Chicken and Leek Pie
A comforting British classic featuring tender chicken and sweet leeks in a rich, creamy sauce, all baked under a flaky, golden puff pastry crust. This savory pie is the perfect cozy dinner for a chilly evening, sure to become a family favorite.
For 6 servings
7 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Ensure your puff pastry is thawed according to package directions.
- d.Thoroughly clean the leeks by slicing them in half lengthwise and rinsing under cold water to remove any grit, then slice thinly.
- e.If your chicken isn't already cooked, poach or bake it until cooked through, then shred it using two forks.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Leeks
- b.In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- c.Add the sliced leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until they are very soft and wilted. Avoid browning them to maintain their sweet flavor.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Creamy Sauce
- b.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened leeks and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- c.Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Once smooth, whisk in the heavy cream.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine the Filling and Cool
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded chicken, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- d.Crucially, allow the filling to cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This prevents the hot filling from melting the pastry and creating a soggy crust.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Pie
- b.Transfer the cooled filling into a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish.
- c.Gently unroll the puff pastry sheet and drape it over the dish.
- d.Trim the excess pastry, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Press the edges against the rim of the dish to seal, and crimp with a fork for a decorative edge.
- e.Cut 2-3 small slits in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
- f.In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the top of the pastry.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake to Golden Perfection
- b.Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- c.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up, deeply golden brown, and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat slices.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use a rotisserie chicken. It's a great time-saver and the meat is very flavorful.
- 2Do not skip the cooling step for the filling. A hot filling will result in a soggy, undercooked pastry lid.
- 3Cleaning leeks is vital. Slice them and place them in a bowl of cold water, swishing them around to let the grit fall to the bottom.
- 4The egg wash is key for a professional-looking, shiny, golden crust. Don't skip it!
- 5If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms, cooked peas, or diced carrots into the filling along with the chicken.
Add BaconAdd Bacon
For a smoky flavor, add 4-5 strips of crispy, crumbled bacon to the filling.
Herb VariationsHerb Variations
Swap thyme for other complementary herbs like tarragon, parsley, or chives.
Double Crust PieDouble Crust Pie
For a full pie, use a sheet of shortcrust pastry to line the bottom of the pie dish before adding the filling and topping with puff pastry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken provides essential B vitamins like niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6), which are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Contains Beneficial Alliums
Leeks belong to the allium family, which includes onions and garlic. They contain antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties and support heart health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Chicken and Leek Pie contains approximately 800-850 calories, primarily due to the puff pastry, butter, and heavy cream. It is a rich and indulgent dish.