Welcome to my savory chicken and leek pie recipe! This easy and delightful recipe is perfect for those who want to prepare a comforting homemade meal that the whole family will enjoy. Nothing beats the taste of a warm, freshly baked chicken and leek pie on a cold winter evening.

In this article, I will share with you an easy-to-follow recipe that requires simple and readily available ingredients. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a classic and hearty dish. Let’s get started and create a delicious chicken and leek pie that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Chicken and Leek Pie

To make a delicious homemade chicken and leek pie, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients	Quantity
Butter	50g
Plain flour	50g
Chicken breasts, cubed	500g
Leeks, sliced	2
Chicken stock	500ml
Bay leaf	1
Thyme	1 tsp
Double cream	100ml
Puff pastry	375g
Egg, beaten	1

With these simple ingredients, you can make a hearty and flavorful homemade chicken and leek pie that will be a hit with your family and friends. Don’t forget to include the bay leaf and thyme, as they add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.

Making the Pie Crust

When it comes to making the perfect chicken and leek pie, having a delicious crust is essential. Here’s how I make an easy pie crust that will guarantee a satisfying crunch with every bite.

First, I gather my ingredients: 250g plain flour, 125g chilled butter cut into cubes, a pinch of salt, and 3-4 tablespoons of cold water. I start by sieving the flour into a large bowl and add the chilled butter to it. Then, using my fingertips, I rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Step-By-Step: How to Make Chicken and Leek Pie Crust

Step	Description
1	Add a pinch of salt to the sieved flour in a large bowl.
2	Add chilled butter to the bowl
3	Rub the butter into the flour using fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs
4	Add 3-4 tablespoons of cold water and mix to combine until a ball forms
5	Knead the dough on a floured surface for a minute
6	Roll the dough out to fit the size of your pie dish

Next, I add 3-4 tablespoons of cold water to the mixture and mix to combine until a ball forms. I knead the dough on a floured surface for a minute before rolling it out to fit the size of my pie dish.

Once you have rolled out the dough, carefully transfer it to the pie dish, pushing it down into the bottom and against the sides. Trim off any excess dough and use a fork to prick holes all over the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up. Your pie crust is now ready to be filled with the delicious chicken and leek filling.

Preparing the Chicken and Leek Filling

Creating the filling for a classic chicken and leek pie begins with cooking the chicken. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a tender and juicy result.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown it in a pan with a little bit of oil. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Next, slice your leeks into thin rounds and sauté them in the same pan until they are soft and translucent. The combination of chicken and leek will bring out the comforting taste of this traditional dish.

Tip: To save time, you can buy pre-sliced leeks or substitute shallots if you prefer.

Ingredients	Amount
Chicken thighs	4
Leeks, thinly sliced	2
Butter	2 tbsp
Chicken broth	1 cup
Heavy cream	1/2 cup
Salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	1/2 tsp

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the leeks and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and heavy cream, and pour the mixture over the chicken and leeks.

Cook over medium heat until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

Tip: For an extra creamy chicken and leek pie, add a dollop of crème fraîche to the filling before assembling the pie.

Assembling and Baking the Pie

Now that you have prepared the crust, filling, and added creaminess, it’s time to assemble and bake your delicious chicken and leek pie. Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) gas mark 4.
2. Roll out your chilled pastry dough on a floured surface until it is roughly 3-5 mm thick.
3. Carefully transfer the rolled-out pastry to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it down gently into the corners and edges.
4. Add the chicken and leek filling mixture to the pastry base, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.
5. Roll out the remaining pastry dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges together. Trim the excess dough and make a small cut in the center of the pie with a sharp knife.
6. Brush the top of the pie with egg wash and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.
7. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy every bite of your delicious chicken and leek pie, with its warm, comforting flavors and perfect crust. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the oven at 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) gas mark 4 for 10-15 minutes.

Adding Creaminess to the Pie

If you want your chicken and leek pie to be even more delicious and decadent, try adding a touch of creaminess to the filling. This simple step will elevate the flavor and texture of the pie, making it a truly indulgent dish.

