The Ultimate Chicken and Leek Pie

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of comfort food ? Have you ever had a proper chicken and leek pie ? This isn't just any pie; it's a hug in a dish, bursting with creamy, savoury goodness.

Oh my gosh, you have to try this chicken and leek pie recipe .

Brief Overview

Chicken and leek pie is basically a British classic, a dish passed down through generations. This recipe hits that sweet spot, not too hard, but not a walk in the park, either.

Get ready for around two hours in total, and it feeds a good crowd, say, six to eight hungry souls.

This Homemade chicken pie is sooooo good.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this chicken and leek pie isn't just tasty. It's packed with protein from the chicken, perfect for keeping you going.

Serve it up on a chilly Sunday. What makes it special? The creamy chicken and leek filling , the flaky pie crust recipe , and that feeling of home.

Alright, are you ready to get your hands dirty and make the best chicken pie recipe ? Let's dive into what you'll need. We're talking proper ingredients for a proper pie!

Ingredients for the Traditional Chicken and Leek Pie

First up, you need the pastry bits. It's all about flour, salt, cold butter, and ice water. This is where the magic of a flaky pie crust recipe begins.

Trust me, cold is key!

Now, for the chicken and vegetable pie filling, we have got chicken thighs, leeks loads of them!, garlic, white wine (makes a real difference, that does!), chicken broth, cream, flour, parsley, and thyme.

Don’t forget the salt and pepper.

Don't worry too much about subbing things out if you need to. We'll get into that later. But for now, let's get prepping!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe

Right then, let’s talk about what you need to nail this homemade chicken pie . Honestly, it's not as scary as it looks.

Getting the ingredients right is half the battle when making a classic chicken and leek pie . Trust me, a little effort here pays off big time with flavor.

Main Ingredients: Get 'em Right!

For the flaky pie crust recipe , you'll need:

• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour. Just the plain stuff, nothing fancy.
• 1 tsp (5g) salt. Gets those flavours poppin'
• 1 cup (227g) cold, unsalted butter. Absolutely must be cold! Cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water. Add a bit more if the dough is too dry.
• 1 large egg, beaten. For that golden, glorious egg wash.

For the chicken and leek filling , here’s the good stuff:

• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil. Just to get things started.
• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I like thighs 'cause they stay juicy. Cut them into 1 inch pieces.
• 2 large leeks, thinly sliced and washed. Wash them well! Nobody wants gritty pie.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work great.
• 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth.
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Makes it so creamy.
• 2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour. Thickens the sauce up a treat.
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped.
• 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy!

Lastly, you'll need 1 large egg , beaten, for that perfect glaze.

Seasoning Notes: Essential Flavors

The thyme is really key here for that traditional chicken and leek pie flavour. Don't skip it! White wine adds a lovely depth.

If you haven't got any, a splash of lemon juice works in a pinch for a similar zesty vibe. For a creamy chicken pie , the heavy cream is essential, but you could substitute half and-half for a lighter version.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need loads of fancy kit. Here’s the essentials:

• Food processor (optional) or pastry blender. For the crust. Hands work, too.
• Large skillet or Dutch oven. For the chicken and vegetable pie filling.
• 9 inch pie dish. To bake it all in.

That's all there is to it! If you don't have a food processor, you can still get flaky pie crust by rubbing the butter into the flour with your fingertips.

It takes a little longer, but the results are just as good! Now get cracking and lets bake the best chicken pie recipe .

You'll absolutely love this comfort food recipe !

Cooking Method: Building the Ultimate Chicken and Leek Pie

Right, let's talk about the heart of a chicken and leek pie recipe : how you actually cook this beauty! This isn't just slapping ingredients together.

It’s about building flavour and texture. Honestly, even ready meals can not even try to compare with this dish!

Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Pie Perfection

First things first: mise en place . Fancy, eh? It just means getting everything prepped. Chop your veggies, measure your ingredients.

Makes life so much easier! This is really important for comfort food recipes ! I do hate starting to cook and find out that I don't have the right amount of butter.

The worst nightmare!

For time saving, chop the leeks and chicken ahead of time. Trust me, your future self will thank you. It's brilliant to come home from work knowing all the boring stuff is done.

Remember: Chicken is raw! Wash your hands and utensils after handling it. Don't want any nasty surprises later.

step-by-step Process: From Ingredients to Irresistible

Alright, let’s go through the step-by-step process. Ready?

1. Brown the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Brown the chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, you are not boiling them, but browning them! Set it aside.
2. Sauté the leeks. Add those leeks to the skillet and soften them. Then add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until fragrant!
3. Deglaze the pan! Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and scrape all the yummy brown bits off the bottom. Flavour bomb alert!
4. Simmer the filling. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon thyme. Simmer until it thickens slightly. Oh my gosh, the smell!!!
5. Combine everything! Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in 1/4 cup parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble the pie. Roll out your flaky pie crust recipe and line your dish. Pour in that heavenly chicken and leek filling .
7. Top it off! Add the top crust, cut some vents for steam, and crimp the edges.
8. Bake! Brush with egg wash and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 50- 60 minutes . Aim for golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Elevating Your Pie Game

For a richer flavor, brown the chicken and leeks longer. Develops awesome depth.

Avoid a soggy bottom! Blind bake your pie crust if you're worried, but honestly, if your oven's hot enough, you should be fine.

Chicken and vegetable pie filling can be made a day ahead. It actually tastes better, the flavours get a chance to mingle. Great for prepping for a Sunday roast!

Homemade chicken pie is all about using good ingredients and not rushing the process. It is easy chicken and leek pie recipe but you need to put some love into it, you know? This is not just food, this is a hug in a dish.

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's talk about the nitty gritty of nailing this chicken and leek pie recipe . You know, the bits that make your homemade chicken pie go from "meh" to "oh my days, this is amazing!" We're going for the best chicken pie recipe ever, aren't we?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation is key. A wedge of golden creamy chicken pie speaks volumes. Imagine serving a slice, all steaming and gorgeous, next to a vibrant green salad.

A simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Sorted! Roasted root vegetables are also bang on. A pint of proper ale wouldn't go amiss, either.

Just saying! I feel this comfort food recipe would be perfect after a long day.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

If you've got leftovers (unlikely!), stash them in the fridge. They're good for about 3 days, no worries. Make sure it is sealed.

Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then foil. They'll keep for a couple of months.

To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge, then warm it up in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Don't microwave it; you'll end up with a soggy bottom!

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy a twist on this traditional chicken and leek pie ? No problem. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for a plant based alternative.

Almond or oat milk work a treat. Or, chuck in some mushrooms with the leeks for a deeper, earthier flavor.

It will turn the recipe into a delicious Mushroom & Chicken and vegetable pie

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness

Look, it's pie. It's not exactly a salad. But it's got chicken, right? Each serving racks up roughly 650-750 calories , packed with 35-45g of protein .

It's a decent meal, full stop! Just remember, everything in moderation, eh?

So there you have it. A cracking easy chicken and leek pie . Don't be scared to have a go, you know.

You've got this! And honestly, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly first time, it'll still taste blooming lovely! Now, go on, get baking and enjoy that delicious chicken and leek filling ! I guarantee, you'll be making this flaky pie crust recipe for years to come!