Hairy Bikers Chicken And Leek Pie Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Chicken and Leek Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This classic British pie combines tender chicken and sweet leeks in a creamy, savory sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust.

This guide will walk you through the steps to create a delicious and satisfying pie that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

What is Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie?

Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie is a classic British dish created by the beloved culinary duo, the Hairy Bikers. This pie features a rich, creamy filling made from tender chunks of cooked chicken and sweet leeks, often enhanced with herbs and a velvety white sauce or cream. The filling is encased in either a shortcrust or puff pastry, which is baked to golden, flaky perfection. Known for its hearty, comforting flavors, the Hairy Bikers’ version of this pie strikes the perfect balance between the succulent filling and the crisp, buttery pastry, making it a cherished favorite among British comfort foods.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken And Leek Pie
• Hairy Bikers Meat And Potato Pie
• James Martin Chicken And Leek Pie

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: A warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
• Rich and Creamy Filling: The combination of chicken, leeks, and cream creates a luxurious filling that’s full of flavor.
• Flaky Pastry Crust: The pastry adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Can be made ahead and reheated, making it convenient for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie

You need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

For the Filling:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken stock
• 150ml (5 fl oz) double cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)

For the Pastry:

• 500g (18 oz) ready-made puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)

Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Pie dish
• Baking tray

Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie

Follow these simple steps to make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Leek Filling

• Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Sauté the Leeks and Garlic: In the same pan, add the sliced leeks and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the leeks are soft.
• Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the leeks and garlic, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Add Stock and Cream: Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the double cream and mustard, and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
• Combine with Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, stir to combine, and cook for another 5 minutes until the filling is heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme leaves if using. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

• Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to fit the top of your pie dish, with a little extra to hang over the edges.
• Line the Pie Dish: If using shortcrust pastry for the base, line the pie dish with a portion of the rolled-out pastry. Trim any excess, leaving enough to fold over the filling later.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

• Fill the Pie Dish: Spoon the chicken and leek filling into the prepared pie dish.
• Cover with Pastry: Place the rolled-out pastry over the top of the pie dish, pressing down around the edges to seal. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
• Glaze the Pastry: Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
• Cut a Steam Hole: Make a small cut in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking tray to catch any drips, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
• Cool Slightly: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie

This pie pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and hearty side.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed carrots, green beans, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
• Garden Salad: A fresh, crisp salad helps to cut through the richness of the pie.
• Gravy: A rich gravy can complement the pie’s filling, especially if you love extra sauce.
• Buttered Peas: Simple buttered peas add a sweet contrast to the savory filling.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie

To ensure your chicken and leek pie turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use Thighs for Flavor: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than breasts, making them ideal for pies.
• Cool the Filling: Let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the pastry to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the pastry edges are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Use Cold Pastry: Keep the pastry cold before baking to ensure it puffs up and turns golden.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the pie rest for a few minutes before cutting into it, which allows the filling to set slightly.

Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie

Here are a few ways to customize your chicken and leek pie:

• Add Bacon: Cooked, diced bacon adds a smoky flavor to the filling.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated cheese over the filling before covering it with pastry for a cheesy twist.
• Herbed Pastry: Mix finely chopped herbs into the pastry dough for added flavor.
• Creamy Mustard Sauce: Increase the mustard for a tangier filling with extra depth.

Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your pie:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with foil or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later: The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in cling film and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat in Oven: Reheat the pie in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through. This helps keep the pastry crisp.

Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie

Reheating chicken and leek pie while maintaining its crispness and flavor is easy:

• Oven Reheating: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat the pie for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil if the pastry starts to over-brown.
• Avoid Microwaving: Reheating in the microwave can make the pastry soggy, so it’s best to use the oven.

How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie Healthier?

To create a healthier version of chicken and leek pie, consider these adjustments:

• Use Leaner Chicken: Opt for chicken breast instead of thighs for a lower fat content.
• Reduce Cream: Replace some or all of the cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Add More Vegetables: Increase the amount of leeks and add other vegetables like carrots or peas to bulk up the filling with less meat.
• Whole Wheat Pastry: Use whole wheat pastry or a reduced-fat pastry option for a healthier crust.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

Can I Make Chicken and Leek Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make chicken and leek pie ahead of time. Prepare the filling and assemble the pie, then cover it with cling film and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled pie for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

How Do I Prevent the Pastry from Getting Soggy in a Chicken and Leek Pie?

To prevent the pastry from getting soggy in a chicken and leek pie, make sure the filling is cooled before adding it to the pastry. Hot filling can cause the butter in the pastry to melt prematurely, resulting in a soggy crust. You can also blind-bake the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling to ensure it stays crisp.

What Can I Use Instead of Cream in a Chicken and Leek Pie?

If you want to avoid using cream in a chicken and leek pie, you can substitute it with a lower-fat option like whole milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative such as almond or oat milk. To maintain the creamy texture, you can also mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with the milk substitute to help thicken the sauce.

Is It Better to Use Puff Pastry or Shortcrust Pastry for Chicken and Leek Pie?

The choice between puff pastry and shortcrust pastry for a chicken and leek pie depends on your preference. Puff pastry creates a light, flaky top crust that puffs up beautifully, while shortcrust pastry is denser and more crumbly, providing a sturdier base if used for both the bottom and top. Puff pastry is often preferred for the top crust, while shortcrust can be used for both the top and bottom if you prefer a more substantial pie.

Can I Make Chicken and Leek Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make chicken and leek pie ahead of time. Prepare the filling and assemble the pie, then cover it with cling film and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled pie for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

How Do I Prevent the Pastry from Getting Soggy in a Chicken and Leek Pie?

To prevent the pastry from getting soggy in a chicken and leek pie, make sure the filling is cooled before adding it to the pastry. Hot filling can cause the butter in the pastry to melt prematurely, resulting in a soggy crust. You can also blind-bake the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling to ensure it stays crisp.

What Can I Use Instead of Cream in a Chicken and Leek Pie?

If you want to avoid using cream in a chicken and leek pie, you can substitute it with a lower-fat option like whole milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative such as almond or oat milk. To maintain the creamy texture, you can also mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with the milk substitute to help thicken the sauce.

Is It Better to Use Puff Pastry or Shortcrust Pastry for Chicken and Leek Pie?

The choice between puff pastry and shortcrust pastry for a chicken and leek pie depends on your preference. Puff pastry creates a light, flaky top crust that puffs up beautifully, while shortcrust pastry is denser and more crumbly, providing a sturdier base if used for both the bottom and top. Puff pastry is often preferred for the top crust, while shortcrust can be used for both the top and bottom if you prefer a more substantial pie.

Final Words

The Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie is the epitome of comfort food, ideal for any occasion. With its rich, creamy filling and golden, flaky pastry, this pie is destined to become a family favorite. Serve it at a Sunday dinner or a special gathering, and you’ll delight in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This classic British dish is both satisfying and delicious, making it a must-have in your recipe collection. Follow this recipe, and bring a taste of tradition to your table.

More By British Baking Recipes

• Delia Chicken And Leek Pie
• Mary Berry Shortcrust Pastry
• Mary Berry Filo Pastry

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