To achieve this creamy sensation, mix a dollop of crème fraîche or double cream into the chicken and leek filling before assembling and baking the pie. The creamy texture will blend perfectly with the savory flavors, creating a mouthwatering symphony of tastes.

Remember to not overdo it with the creaminess as the pie should still maintain its balance of flavors.

Enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal with this creamy twist on the classic chicken and leek pie.

Serving and Enjoying the Pie

After your comforting chicken and leek pie is baked to perfection, it is time to serve and enjoy it with loved ones. This classic and hearty dish is perfect for colder evenings, offering the ultimate comfort food experience. Here are some suggestions for serving and enjoying your pie:

1. Add a side salad: A refreshing salad will balance the richness of the pie and provide some added nutrition. Try a simple green salad with a tangy dressing.
2. Pair with a glass of wine: A fruity red wine or a crisp white wine would complement the flavors of the pie perfectly.
3. Serve with mashed potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to this comforting dish. They also absorb the delicious flavors of the chicken and leek filling.
4. Top with crispy bacon bits: For an added touch of indulgence, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits over the top of the pie before serving.

Whatever your serving preferences may be, make sure to dish up your comforting chicken and leek pie to create a cozy and heartwarming atmosphere for you and your loved ones.

Variations and Additions

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your flavorful chicken and leek pie! Here are some additions and variations that you can try:

Additions	Variations
Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the chicken and leek mixture before baking for an extra savory flavor.	Mushrooms: Saute mushrooms with the leeks for a earthy twist.
Sweet Potato: Add chunks of roasted sweet potato to the pie filling for a sweet and savory combination.	Potato Topping: Instead of making a standard pie crust, use sliced potatoes to top the pie, it’s crispy and delicious.
Spinach: Add wilted spinach to the filling mixture for an extra nutrient boost.	Cheesy Chicken and Leek Pie: Add grated cheese to the chicken and leek mixture and top it all off with more cheese for a melty, cozy take on this dish.

Remember, the beauty of homemade cooking is that you can tailor dishes specifically to your liking. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your flavorful chicken and leek pie!

Conclusion

In conclusion, a traditional chicken and leek pie is a perfect choice for a hearty and comforting meal. This recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery store. Follow my step-by-step guide and you will have a mouthwatering pie with a golden crust and delicious chicken and leek filling. This dish is a classic favourite for good reason – it’s delicious!

So next time you’re in the mood for a comforting meal, try making a homemade chicken and leek pie. Trust me, the aroma of this pie baking in the oven will make your home feel even more inviting. Enjoy this hearty chicken and leek pie with your loved ones and create cherished memories around the dinner table.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to add your own twist to this classic dish. Whatever your preference, a chicken pie is a meal that will never disappoint.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and found it helpful. Happy cooking!

FAQ

Can I make the chicken and leek pie in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and leek filling and the pie crust ahead of time and assemble the homemade pie just before baking. This allows for convenient meal planning and time-saving.

Can I freeze the chicken and leek pie?

Absolutely! Once the pie is fully baked, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Can I use pre-made pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you prefer a quicker and easier option. However, making the pie crust from scratch will yield a more flavorful and flaky crust.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

While chicken is the traditional choice for this pie, you can certainly experiment with other proteins such as turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the protein used.

Can I add other vegetables to the pie?

Of course! You can add other vegetables like carrots, peas, mushrooms, or sweetcorn to the chicken and leek filling for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked through.

Can I make a gluten-free version of this pie?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour for the pie crust and thickening the filling with a gluten-free alternative such as cornstarch. Check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

How can I make the pie filling more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of the filling, you can add herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Additionally, you can incorporate a splash of white wine or chicken stock to further enhance the savory taste of the chicken and leek combination.

Can I make mini chicken and leek pies?

Absolutely! You can use smaller pie dishes or ramekins to create individual-sized chicken and leek pies. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as the smaller pies may cook faster than a full-sized pie.

Can I reheat leftover chicken and leek pie?

Yes, you can easily reheat leftover chicken and leek pie by placing individual portions in a preheated oven until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for a quick meal.

Can I serve the chicken and leek pie with a side dish?

Absolutely! The chicken and leek pie pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It’s all down to personal preference and what complements your meal best!