Fast Family Dinner - Super Easy Chicken Pie
Try this fast family dinner - super easy chicken pie recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this fast family dinner - super easy chicken pie recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 50 g butter
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 chicken breasts (about 500g)
- 2 handfuls sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup stock (i use chicken)
- good splosh of white wine (optional)
- 2 tbsps cream (i've used thickened or sour cream)
- fresh herbs (parsley basil, whatever you have going)
- 1 egg and dash of milk
- Carbohydrate 28.2685576923077 g
- Cholesterol 107.5 mg
- Fat 59.6491923076923 g
- Fiber 0.951346157422433 g
- Protein 4.84413461538462 g
- Saturated Fat 30.5097073076923 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (108g)
- Sodium 567.490461538462 mg
- Sugar 27.3172115348853 g
- Trans Fat 3.84486269230769 g
- Calories 661 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut chicken breasts into a few large chunks, place in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to the boil then simmer for about 10 minutes until chicken is cooked right through. Don't overcook it.
- Cut chicken into smaller cubes and set aside.
- Now while your chicken is on the stove you are going to start the sauce. Saute your onions and mushrooms in the butter. I just do this in a saucepan.
- When your onions are nice and soft add in the flour then whisk in the stock and wine (optional).
- Allow sauce to thicken but you don't want it too thick. I like a lot of sauce and serve it over my chicken when the pie is done.
- Add some herbs and season well with salt and pepper.
- Add in your cooked chicken and combine well and finally add in the cream.
- Butter up a pie dish/tart tin, pour the chicken filling in and then top with puff pastry.
- I fold or roll down my pastry edges the whole way around the pie.
- Brush with an egg wash of a beaten egg and a bit of milk.
- Bake in a preheated 180 degree oven for about 25 - 30 minutes, remove from the oven and enjoy.
- If you wanted to make these to give to someone then I would allow the pie to cool to room temperature, wrap tightly and freeze or keep in refrigerator and take to a friend.
- You could also prepare the filling ahead of time and freeze and then just assemble and pop in the oven when you've got a busy day.
- And if you're feeding a big crew just double up your ingredients and cook 2 pies at the same time.
Fast Family Dinner: My Go-To Chicken Pie Recipe
As a busy mom, finding quick and delicious meals for my family is a constant juggling act. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of homework, extracurricular activities, and the ever-present demand for dinner. That's why I've developed a repertoire of easy recipes that are both satisfying and time-efficient. This chicken pie is my absolute go-to when I need a comforting and flavorful meal on the table in a flash.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The ingredients are readily available, and the method is straightforward, even for novice cooks. I often adapt it based on what I have on hand – different herbs, leftover vegetables, even a splash of different wine. It's incredibly forgiving, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. My kids, particularly, adore this pie – crispy pastry, creamy chicken filling; what's not to love?
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner but equally suitable for a casual weekend gathering. I often double the recipe when we're expecting guests. The leftover portions are great for lunch boxes the next day, or you can freeze some for another quick meal down the line. The convenience is a lifesaver for hectic schedules.
Beyond its practicality, this chicken pie offers a comforting sense of home. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is nothing short of magical – warm, savory, and completely irresistible. It's a meal that evokes feelings of coziness and family, reminding me of simpler times. It's not just a meal; it's a tradition.
The creamy chicken filling is rich and decadent, the perfect complement to the flaky puff pastry. I often experiment with the herbs; sometimes it's parsley and basil, sometimes thyme or rosemary – whatever I have fresh on hand. The versatility extends to the type of cream used – I've happily substituted thickened cream with sour cream or even a dollop of crème fraîche, all with equally delicious results.
This chicken pie is more than just a recipe; it's a shortcut to a heartwarming family dinner. It's a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, sometimes the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This pie is a testament to that truth, a recipe that has saved many a busy weeknight.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and freeze it for a future meal. Simply assemble and bake when needed.
- Customize the herbs: Use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. Experiment with different combinations for unique flavor profiles.
- Add vegetables: Throw in some peas, carrots, or other vegetables to add extra nutrients and color.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.
- Use different pastry: Shortcrust pastry or even filo pastry can be substituted for the puff pastry if desired.
This recipe is a true family favorite, and I'm confident it'll become one of yours too. It's the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort – everything a busy family needs in a meal.
