Chicken Leek Pie
Cuisine: British Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Chicken
2 breasts (400)
Leeks
2 large (400)
Butter
2 tablespoons (28)
Flour
2 tablespoons (28)
Chicken Stock
1 cup (240)
Milk
1 cup (240)
Puff Pastry
1 sheet (200)
Egg
1 large (50)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Totals
56 oz
(1,596 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Chicken
250
Leeks
50
Butter
100
Flour
50
Milk
150
Chicken Stock
50
Salt
5
Pepper
5
Puff Pastry
200
Egg
70
Totals
930 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Preheat the oven to the required temperature mentioned in the recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken by removing the skin and bones, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Heat some oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Step 4: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 5: In the same pan, add the sliced leeks and cook until they become soft and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan with the leeks.
Step 7: Sprinkle flour over the chicken and leeks, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
Step 8: Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
Step 9: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices according to your taste.
Step 10: Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Step 11: While the filling is cooling, roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to fit the size of your pie dish.
Step 12: Place the rolled-out pastry into the pie dish, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
Step 13: Pour the chicken and leek filling into the pastry-lined dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 14: Cover the filling with another layer of pastry, ensuring it overlaps the edges of the dish.
Step 15: Press the edges of the pastry together to seal the pie.
Step 16: Cut a small slit or make a decorative pattern on the top pastry layer to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 17: Optional: Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg or milk to give it a golden-brown color.
Step 18: Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Step 19: Bake the pie for the recommended time or until the pastry turns golden and crisp.
Step 20: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 21: Serve the Chicken Leek Pie hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes or a fresh salad.
Note: The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the recipe you are following. Always refer to the specific recipe for accurate measurements and baking instructions.
Substitutions
Substitutions for Chicken Leek Pie in British cuisine:
1. Chicken:
- Substitute with turkey, pork, or beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the meat used.
2. Leeks:
- Substitute with onions or shallots. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
3. Butter:
- Substitute with margarine or vegetable oil. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
4. Flour:
- Substitute with cornstarch or gluten-free flour if needed. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
5. Chicken stock:
- Substitute with vegetable stock or water mixed with bouillon cubes or powder. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Milk:
- Substitute with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
7. Puff pastry:
- Substitute with shortcrust pastry or pie crust if puff pastry is not available. Adjust baking time and temperature accordingly.
8. Seasonings and herbs:
- Adjust the quantities of salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley to suit your taste preferences.
Note: The substitutions provided may slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish, but they should work well as alternatives in case the original ingredients are not available.
Pairings
- Roasted potatoes
- Buttered peas
- Carrot and swede mash
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Mixed green salad
- Caramelized onions
- Roasted root vegetables
- Braised red cabbage
- Yorkshire pudding
- Gravy
- Apple sauce
- Cranberry sauce
- White wine
- Pale ale
- Cider
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Decorate the top of the pie with intricate pastry cut-outs or a lattice pattern for an elegant touch.
- Sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, on top of the pie to add a pop of color.
- Serve individual portions of the pie in mini cocottes or ramekins for a sophisticated presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of crispy bacon or pancetta on top of the chicken and leek mixture to add a savory crunch.
- Incorporate a handful of sautéed mushrooms into the filling to enhance the umami flavors.
- Mix in a small amount of Dijon mustard or wholegrain mustard to the sauce for a tangy kick.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use free-range or organic chicken for a more flavorful and tender filling.
- Substitute regular butter with truffle butter or add a drizzle of truffle oil to infuse the dish with a luxurious aroma.
- Include a handful of cooked lobster or crab meat in the filling to create a decadent seafood twist on the classic chicken leek pie.
Diet Restrictions
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken with skin to reduce the overall fat content.
- Replace regular pastry with whole wheat or gluten-free pastry for individuals with gluten intolerance or those following a gluten-free diet.
- Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to reduce the calorie and fat content.
- Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter in the pie crust to make it suitable for individuals following a dairy-free or vegan diet.
- Increase the proportion of leeks and other vegetables to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt.
- For individuals with high cholesterol, limit the use of eggs or use egg whites instead of whole eggs in the filling.
- Consider using a dairy-free cheese alternative or omitting cheese altogether for individuals with lactose intolerance or following a dairy-free diet.
- Serve the pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
Healthy Choices
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat or chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat content.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for the crust to increase fiber content.
- Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt to lower the overall fat content.
- Increase the amount of leeks and other vegetables in the filling to boost the nutrient density and add more fiber.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing the leeks to reduce saturated fat intake.
- Add herbs and spices like thyme, garlic, and black pepper to enhance flavor without adding extra salt.
- Limit the amount of salt in the recipe by using low-sodium chicken broth or seasoning with herbs and spices.
- Consider using a smaller portion of pastry or opting for a top-only crust to reduce overall calorie and fat intake.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a salad to increase the vegetable intake and add more vitamins and minerals to the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
2. Opt for pre-made pie crusts or puff pastry sheets for a quicker preparation.
3. Replace leeks with frozen chopped onions to save time on slicing and cleaning.
4. Substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a more affordable option.
5. Utilize leftover cooked chicken or turkey to reduce costs and cooking time.
6. Consider using canned condensed cream of chicken soup as a shortcut for the sauce.
7. Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
8. Use chicken broth or stock cubes instead of making homemade stock.
9. Add herbs and spices to enhance flavor and compensate for any shortcut ingredients.
10. Consider making mini individual pies instead of one large pie for faster cooking and portion control.