There's something irresistible about a golden-brown, flaky pie crust that conceals a hearty, savory filling. One of the most beloved savory pies is the classic chicken pie. Whether you're seeking a comforting meal on a chilly evening or want to impress your family with a homemade dish, a chicken pie can be the perfect go-to recipe. While it might seem like a time-consuming dish, with the right preparation and steps, making a chicken pie in the oven can be a rewarding experience. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to make the perfect chicken pie, from crafting the filling to preparing the crust, and everything in between.
Ingredients for Chicken Pie
To get started on your chicken pie, you'll need a variety of ingredients that are common in most kitchens. The following list is divided into ingredients for the pie crust and the filling.
For the Pie Crust:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ to ½ cup ice water
For the Chicken Filling:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup carrots (chopped)
1 cup celery (chopped)
1 cup peas (optional)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup whole milk or cream
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
The foundation of a great chicken pie is a flaky, buttery crust. You can opt for a store-bought pie crust, but making your own from scratch gives the pie an authentic and homemade touch.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Add water: Gradually add ice water (starting with ¼ cup), one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently with a fork or your hands until the dough comes together. It should be moist but not sticky.
Form and chill: Once the dough holds together, form it into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the butter harden and result in a flakier crust when baked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
If you don't already have leftover cooked chicken, you’ll need to prepare it. You can use any method—boiling, roasting, or even grilling—to cook the chicken for your pie.
Boiling method: Place chicken breasts or thighs in a pot of salted water or chicken broth and boil until fully cooked (about 15–20 minutes). Once cooked, remove from the heat and allow the chicken to cool. Then shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Roasting method: For a richer flavor, roast chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest before shredding or dicing.
Step 3: Make the Chicken Pie Filling
Now that your crust is chilling and the chicken is prepared, it's time to work on the filling.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. You can also add peas for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the filling.
Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Next, add the milk or cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. This process should take about 5 minutes.
Season the mixture: Stir in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Incorporate the chicken: Add the shredded or diced chicken to the skillet and mix until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a couple more minutes, then remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Pie
With your filling ready and crust chilled, it's time to bring the pie together.
Roll out the dough: Remove the pie dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. On a floured surface, roll out one of the disks into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish (usually 9 inches). Carefully transfer the dough into the pie dish, pressing it into the corners.
Fill the pie: Pour the chicken and vegetable filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
Add the top crust: Roll out the second disk of dough to cover the top of the pie. Lay it over the filling and trim any excess dough. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie. You can crimp the edges with a fork or create a decorative pattern by hand.
Cut steam vents: Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Pie
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet (to catch any spills) and bake for 40–45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and serve: Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut.
Optional Add-Ons and Variations
While this is a traditional chicken pie recipe, there are several ways to tweak it to suit your preferences:
Herbs and spices: Experiment with adding different herbs like rosemary, sage, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.
Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add more vegetables. Potatoes, mushrooms, or corn can be great additions.
Creamy vs. brothy: For a richer, creamier filling, you can increase the amount of milk or cream. If you prefer a lighter filling, reduce the cream and add more chicken broth.
Pastry: If you're in a hurry, you can use store-bought puff pastry for a quicker, yet still delicious, alternative.
Spicy twist: If you enjoy some heat, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicier version.
Final Thoughts
Making a chicken pie in the oven is a rewarding culinary adventure that combines wholesome ingredients with comforting flavors. With a buttery crust and creamy filling packed with tender chicken and vegetables, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Plus, the recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to add your personal touch.
Whether you're making it from scratch or using shortcuts like store-bought crusts, the result is always satisfying. Serve your chicken pie with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Social Plugin