fat: 18–20g, Fiber: 3–4g. These individual pies provide a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, with vegetables contributing fiber and micronutrients. Candy eyes are primarily decorative but add to the festive appeal.

Fun Halloween Twists

• Eyeball variations: Use small mozzarella balls or chocolate candies instead of standard candy eyes.
• Creepy presentation: Dust a little paprika around the eyes for a “bloody” effect.
• Spooky set: Serve alongside other Halloween-themed dishes like spider pizzas, taco dip, or mummy breadsticks.
• Themed activity: Let kids place candy eyes and arrange mummy strips for a hands-on Halloween cooking experience.
• Dessert twist: Make a sweet version with fruit filling, cream cheese, and edible googly eyes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Dough too thick: Thin strips work best for the mummy look and even baking.
2. Wet filling: Allow filling to cool slightly to prevent soggy pies.
3. Eye placement: Place candy eyes after partial baking for best stability.
4. Overbaking: Keep an eye on pies; crust should be golden, not overly browned.
5. Uneven filling: Distribute filling evenly to ensure consistent portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Yes, pre-cooked chicken works perfectly. Q2: Can I make these ahead of time? Assemble pies in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving. Q3: Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust? Yes, it will give a flakier texture. Q4: Can I make them gluten-free? Use a gluten-free pie crust or dough alternative. Q5: Can I freeze the pies? Yes, freeze before baking and bake directly from frozen, adjusting time. Q6: Can I make mini pies for kids? Yes, use muffin tins for smaller, individual portions. Q7: Can I omit candy eyes? Yes, you can also use small olives or cheese dots for a spooky effect. Q8: Can I add more vegetables? Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well. Q9: Can I make a spicy version? Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the filling. Q10: How do I serve leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Print

Conclusion

Mummy Chicken Pot Pies are a fun, festive, and comforting Halloween dish that combines creamy, savory filling with a playful, spooky exterior. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and buttery crust strips, these pies are visually striking and perfect for parties or family meals. Candy eyes add a whimsical touch while maintaining the classic appeal of chicken pot pie. Following this guide ensures your pies are flavorful, perfectly baked, and delightfully spooky, making them a memorable addition to any Halloween menu.