Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie from his 30 Minute Meals series is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, savory leeks, and a creamy sauce all encased in a crisp, golden puff pastry. This recipe is perfect for a quick yet hearty meal that feels both indulgent and homey. Despite its rich flavors, this pie is simple to prepare and can be on the table in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for a busy weeknight dinner.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Comforting and Satisfying: A creamy, savory filling encased in flaky puff pastry provides the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find and affordable.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone at the table will love, from kids to adults.
- Versatile: Can be paired with various sides or enjoyed on its own.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne Recipe
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Chicken Lemon
- Jamie Oliver Chicken And Chorizo Risotto
What is Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie is a quick and easy recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with sautéed leeks in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, all topped with a layer of golden puff pastry. This dish is part of Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals series, designed to deliver delicious and satisfying meals in a short amount of time.
Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie 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
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 cook out 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
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie Leftovers
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 a different type of pastry for Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie?
Yes, you can use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry for Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie. Shortcrust pastry will give the pie a denser, more crumbly texture, which some people may prefer.
Can I make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie ahead of time?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie can be made ahead of time. Prepare the filling and assemble the pie, but do not bake it. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I use instead of cream in the 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.
How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?
To keep the puff pastry from getting soggy, ensure the filling is not too liquidy before adding the pastry on top. You can cook the filling a bit longer to reduce excess liquid. Also, bake the pie at a high temperature to help the pastry crisp up quickly.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek Pie from the 30 Minute Meals series 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 in just 30 minutes!
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie With Puff Pastry
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs
- Jamie Oliver Three Bean Salad
- Jamie Oliver Greek Chicken Pasta
- Jamie Oliver Honey Roasted Parsnips And Carrots
Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie 30 Minutes Meals
- 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 is a quick and easy recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with sautéed leeks in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, all topped with a layer of golden puff pastry. This dish is part of Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals series, designed to deliver delicious and satisfying meals in a short amount of time.
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 cook out 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.