Chicken and Mushroom Pie


 Cuisine: British  Type: Entree

Chicken and Mushroom Pie : Entree in British cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken
2 breasts (400)
Mushrooms
200 grams (200)
Onion
1 large (150)
Butter
2 tablespoons (28)
Flour
3 tablespoons (42)
Chicken Stock
1 cup (240)
Milk
1 cup (240)
Puff Pastry
1 sheet (200)
Egg
1 large (50)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (6)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (2)
 Totals
55 oz (1,564 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken
250
Mushrooms
50
Butter
100
Flour
50
Milk
150
Chicken Stock
50
Onion
30
Garlic
10
Thyme
5
Salt
5
Pepper
5
Puff Pastry
200
Egg
70
 Totals
975 kcal

 Steps 


1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a knob of butter or a drizzle of oil.

3. Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until it turns golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. In the same pan, add another knob of butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they are softened and lightly browned. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside with the chicken.

5. In the same pan, melt some butter and add flour to create a roux. Stir continuously for a minute or two to cook the flour.

6. Slowly whisk in chicken stock, followed by milk, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Continue to cook and stir for a few more minutes.

7. Add the cooked chicken and mushrooms back into the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to combine everything evenly.

8. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices of your choice. Mix well.

9. Roll out your pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your pie dish. Make sure it's large enough to cover the top and sides.

10. Pour the chicken and mushroom mixture into the pie dish.

11. Place the pastry dough over the top of the dish and gently press the edges to seal. Trim off any excess dough.

12. Cut a few small slits on the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.

13. Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg or milk to give it a golden color when baked.

14. Place the pie dish on a baking tray and transfer it to the preheated oven.

15. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

16. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

17. Serve the chicken and mushroom pie hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes or vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Mushroom Pie, a classic British dish!

 Substitutions 


- Chicken: Substitute with turkey, pork, or beef, cut into similar-sized pieces. Adjust cooking time accordingly as different meats may require different cooking times.
- Mushroom: Substitute with other types of mushrooms like button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms. Adjust quantities based on personal preference.
- Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks, finely chopped. Adjust quantities based on personal preference.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of powder or 1/4 teaspoon of granulated garlic for each clove of garlic.
- Flour: Substitute with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Use half the amount of flour called for in the recipe (e.g., if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of flour, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder).
- Chicken stock: Substitute with vegetable stock or broth. Adjust quantities based on personal preference.
- Butter: Substitute with margarine or vegetable oil. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Milk: Substitute with any non-dairy milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Puff pastry: Substitute with shortcrust pastry or pie crust. Adjust cooking time and temperature based on the pastry type used.

Note: These substitutions and alterations are suggestions and may slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish. Adjustments in cooking time and quantities may be required based on personal preference and the specific ingredients used.

 Pairings 


- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Steamed vegetables
- Roasted carrots
- Creamed spinach
- Yorkshire pudding
- Garden salad
- Roasted garlic bread
- Braised red cabbage
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Creamy coleslaw
- Caramelized onions
- Pickled beets
- Roasted parsnips
- Green beans with almonds
- Tomato and mozzarella salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted butternut squash
- Cauliflower cheese
- Pea and mint soup

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Use a decorative pie crust design on top, such as lattice or cut-out shapes, to add visual appeal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color.
- Serve individual mini pies in ramekins for an elegant touch.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or leeks to enhance the savory flavor.
- Incorporate crispy bacon or pancetta for added texture and smokiness.
- Include a splash of white wine or sherry to elevate the sauce's depth of flavor.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular button mushrooms with exotic varieties like chanterelles or morel mushrooms for a unique and earthy taste.
- Use premium cuts of chicken, such as boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast, for a tender and juicy filling.
- Add a touch of truffle oil or truffle butter to the filling for a luxurious and aromatic twist.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to lower the calorie and fat content.
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pie crust for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Increase the proportion of mushrooms and vegetables to enhance the fiber content and make it more suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Reduce the amount of salt or use low-sodium chicken broth to accommodate individuals with hypertension or those watching their sodium intake.
- Replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol content.
- Add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or garlic to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat.
- Consider using a dairy-free cheese substitute or omitting cheese altogether for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Serve smaller portion sizes or pair the pie with a side salad to control calorie intake for weight management or calorie-restricted diets.
- Consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized dietary adjustments based on specific health conditions or preferences.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat or chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace full-fat cream or whole milk with low-fat or skim milk to reduce the overall fat content.
- Incorporate whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the pie crust to increase fiber content.
- Reduce the amount of butter or use a healthier alternative, such as olive oil, for sautéing the mushrooms.
- Add more vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach to increase the nutrient density of the pie filling.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth to control the salt content.
- Use herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or garlic to enhance flavor without adding excessive salt or fat.
- Consider using Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead of heavy cream for the sauce to reduce calorie and fat content.
- Serve smaller portion sizes or pair the pie with a side salad to balance the meal and control calorie intake.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken, instead of cooking it from scratch.
2. Opt for canned mushrooms: Use canned mushrooms instead of fresh ones to save time on cleaning and chopping. Drain and rinse them before adding to the pie.
3. Skip homemade crust: Save time by using store-bought pie crust or puff pastry instead of making your own from scratch. Look for ready-to-use options in the refrigerated or frozen section.
4. Use frozen mixed vegetables: Instead of cutting and cooking fresh vegetables, use frozen mixed vegetables. They are already pre-cut and can be added directly to the pie filling.
5. Utilize leftover gravy: If you have leftover gravy from a previous meal, incorporate it into the pie filling for added flavor and to save time on making a new sauce.
6. Opt for chicken broth concentrate: Use chicken broth concentrate or bouillon cubes dissolved in water instead of making homemade chicken stock. This saves both time and money.
7. Cook in individual portions: Instead of making one large pie, consider making individual-sized portions using ramekins or small baking dishes. They cook faster and are easier to serve.
8. Reduce cooking time: Increase the oven temperature slightly or use a convection oven to reduce the cooking time of the pie without compromising on taste.
9. Add herbs and spices for flavor: Enhance the taste of the pie by using dried herbs and spices instead of fresh ones. They are more cost-effective and can be kept in your pantry for longer periods.
10. Serve with simple sides: Instead of elaborate side dishes, serve the chicken and mushroom pie with simple and affordable sides like a green salad or steamed vegetables to economize without sacrificing taste.