Savory chicken pie is the ultimate comfort food, with a golden, buttery crust and flavorful, juicy filling. This recipe brings together tender chicken, sautéed onions, and a unique mix of seasonings, all encased in a homemade dough that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special dinner, this pie is a wonderful, hearty dish that will leave everyone feeling warm and satisfied. The combination of spices, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy ketchup in the filling adds complexity and depth, while the flaky crust ties it all together. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a chicken pie that’s as impressive as it is delicious!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 300 ml (10 fl oz) water
- 7 g (0.2 oz) salt
- 2 eggs
- 700 g (25 oz) flour
- 100 g (3.5 oz) melted butter
For the Filling:
- 800 g (28 oz) chicken meat, preferably boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 20 g (0.7 oz) mayonnaise
- 20 g (0.7 oz) ketchup
- 7 g (0.2 oz) chicken seasoning
- 3 g (0.1 oz) chili flakes
- 3 g (0.1 oz) salt
- 3 g (0.1 oz) black pepper
- 10 ml (0.3 fl oz) vegetable oil
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, salt, and eggs, and stir until the salt is fully dissolved.
- Add flour: Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously until the mixture starts to come together to form a dough.
- Incorporate butter: Pour in the melted butter and knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Rest: Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest while you prepare the filling. This rest period helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté onions: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken meat to the skillet, cooking until it is no longer pink and has browned slightly.
- Season: Stir in the mayonnaise, ketchup, chicken seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper, mixing everything thoroughly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cool filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy when assembled.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Divide the dough: Split the dough into two portions, with one portion slightly larger than the other.
- Roll out the base: Roll out the larger portion on a floured surface until it’s big enough to cover the bottom and sides of your pie dish.
- Line the dish: Place the rolled-out dough into your pie dish, pressing gently to ensure it covers the sides.
- Add filling: Spread the prepared chicken filling evenly over the dough in the pie dish.
- Roll out the top crust: Roll out the second portion of dough and place it on top of the filling. Trim any excess and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg. Brush the egg wash over the top crust to give it a golden, shiny finish during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Cut slits for steam: Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Pre-made pie or pastry dough can save time and still delivers great results if you’re short on time.
3. What other fillings can I use?
You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling like mushrooms and spinach. Adjust seasonings as needed to suit different fillings.
4. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, this pie freezes well. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble the pie, wrap it well, and freeze. When ready to bake, add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Pie
- Chill the dough if it becomes too soft: If the dough gets too warm or sticky, place it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before rolling out.
- Use high-quality chicken seasoning: A flavorful chicken seasoning can make a big difference in the taste of your filling, so choose one you enjoy.
- Let the filling cool slightly: Cooling the filling before assembling the pie prevents the crust from becoming too soft.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste: Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to the filling. Thyme, rosemary, or a touch of cayenne can add an extra flavor kick.
- Bake the pie on a lower rack: This helps ensure the bottom crust cooks evenly and doesn’t get soggy.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven for the best texture.
- Freeze: To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pie in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen: If reheating from frozen, place in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
This savory chicken pie with homemade dough is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal. The combination of flaky crust, juicy chicken filling, and a perfect balance of spices creates a meal that’s comforting and satisfying. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions, this pie is versatile and can be easily adjusted with different fillings and flavors. Plus, the recipe provides simple steps for making dough from scratch, so you get that homemade touch without much fuss. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the process of baking a pie that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!