Comforting Chicken & Leek Pie: A Cozy Family Delight

The aroma of freshly baked Chicken & Leek Pie wafts through the air, enveloping you in warmth and comfort. Picture this: flaky pastry hugging a creamy filling bursting with tender chicken and vibrant leeks, beckoning you to take that first heavenly bite.

This pie is not just a dish; it’s a hug in food form, perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings when everyone needs a little TLC. Trust me, once you dig into this delightful creation, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Ingredients for Chicken & Leek Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best for this recipe; they keep the filling juicy and tender.
• Leeks: Choose fresh leeks for their mild onion flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and add a rich flavor to the filling.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the pie filling beautifully without clumping.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to enhance the flavor while managing salt levels.

For the Sauce:

• Heavy Cream: This adds richness and creaminess to your filling—because who doesn’t love a bit of indulgence?
• Fresh Thyme: A handful of thyme brings an earthy note that elevates the overall flavor profile.

End with: “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 Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray so our pie doesn’t stick like an awkward dance partner.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt about two tablespoons of butter. Add diced chicken breasts and sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 7-10 minutes. Set aside those little nuggets of joy.

Step 3: Cook the Leeks

In the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), add another tablespoon of butter along with sliced leeks. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant—around 5 minutes. Your kitchen should smell like heaven at this point.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the cooked leeks and stir well for about a minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth followed by heavy cream while keeping an eye out for lumps because nobody likes a lumpy pie filling! Let it simmer until it thickens—about another five minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet along with fresh thyme. Stir everything together until well coated in that creamy goodness. Taste it! You might need a pinch more salt or pepper; don’t be shy!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour your glorious filling into your prepared baking dish. Cover with pastry dough (store-bought or homemade if you’re feeling fancy), seal edges by crimping with a fork, then create some slits on top for steam to escape—no one wants an explosion in their oven! Bake it for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

There you have it—the ultimate Chicken & Leek Pie that will warm hearts as much as stomachs! Enjoy every bite as you share stories around the table, because no good meal ever goes unaccompanied by laughter.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the leeks until soft while the chicken sears to perfection in another pan. Then, combine them with creamy sauce before encasing everything in pastry. Timing is key for delightful results!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add veggies like carrots for extra crunch. A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavors, making your Chicken & Leek Pie uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken & Leek Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Sometimes, I whip up this Chicken & Leek Pie when friends drop by unexpectedly. Their delighted faces make all the effort worthwhile—it’s like instant comfort food magic!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Chicken & Leek Pie?

To make a delicious Chicken & Leek Pie, gather the following ingredients: chicken breasts, leeks, butter, flour, chicken stock, cream, and puff pastry. You can also add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. Ensure that your leeks are well cleaned and sliced to avoid grit in your pie. This combination creates a rich filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.

How long does it take to cook Chicken & Leek Pie?

Cooking Chicken & Leek Pie typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour in the oven at 400°F (200°C). Before baking, ensure that your filling is thoroughly cooked and heated through. The pastry should be golden brown when done. If you prepare the filling ahead of time, you can save some cooking time on the day you bake it.

Can I freeze Chicken & Leek Pie?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken & Leek Pie either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the pie and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual. For baked pie leftovers, let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven for best results to keep the pastry crisp.

What sides pair well with Chicken & Leek Pie?

Chicken & Leek Pie pairs nicely with various sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. Mashed potatoes or buttery carrots also complement this dish well. For added flavor, serve steamed vegetables such as broccoli or peas alongside to balance the richness of the pie.

Conclusion for Chicken & Leek Pie:

In summary, Chicken & Leek Pie is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful leeks encased in flaky pastry. Using fresh ingredients enhances its taste and makes it a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or as leftovers, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch!

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Chicken & Leek Pie

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

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Description

Warm and comforting, this Chicken & Leek Pie features tender chicken and leeks in a creamy sauce, all encased in flaky pastry—perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 large leeks, sliced and cleaned
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced chicken breasts and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and add sliced leeks. Cook until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
4. Sprinkle flour over the cooked leeks, stirring for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth followed by heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth. Let simmer until thickened (around 5 minutes).
5. Return sautéed chicken to the skillet along with fresh thyme. Stir until well combined; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour filling into the prepared baking dish. Cover with puff pastry, sealing edges by crimping with a fork. Make slits on top for steam to escape.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or add vegetables like carrots for extra crunch. For a golden crust, brush the pastry with an egg wash before baking.