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.