Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that will satisfy your family’s hunger and taste buds? A homemade chicken pie with a flaky crust is a classic dish that never disappoints. Perfect for a cosy dinner or special occasions, this pie brings together tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and a golden, flaky crust. But here’s the twist: when you use Gingin Beef’s grass-fed, free-range chicken, you elevate the flavour to a whole new level.
This recipe not only provides a warm, comforting meal but also ensures you’re feeding your loved ones with high-quality, ethically raised ingredients. Gingin Beef’s chicken is full of rich flavour and nutrients, making it the perfect choice for this delicious, easy-to-make pie.
What Makes Chicken Pie So Irresistible?
Chicken pie is comfort food at its finest. The combination of a rich, creamy filling paired with the flaky, buttery crust creates a mouthwatering experience that warms both the body and soul. The recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or even meal prepping for the week.
Here’s why chicken pie is such a comforting dish:
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a meal that satisfies hunger and cravings.
- Versatile: You can customise the fillings with your favourite vegetables and herbs.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken from previous meals.
Why Choose Gingin Beef’s Grass-Fed Chicken?
When it comes to making a delicious chicken pie recipe, the quality of the chicken matters. Gingin Beef’s grass-fed, free-range chicken is the perfect choice for this recipe because:
- Better Flavour: Grass-fed chicken has a richer, more natural taste compared to conventional chicken.
- Higher Nutritional Value: Gingin’s chicken is leaner, with more omega-3s and essential vitamins, ensuring your meal is both nutritious and delicious.
- Ethical Sourcing: Raised without antibiotics and hormones, Gingin’s chickens are treated humanely, providing you with peace of mind knowing you are supporting ethical farming practices.
The Perfect Chicken Pie Recipe: Step-by-Step
Now, let’s dive into the homemade chicken pie recipe with a flaky crust that will have everyone asking for seconds! The combination of grass-fed chicken and a buttery, golden pastry makes this pie a family favourite.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast or thighs, cooked and chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup sweet corn (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pre-made pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the chicken: If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, begin by sautéing it in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once cooked through, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and peas (and sweet corn if using). Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir for about a minute. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine. Add the heavy cream and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken: Stir the chopped chicken into the sauce, followed by thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Once everything is well mixed, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) to preheat.
- Prepare the pie crust: Roll out one of your pie crusts and fit it into the base of a pie dish. Press the edges gently to ensure it fits snugly.
- Fill the pie: Spoon the cooled chicken mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the second crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Pinch the edges of both crusts together to seal the pie. Use a fork to create small holes on the top for ventilation.
- Egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the pie to give it a golden, glossy finish.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool slightly: Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pie
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your chicken pie recipe turns out perfectly:
- Use leftover chicken: This is an excellent way to use up leftover roast chicken from a previous meal.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can add an extra layer of flavour to the filling.
- Flaky crust: For an extra flaky crust, make sure to use cold butter and chill the dough before rolling it out.
- Make it a meal prep: You can easily make this pie in advance and freeze it for later. Just bake it once you’re ready to serve.
Gingin Beef: The Secret to Perfect Chicken Pie
At Gingin Beef, we believe in providing our customers with only the best, ethically raised, grass-fed chicken for all their cooking needs. Whether you’re making a chicken pie, a casserole, or any other dish, our chicken offers the perfect balance of flavour, texture, and nutrition.
By choosing Gingin Beef, you’re selecting top-quality chicken that enhances every meal. Want to create the perfect chicken pie? Get in touch with us to order our premium grass-fed chicken and elevate your dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking for the best results.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pie in advance and freeze it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this pie healthier?
You can make this pie healthier by using whole-wheat pastry, reducing the cream, or adding more vegetables to the filling.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Yes, you can make the crust from scratch using butter, flour, and a pinch of salt. For the flakiest crust, ensure the butter is very cold.