21 Apr 2025
Cook time 60 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp butter
2 lb chicken breasts
2 leeks
1 stalk celery
1 tsp fresh thyme
1/4 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1.50 cups chicken gravy
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 potatoes
1/2 cup peas
1 tsp mustard
2 sheets puff pastry
1 yolk
1 tsp sesame seeds
Indulge in the comforting and hearty flavors of these Chicken, Leek, and Green Pea Pies. This savory pie recipe is perfect for a family dinner, offering a rich filling of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all enveloped in crispy puff pastry. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that is sure to become a household favorite.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the sliced leeks and diced celery to the same skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the fresh thyme, stirring to combine.
3. Create the Filling:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose white wheat flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine.
- Gradually pour in the chicken gravy, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the light sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- Add the diced potatoes and peas, followed by the cooked chicken.
- Stir in the mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the mixture cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes until the potatoes are just tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Pies:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into circles or squares to fit your pie dishes. Make sure to cut enough for both the bases and the tops.
- Line the pie dishes with the pastry, pressing gently into the sides.
- Spoon the chicken, leek, and green pea filling into the pastry-lined pie dishes.
- Place another piece of pastry on top of each pie and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Bake:
- Place the pies on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
6. Serve:
- Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken, leek, and green pea pies!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Make sure to wash leeks thoroughly, as they can hold a lot of grit and dirt between their layers.
- To save time, use a pre-made chicken gravy or even leftover gravy from another meal.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges of the puff pastry for a decorative finish and to help seal the pies.
- Brush the top of the pastry with the egg yolk for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, increase the amount of flour or reduce the gravy slightly.
- These pies can be frozen before baking. Simply defrost before cooking as instructed.
These Chicken, Leek, and Green Pea Pies are a delightful addition to any meal, providing comfort food at its best. The flaky puff pastry combined with the hearty and flavorful filling will make this recipe a winner in your home. Serve them hot, and enjoy the irresistible blend of textures and tastes in each bite.