The warm aroma of Chicken & Leek Pie wafts through the house, promising a cozy evening. Picture a golden crust cradling tender chicken and fragrant leeks, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
This dish is not just food; it’s a hug in pie form, perfect for Sunday dinners or chilly weeknights when you need a little extra comfort. Every bite brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter shared over hearty meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Chicken & Leek Pie is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Its rich and creamy filling bursts with flavor, while the flaky crust adds an irresistible texture.
- Visually appealing, it’s sure to impress your guests at any dinner party.
- The versatility of this dish means you can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Chicken & Leek Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts, depending on the number of servings needed. Look for fresh options for the best taste.
- Leeks: Choose firm leeks with bright green tops; they add a sweet onion flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing the leeks and adding richness to the filling.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken your sauce and gives the pie its hearty texture.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still packing in flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that makes every bite feel indulgent.
For the Crust:
- Puff Pastry: A store-bought option is convenient and provides that delightful flaky texture without any fuss.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken & Leek Pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper—don’t be shy! It’s time for those flavors to shine.
Step 2: Sauté Those Leeks
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Toss in your sliced leeks and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet with leeks. Cook them until they’re no longer pink inside—around 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove them from heat, let them cool slightly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the leek mixture in your skillet while stirring constantly for about one minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Cook this glorious concoction until it thickens up—about another five minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return chopped chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let this flavorful filling cool slightly before transferring it into your prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Assemble Your Pie
Roll out your puff pastry over the top of your pie filling, trimming any excess hanging over the edges. Cut several slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape—the last thing you want is an explosion of chicken filling all over your oven!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it! An easy yet impressive Chicken & Leek Pie that’s bound to become your new favorite comfort food! Enjoy every flaky bite while reminiscing about those heartwarming family gatherings!
You Must Know
- This delicious Chicken & Leek Pie offers more than just comfort food; it’s a hug in a crust.
- Customize the filling based on your pantry staples, making it perfect for any dinner table.
- Bake it golden brown for a dish that’s both visually stunning and utterly satisfying.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors. While that sizzles away, prep your leeks and other veggies. Once everything is prepped, combine them in a pie dish and let the oven do the magic.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with seasonings like thyme or rosemary. Add a splash of white wine to elevate the flavor profile; after all, it’s your pie!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring you keep that crust crispy and delightful!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a rich flavor, sauté leeks until caramelized before adding them to your filling.
- Always let your pie rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.
- Use high-quality chicken stock for extra depth in your sauce.
Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about that one dinner party where my Chicken & Leek Pie stole the show—everyone was asking for seconds! The smiles on their faces made every effort worth it.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Chicken & Leek Pie?
To prepare a delicious Chicken & Leek Pie, gather chicken breasts, leeks, puff pastry, butter, flour, chicken stock, cream, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor. You might also want to include vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition. This combination of ingredients creates a rich filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky crust. Ensure you have enough leeks to provide a subtle sweetness that complements the chicken.
How long does it take to make Chicken & Leek Pie?
Making Chicken & Leek Pie typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes preparation time of around 30 minutes and cooking time of about 1 hour. If you’re using pre-made puff pastry, you can save some time on dough preparation. The process involves cooking the chicken and leeks, making the creamy sauce, and assembling everything before baking until golden brown. Planning ahead will help streamline your cooking experience.
Can I freeze Chicken & Leek Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken & Leek Pie both before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the freezer and add additional baking time as needed. If already baked, ensure it cools completely before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven for best results. This allows you to enjoy this comforting dish at your convenience.
What sides pair well with Chicken & Leek Pie?
Chicken & Leek Pie pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad for crunch or roasted vegetables for added texture. Mashed potatoes or buttery new potatoes also make great accompaniments. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or broccoli can balance the richness of the pie nicely. Choose sides that enhance your meal without overpowering the delicate flavors of chicken and leeks.
Conclusion for Chicken & Leek Pie:
In summary, Chicken & Leek Pie is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with sweet leeks in a creamy sauce encased in flaky pastry. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all levels. Whether served as a hearty family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, it promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Don’t hesitate to customize your pie with your favorite veggies or herbs to create a unique twist on this classic recipe!
Chicken & Leek Pie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Indulge in the warmth of Chicken & Leek Pie, featuring tender chicken and leeks enveloped in a flaky crust—a true hug in pie form.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 medium leeks, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced leeks and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, around 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sprinkle flour over the leek mixture, stirring constantly for one minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Return chopped chicken to the skillet and mix well. Allow filling to cool slightly before transferring it to the prepared baking dish.
- Roll out puff pastry over the top of your pie filling, trimming excess if necessary. Cut slits in the pastry for steam to escape.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - Sauté leeks until caramelized for richer flavor. - Substitute turkey or add vegetables like carrots or peas for variety.
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