Hairy Bikers’ Chicken and Ham Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pieces of chicken, flavorful ham, and a rich, creamy sauce, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry. This hearty and satisfying pie is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its balance of flavors and textures, it’s a classic British dish that’s sure to impress.
Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken and Ham Pie is a traditional British pie filled with a creamy chicken and ham mixture. The filling is made with cooked chicken, ham, and vegetables, all coated in a luscious white sauce. The pie is baked to perfection with a golden, flaky pastry crust that adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Hearty and filling: This pie is packed with protein and rich flavors, making it a satisfying main course.
- Perfect for leftovers: It’s an ideal way to use up leftover chicken or ham from a roast dinner.
- Classic comfort food: The creamy filling and flaky pastry make this a warming, indulgent dish.
- Family favorite: This recipe is great for feeding a hungry family, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
- Simple yet impressive: Despite its rustic appearance, this pie is relatively easy to make and looks impressive on the table.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
For the Filling:
- Cooked chicken (500g, shredded or diced): Leftover roast chicken works perfectly.
- Cooked ham (200g, diced): Adds a salty, savory flavor to the pie.
- Butter (50g): Used to make the roux for the sauce.
- Plain flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce.
- Chicken stock (400ml): Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Double cream (100ml): Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- Leeks (2, sliced): Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
- Mushrooms (150g, sliced): Optional, for added earthy flavor.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Enhances the savory flavors of the filling.
- Fresh thyme (a few sprigs, leaves only): Adds a subtle herbal note.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
For the Pastry:
- Ready-made puff pastry (1 sheet): Makes the pie easy and quick to assemble.
- Egg (1, beaten): For brushing the pastry to give it a golden finish.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted.
- Add the sliced leeks and mushrooms (if using) and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the sauce
- Stir in the plain flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens, then stir in the double cream and Dijon mustard.
- Add the cooked chicken, diced ham, and thyme leaves, and stir until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 4: Assemble the pie
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface if it needs to be rolled thinner.
- Spoon the chicken and ham filling into the pie dish.
- Lay the pastry over the filling, trimming any excess and crimping the edges to seal.
- Use the trimmings to decorate the top of the pie if desired.
- Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden color when baked.
Step 5: Bake the pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the pie hot, either on its own or with a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this classic dish.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
- Mashed potatoes: A classic side that complements the creamy filling.
- Steamed vegetables: Serve with green beans, peas, or carrots for a balanced meal.
- Gravy: A light chicken gravy can be served on the side for extra flavor.
- Crisp salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pie.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy filling.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
- Use leftover chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roast chicken, making it even easier to prepare.
- Chill the filling: Let the filling cool slightly before adding the pastry to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Brush with egg wash: Brushing the pastry with beaten egg ensures a golden, shiny crust.
- Experiment with flavors: Add other herbs such as parsley or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pie.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken and ham with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
- Turkey and bacon pie: Swap the chicken for turkey and add bacon instead of ham for a twist on the classic.
- Chicken and leek pie: Omit the ham and focus on a creamy chicken and leek filling for a simpler version.
- Cheesy topping: Add grated cheese on top of the filling before covering with pastry for a cheesy surprise.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free puff pastry and flour for a gluten-free option.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The pie can be frozen. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat once: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
- Oven method: Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to restore the crispness of the pastry.
- Microwave method: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the pastry may lose some of its crispness.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie Healthier?
- Use less cream: Reduce the amount of double cream or use a lighter alternative like single cream.
- Increase vegetables: Add more leeks, carrots, or peas to the filling for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Swap puff pastry: Use a filo pastry topping for a lighter, flakier option that reduces fat content.
- Lower-fat ham: Opt for lean ham to cut down on fat without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g
FAQs
Can I use leftover roast chicken for Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie?
Yes, leftover roast chicken works perfectly for this pie. Simply shred or dice the chicken and mix it into the filling, making the recipe even easier and faster to prepare.
Can I freeze Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
How can I make the pastry crispier on Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie?
To achieve a crispier pastry, brush the top with a beaten egg before baking, and ensure the filling is slightly cooled before covering it with pastry to prevent sogginess.
What can I use instead of cream in Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie?
For a lighter version, you can substitute double cream with single cream, or even use a mix of milk and a small amount of flour to thicken the sauce without the richness of cream.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken and Ham Pie is the ultimate comfort dish, bringing together tender chicken, savory ham, and a creamy sauce in a flaky pastry crust.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Cheese and Potato Pie
- Jamie Oliver Pea And Mint Risotto
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken and Ham Pie is a traditional British pie filled with a creamy chicken and ham mixture. The filling is made with cooked chicken, ham, and vegetables, all coated in a luscious white sauce. The pie is baked to perfection with a golden, flaky pastry crust that adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Cooked chicken (500g, shredded or diced): Leftover roast chicken works perfectly.
- Cooked ham (200g, diced): Adds a salty, savory flavor to the pie.
- Butter (50g): Used to make the roux for the sauce.
- Plain flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce.
- Chicken stock (400ml): Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Double cream (100ml): Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- Leeks (2, sliced): Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
- Mushrooms (150g, sliced): Optional, for added earthy flavor.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Enhances the savory flavors of the filling.
- Fresh thyme (a few sprigs, leaves only): Adds a subtle herbal note.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
For the Pastry:
- Ready-made puff pastry (1 sheet): Makes the pie easy and quick to assemble.
- Egg (1, beaten): For brushing the pastry to give it a golden finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted.
- Add the sliced leeks and mushrooms (if using) and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the sauce
- Stir in the plain flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens, then stir in the double cream and Dijon mustard.
- Add the cooked chicken, diced ham, and thyme leaves, and stir until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 4: Assemble the pie
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface if it needs to be rolled thinner.
- Spoon the chicken and ham filling into the pie dish.
- Lay the pastry over the filling, trimming any excess and crimping the edges to seal.
- Use the trimmings to decorate the top of the pie if desired.
- Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden color when baked.
Step 5: Bake the pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the pie hot, either on its own or with a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this classic dish.
