Savory Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Chicken and Leek Pie is the answer. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant leeks, and a rich creamy sauce, all enveloped in a flaky pastry crust. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

Imagine a warm, golden pie resting on your table, the aroma of cooked chicken and leeks wafting through the air. This recipe is not just about filling; it’s a heartwarming dish that brings everyone together. With every bite, you’re met with a burst of flavor that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

This Chicken and Leek Pie is a wonderful way to elevate your weeknight meals or impress guests at a dinner party. It’s a classic that never goes out of style—easy to prepare but packed with flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Understanding Chicken and Leek Pie

Chicken and Leek Pie embodies the essence of classic comfort food. This dish features a delicate balance of flavors, combining tender chicken with the mild sweetness of leeks. The creamy filling is encased in a flaky, golden-brown pastry that adds the perfect crunch to each bite.

Traditionally British, this pie brings warmth and heartiness to the dining table. Each slice reveals a rich filling that is both satisfying and indulgent, making it a popular choice for family dinners or special gatherings.

The Comforting Ingredients

The foundation of a delightful Chicken and Leek Pie lies in its ingredients. At its core, tender diced chicken provides the protein, while leeks add a subtle yet distinctive flavor that elevates the dish.

Alongside these main components, aromatics like onions contribute depth to the filling. A creamy sauce, made from chicken broth and heavy cream, binds everything together, ensuring a luscious texture throughout. Don’t forget the addition of fresh thyme, which brings a hint of earthiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Preparing the Filling

To create the filling, the first step is to sauté the leeks and onions until they are soft and fragrant. This gentle cooking process unlocks their natural sweetness, forming a flavorful base.

Next, the chicken is added to the pan, seasoned with herbs and spices, and cooked until golden brown. This not only ensures the chicken is flavorful, but it also adds a nice color to the filling. Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, a sprinkle of flour is added to thicken the mixture and create a rich, creamy sauce.

Assembling the Pie

Once your filling has reached its creamy consistency, it’s time to assemble the Chicken and Leek Pie. Preheat your oven, and pour the delightful mixture into a pie dish. The flaky puff pastry is then carefully laid over the top.

Make sure to trim any excess pastry and cut slits for venting. This is essential for allowing steam to escape during baking, ensuring a crisp crust. Brushing the pastry with a beaten egg adds a beautiful golden hue once baked, making the pie visually appealing as well.

Baking to Golden Perfection

With the pie assembled, it’s time to bake. The key here is patience; allow the pie to cook until the pastry is golden and puffed. This typically takes around 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven.

As the pie bakes, the aroma will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. The anticipation builds as you await the moment when you can finally slice into that flaky crust to reveal the creamy filling inside.

Serving and Enjoying Your Pie

Once the pie has cooled slightly, it’s ready to serve. Slice it up and watch as the creamy filling oozes out from beneath the crust. This dish is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering.

Pair the Chicken and Leek Pie with a side of fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The comforting flavors and delightful textures are sure to leave everyone feeling satisfied and eager for more.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and leeks, cooking until softened.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan, season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the chicken and leeks, stirring well. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until thickened.
4. Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the filling into a pie dish and cover with puff pastry. Trim excess pastry and make a few slits on top for venting. Brush with beaten egg.
5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
6. Serve: Let the pie cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 480kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g