Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry is a comforting, classic dish that combines tender chicken, soft leeks, and a creamy sauce all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry. This recipe is a perfect blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a favorite for family dinners or cozy nights in. Despite its gourmet appearance, this pie is straightforward to prepare, and the use of puff pastry ensures a crisp and delicious topping every time.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy chicken and leek filling makes for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Golden Puff Pastry: The crisp, flaky puff pastry adds a perfect contrast to the rich filling.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone will love, making it ideal for family dinners.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic, easy-to-find ingredients that deliver big on flavor.
- Impressive Yet Easy: While it looks impressive, this pie is surprisingly simple to make, making it a great option for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
What is Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry is a savory pie that features a rich, creamy filling of chicken and leeks, topped with a layer of golden, flaky puff pastry. The combination of tender chicken, softened leeks, and a luscious sauce makes this pie a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry Ingredients
- 500g chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large leeks, washed and sliced
- 200ml chicken stock
- 100ml double cream
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté the Leeks: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and slightly golden.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan with the leeks. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and leeks, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Stock and Cream: Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring to create a smooth sauce. Then add the double cream and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and gently place it over the chicken and leek filling, tucking the edges around the filling.
- Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top of the pastry to give it a golden finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Hot: Once the pie is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or on its own.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed green beans, peas, or carrots for a balanced meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great complement to the rich pie filling.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy dressing can help balance the richness of the pie.
- Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry
- Keep the Pastry Cold: Ensure the puff pastry stays cold until you’re ready to bake for the best puff and texture.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Customize the Filling: Add mushrooms, bacon, or other vegetables to the filling for extra flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly and doesn’t steam.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or a medley of vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes.
- Cheesy Topping: Add grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the top of the puff pastry before baking for an extra savory touch.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or tarragon to change the flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Store Leftovers from Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry
- Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the texture of the puff pastry and the flavor of the filling.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the pie (or individual portions) tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat Leftovers from Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry
Oven Reheating:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the pie (or individual portions) in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent the pastry from burning.
- Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the pastry is crisp.
Microwave Reheating:
- For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Be aware that this method may make the pastry less crisp.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry for Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly for Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using it to ensure it bakes evenly and crisps up nicely.
How can I make the pie filling thicker?
To make the pie filling thicker, you can add a little more flour when cooking the chicken and leeks, or let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. This will give the filling a richer, creamier texture.
Can I prepare the Chicken and Leek Pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken and Leek Pie in advance. Assemble the pie, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What can I substitute for cream in the Chicken and Leek Pie filling?
If you prefer a lighter option or need a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the cream with milk, a dairy-free milk substitute, or even more chicken stock. The sauce may be slightly less rich but will still be flavorful and delicious.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. With its creamy chicken and leek filling topped with golden puff pastry, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with your choice of sides for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade pie!
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken And Chorizo Risotto
- Jamie Oliver Chicken And Chorizo Stew
- Jamie Oliver Lasagne
- Jamie Oliver Aubergine Lasagne
- Jamie Oliver Greek Chicken Pasta
jamie oliver chicken and leek pie with puff pastry
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry is a savory pie that features a rich, creamy filling of chicken and leeks, topped with a layer of golden, flaky puff pastry. The combination of tender chicken, softened leeks, and a luscious sauce makes this pie a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
-
- 500g chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
- 2 large leeks, washed and sliced
-
- 200ml chicken stock
-
- 100ml double cream
-
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
-
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
-
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
- 1 ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
-
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
-
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
-
- Sauté the Leeks: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and slightly golden.
-
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan with the leeks. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
-
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and leeks, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
-
- Add Stock and Cream: Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring to create a smooth sauce. Then add the double cream and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
-
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and gently place it over the chicken and leek filling, tucking the edges around the filling.
-
- Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top of the pastry to give it a golden finish.
-
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Step 4: Serve
-
- Serve Hot: Once the pie is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or on its own.