Golden Delight Chicken Pies with Spiced Cream Sauce

These Crispy Curried Chicken Pies encapsulate the warm, comforting essence of home-cooked meals. Each pie, golden and flaky, encloses a heartily spiced mixture of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices, all brought together with a smooth, cheesy cream sauce. This dish not only fills the room with its inviting aroma but also promises a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.

Perfect for any meal of the day, these pies are a testament to the joy of baking and the endless possibilities within the realm of savory pastries. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a satisfying meal, these pies are sure to be a hit, blending traditional flavors with a touch of culinary artistry.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • For the Dough:
    • 350 grams of flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon butter
    • Water (to knead the dough)
  • For the Filling:
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
    • 300 grams of chicken breast, diced
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • 1 teaspoon ginger
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon curry powder
    • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • Chopped parsley, for garnish
  • For the Cheese Cream:
    • 250 ml of milk
    • 1 teaspoon of starch (10 grams)
    • 1 teaspoon of butter (10 grams)
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • Nutmeg, to taste
    • Grated cheese, to taste

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
    • Add the butter and mix well.
    • Gradually add water and knead until you have a smooth dough.
    • Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper until they soften.
    • Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it’s no longer pink.
    • Season with salt, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, cumin, curry powder, and red chili powder.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
    • Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Cream:
    • In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
    • In a small bowl, mix the starch with a little water to make a slurry.
    • Add the slurry to the hot milk and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens.
    • Add the butter, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and grated cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Pies:
    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Divide the dough into equal portions and roll out each portion into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference.
    • Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle or rectangle.
    • Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle or rectangle and seal the edges by pressing them with a fork.
    • Place the filled sandwiches or pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the crispy pies hot, topped with the cheese cream.

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Kcal: 520 | Servings: 4

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

The inspiration for Crispy Curried Chicken Pies comes from a love for hearty, comforting meals that bring people together. The combination of curry spices with chicken is a classic that resonates with many cultures around the world, making it a relatable yet exotic choice for any table.

What Makes It Special?

1. The Crust: The dough for these pies is simple yet perfect — soft enough to easily mold yet sturdy enough to hold its shape and encase the rich filling. The crust bakes up crispy and golden, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

2. The Filling: Each pie is stuffed with a rich blend of diced chicken, onions, and bell peppers, all seasoned with a handpicked selection of spices including ginger, turmeric, cumin, curry powder, and a hint of red chili for that extra kick. The filling is not just flavorful but also colorful, making each bite a feast for the eyes as well.

3. The Cheese Cream Sauce: Perhaps what sets these pies apart is the velvety cheese cream sauce. It’s a simple sauce that combines milk, starch, and butter, enriched with grated cheese and seasoned with nutmeg to create a creamy topping that complements the spiced chicken filling beautifully.

Nutritional Value

Each serving of Crispy Curried Chicken Pies is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of protein, while the spices used, like turmeric and ginger, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The addition of bell peppers adds a dose of vitamins A and C.

Serving Suggestions

  • As a Standalone Dish: Serve these pies fresh from the oven with a side of the creamy cheese sauce for dipping.
  • With a Side: Pair them with a light, refreshing salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal.
  • As Party Food: Their size makes them ideal for parties or gatherings, where they can be served as appetizers or part of a buffet.

Customization Ideas

The recipe is highly adaptable:

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with a mixture of potatoes, peas, and carrots for a vegetarian version without losing the essence of the dish.
  • Vary the Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference or experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or coriander for a different flavor profile.
  • Different Cheeses: Experiment with various types of cheese in the sauce to find the flavor that best suits your taste.

In Conclusion

Crispy Curried Chicken Pies are more than just a dish; they are a comforting experience meant to be savored. Each element, from the flaky crust to the spiced filling and creamy sauce, works in harmony to deliver a truly satisfying culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe promises to deliver joy and flavor to your cooking repertoire.