If you love flaky, buttery pastry filled with savory, flavorful ingredients, then these Chicken and Jammy Courgette Pasties are going to be your new obsession. Imagine tender chunks of chicken mixed with soft, caramelized courgettes (that’s zucchini for those not familiar!) and a touch of herbs, all wrapped in a golden, crisp pasty crust that melts in your mouth. These hand-held parcels are perfect for lunch on the go, picnics, or a cozy dinner with a side salad.

I first came across the idea for these pasties while craving something comforting and homemade but easy enough to prep ahead and enjoy later. The secret to their deliciousness? Slow-cooked courgettes that turn sweet and jammy, giving a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken filling. Plus, making pasties means you get the fun of baking without any fuss—perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to a little comfort food magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flaky, buttery pastry that’s easy to work with and bake
Savory chicken paired with sweet, jammy courgettes for amazing flavor contrast
Hand-held and portable—great for lunches, picnics, or quick dinners
Make-ahead friendly—prep in advance and bake or freeze for later
Simple ingredients that come together beautifully
Versatile—swap chicken for turkey or add cheese for extra richness
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready-rolled shortcrust pastry — for flaky, buttery pasty shells
Chicken breast or thighs — cooked and shredded or diced
Courgettes (zucchini) — sliced and slowly caramelized to bring out sweetness
Onion — finely chopped to add sweetness and depth
Garlic — minced for a savory boost
Olive oil — to sauté veggies and chicken
Fresh thyme or rosemary — fragrant herbs that pair perfectly with chicken
Salt and pepper — to season perfectly
Egg — beaten, for brushing the pastry to get that golden shine
Optional: grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a melty twist

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prepare the filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook gently until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Cook the courgettes
Add sliced courgettes to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the courgettes become soft and jammy—this can take 10-15 minutes. The key here is patience to bring out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add chicken and herbs
Stir in cooked, shredded chicken along with fresh thyme or rosemary leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into roughly 6-inch circles or ovals, depending on your preferred pasty size.

Step 5: Fill and seal the pasties
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken and courgette filling on one half of each pastry circle, leaving space around the edges. If using, sprinkle grated cheese over the filling. Brush the edges with beaten egg, then fold the pastry over and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.

Step 6: Brush and bake
Transfer the pasties to a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the tops with more beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Cut a small slit in the top of each pasty to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and golden brown.

Helpful Tips

Use good-quality ready-rolled pastry for convenience and flaky results.
Cooking the courgettes slowly is key to developing that sweet, jammy flavor—don’t rush this step.
If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried thyme or rosemary works fine, just use less.
Pasties can be frozen before baking—freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
For extra indulgence, add a spoonful of cream cheese or a sprinkle of feta inside the filling.
Leftover pasties reheat well in the oven or toaster oven to keep the pastry crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other vegetables instead of courgettes?
Yes! Try adding roasted peppers, mushrooms, or even sweet potato for a twist.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover roast chicken or store-bought cooked chicken saves time and works perfectly.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the shortcrust pastry for a gluten-free version available in most stores.

How long do these pasties keep?
They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I add cheese inside?
Definitely! Adding cheese like cheddar or mozzarella makes these pasties even more comforting and melty.

I make Chicken and Jammy Courgette Pasties often when I want a cozy meal that’s simple but feels special. One last tip: serve with a crisp green salad or some tangy chutney for a perfect balance. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you enjoy it—these pasties always get rave reviews!