Chicken Pie

This delicious chicken pie recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, with a generous yield that serves 12. It features tender skinless chicken breast fillets, sautéed with aromatic herbs and vegetables, all encased in flaky puff pastry. The combination of flavors and textures creates a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

The recipe begins with a simple preparation of the chicken, garlic, and herbs, sautéed to seal in the flavors. The onions, courgettes, and aubergines are then added to the pan, creating a flavorful medley of vegetables. The filling is layered between sheets of pastry, with beefsteak tomatoes adding a burst of freshness. A lattice pattern made with strips of pastry creates an eye-catching presentation.

To complement the savory pie, a creamy horseradish sauce is prepared, adding a tangy and slightly spicy element. The sauce is served hot alongside the pie, providing a luscious accompaniment that enhances the overall taste experience.

Get ready to indulge in the comforting warmth and mouthwatering flavors of this delightful chicken pie. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a special family meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

• 125ml/4fl oz olive oil
• 900g/2lb skinless chicken breast fillets, halved horizontally
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 3 large onions, sliced
• 450g/1lb courgettes, sliced
• 450g/1lb aubergines, thinly sliced
• 675g/11⁄2lb puff pastry
• 3 beefsteak tomatoes, peeled, quartered, and seeded
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas mark 7. Grease a large baking tray.
2. Heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a large frying pan, add half the chicken and sprinkle with half the garlic and herbs. Season lightly. Sauté the chicken on both sides to seal and remove with a slotted spoon. Sauté the remaining chicken, garlic, and herbs. Remove from the pan.
3. Add the onions to the pan. Sauté gently for 5 minutes. Add the courgettes and aubergines, and sauté for a further 5 minutes, adding more oil if needed. Allow to cool.
4. On a floured work surface, roll out a third of the pastry into a 40 x 20cm/16 x 8in rectangle. Place on the baking tray. Lay half the chicken to within 2.5cm/1in of the pastry edges, cover with half the vegetables, then arrange half the tomatoes over the top. Repeat the layering to use all the ingredients. Brush the pastry edges with some of the beaten egg.
5. Thinly roll half the remaining pastry to a rectangle. Cut diagonally into strips and lay over the filling, leaving a gap between the strips. Press the ends to seal. Brush with beaten egg. Roll out the remaining pastry, cut strips, and lay them over the pie in a lattice pattern. Press the edges of the pastry firmly together to seal; trim off the excess with a knife. Brush with beaten egg.
6. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4 and bake for a further 40 minutes until risen and golden.

YIELD: 12 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To make the sauce, melt the butter in a small pan and blend in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream and horseradish. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, until thickened, then add the wine.
• Serve the sauce hot with the pie.

TIPS:

• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Make sure to seal the pastry edges well to prevent any leaks during baking.
• Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving to make it easier to handle and ensure the flavors meld together.
• Leftover chicken pie can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious meal.

In summary, this chicken pie recipe is a guaranteed hit. It offers a scrumptious combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving more. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will impress your loved ones.