Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth, comfort, and flavour all at once. That’s exactly what the chicken and mushroom pie recipe brings to your table. This delicious recipe combines tender chicken with earthy mushrooms in a creamy sauce; all encased in a flaky pastry shell that begs to be devoured. Whether it’s a cosy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this pie is sure to delight everyone. With its rich flavours and satisfying textures, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful dish right from your kitchen!
What is the Chicken and Mushroom Pie?
Chicken and mushroom pie is a classic comfort food cherished in many homes. This savoury dish features tender pieces of chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce, all enveloped in a golden-brown pastry crust.
Originating from traditional British cuisine, this chicken pie has won hearts worldwide. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flavours that feels both hearty and indulgent.
The beauty of chicken and mushroom pie lies in its versatility. You can customize it with various herbs or vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, it’s an experience that satisfies every palate. Perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home, this recipe truly embodies warmth and contentment served on a plate.
Ingredients for Chicken and Mushroom Pie Recipe
To create a delicious chicken and mushroom pie, you’ll need some essential ingredients that bring flavour and richness to the dish.
- Chicken breasts: 500g (about two large breasts), diced
- Mushrooms: 200g, sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Butter: 50g
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Plain flour: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken stock: 250ml
- Milk: 150ml
- Double cream: 100ml
- Fresh thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Ready-made puff pastry: 1 sheet (enough to cover the pie dish)
- Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
These amounts should be sufficient for a pie serving 4-6 people.
How to Cook Chicken and Mushroom Pie?
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures a perfectly golden crust.
In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent. Toss in sliced mushrooms next, cooking them until tender and slightly browned.
Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the mix. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like thyme or rosemary. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
Pour in heavy cream for that rich flavour. Let it simmer gently while stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
Transfer this creamy filling to a pie dish lined with pastry dough. Cover with another layer of pastry on top. Brush it lightly with beaten egg for extra shine before baking for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let it cool briefly before serving; then dive into its comforting goodness!
Nutrition Details of Chicken and Mushroom Pie
Chicken and mushroom pie is not only a comforting dish but also offers nutritional benefits.
- Calories: 950
- Total Fat: 59g (76% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 12g (60% Daily Value)
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 28g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 201mg (67% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 905mg (39% Daily Value)
These values are based on standard serving size and might vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparation for chicken and mushroom pie is quick and straightforward. You’ll need around 20 minutes to gather your ingredients, chop the vegetables, and prepare the filling.
Once everything is prepped, cooking takes about 30-40 minutes. This includes simmering the chicken and mushrooms until tender and mixing in that luscious creamy sauce.
If you’re using store-bought pastry, rolling it out won’t take long at all—just a few extra minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous with homemade pastry, allow an additional 15-20 minutes for that process.
After assembling your pie, baking usually requires about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. All in all, from start to finish, you can have this delightful dish ready in under two hours! Perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering.
Variations of Chicken and Mushroom Pie
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pie: Classic pie with a rich, creamy sauce made from chicken stock, cream, and sautéed mushrooms.
- Chicken, Mushroom, and Leek Pie: Add leeks to the mix for a subtle onion flavour that complements the chicken and mushrooms.
- Chicken, Mushroom, and Bacon Pie: Crispy bacon pieces bring a smoky flavour to the pie, enhancing the savoury filling.
- Chicken, Mushroom, and Tarragon Pie: Fresh tarragon adds a slightly sweet, herbal note that pairs well with the chicken and mushrooms.
- Chicken, Mushroom, and White Wine Pie: A splash of white wine in the sauce adds depth and a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Pie: Adding spinach gives the pie a nutritional boost and a pop of green colour.
Serving Suggestions of Chicken and Mushroom Pie
Serving your chicken and mushroom pie can elevate the dining experience.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side that pairs well with the savoury filling.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli add colour and balance the richness of the pie.
- Buttered Peas: Sweet buttered peas provide a simple yet flavorful side dish.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes add a caramelized flavour that complements the pie.
- Garden Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the pie’s richness and adds a refreshing contrast.
- Crispy French Fries: Golden, crispy fries or thick-cut chips are a classic side that adds a crunchy texture.
Conclusion
Chicken and mushroom pie is a delightful dish that brings comfort to the table. Its creamy filling, paired with flaky pastry, creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavours.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a cosy gathering, this recipe will surely impress your guests. The combination of succulent chicken and earthy mushrooms makes each bite unforgettable.
Experimenting with variations can elevate your culinary experience further. Plus, serving it alongside fresh greens or garlic bread complements the richness beautifully.
Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own by adding personal touches. With just a few adjustments, you can create unique flavour profiles that reflect your taste preferences. Enjoying every slice is bound to be an adventure in itself!
FAQs
Can I use frozen ingredients?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken and mushrooms can be used if you’re short on time. Just ensure they are properly thawed before cooking to achieve the best texture.
How long does it take to cook the pie?
The cooking time generally ranges from 30 to 40 minutes once it’s assembled. Make sure your oven is preheated for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Assemble the pie just before baking for fresh flavours.
What side dishes pair well with chicken and mushroom pie?
Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. Mashed potatoes also make an excellent accompaniment!
Chicken and Mushroom Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Plain flour
- Chicken stock
- Milk
- Double cream
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Ready-made puff pastry
- Egg
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures a perfectly golden crust.
- In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent. Toss in sliced mushrooms next, cooking them until tender and slightly browned.Chicken breasts, Mushrooms, Onion, Garlic, Olive oil, Chicken stock
- Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the mix. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like thyme or rosemary. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.Salt and pepper, Fresh thyme
- Pour in heavy cream for that rich flavour. Let it simmer gently while stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.Butter, Milk, Double cream, Plain flour
- Transfer this creamy filling to a pie dish lined with pastry dough. Cover with another layer of pastry on top. Brush it lightly with beaten egg for extra shine before baking for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.Ready-made puff pastry, Egg