Easy Chicken And Leek Pie With Shortcrust Pastry
Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a delicious, homemade chicken and leek pie. This classic dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner, and it's surprisingly easy to make, especially when you use pre-made shortcrust pastry. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make your own easy chicken and leek pie with shortcrust pastry that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious chicken and leek pie:
- 500g pre-made shortcrust pastry
- 4 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 250ml chicken stock
- 150ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your own chicken and leek pie:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface and use it to line a 9-inch pie dish. Trim off any excess pastry and set aside.
- In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- Add the sliced leeks, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, and stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the chopped thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared pie dish and smooth it out into an even layer.
- Cover the chicken mixture with the remaining shortcrust pastry, trimming off any excess. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pastry together.
- Cut a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the chicken and leek pie for 35-40 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations
This easy chicken and leek pie recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Swap the chicken breasts for leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey.
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the filling for extra heartiness.
- Use a mix of different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or parsley, instead of thyme.
- Top the pie with mashed potatoes instead of pastry for a classic shepherd's pie.
Conclusion
This easy chicken and leek pie with shortcrust pastry is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner for two or a family-friendly meal, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and let us know what you think!