Hairy Bikers Chicken and Mushroom Pie Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and sweet leeks in a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. This classic British pie is perfect for a family dinner, offering a warm, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a pie that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

What is Hairy Bikers Chicken and Mushroom Pie?

Hairy Bikers’ Chicken, Leek, and Mushroom Pie is a traditional British dish that combines succulent chicken, tender leeks, and flavorful mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. The filling is encased in a buttery puff or shortcrust pastry and then baked until golden and crispy. This pie is known for its comforting flavors and the perfect balance of creamy filling and flaky pastry, making it a beloved dish for any occasion.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: A warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of year.
• Rich and Creamy Filling: The combination of chicken, leeks, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce is the ultimate comfort food.
• Golden, Flaky Pastry: The buttery pastry adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
• Versatile: This pie can be adapted to include additional vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Mushroom Pie

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 600g (1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken stock
• 150ml (5 fl oz) double cream
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon 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 Mushroom Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken, Leek, and Mushroom Filling

• Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, leeks, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
• Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Add Stock and Cream: Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the double cream and Dijon mustard, and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
• Combine with Chicken: Return the browned 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 (Optional): If you prefer a pastry base, line the pie dish with a portion of the rolled-out pastry, trimming any excess.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Fill the Pie Dish: Spoon the chicken, leek, and mushroom filling into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly.
• Cover with Pastry: Place the rolled-out pastry over the top of the filling, 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

• Bake Until Golden: 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 Mushroom Pie

This hearty pie pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add extra comfort to the meal.
• 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, homemade gravy enhances the flavors of the pie.
• Buttered Peas: Simple buttered peas add a sweet contrast to the savory filling.

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

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

• Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than breasts, making them ideal for this pie.
• 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: Ensure the pastry edges are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Brush with Egg Wash: Brushing the pastry with beaten egg gives it a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after baking to help the filling set.

Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken and Mushroom Pie

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

• Add Bacon: Cooked, diced bacon adds a smoky flavor to the filling.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or a mix of more 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 like rosemary or thyme into the pastry dough for added flavor.
• Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the filling for a subtle warmth.

Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken and Mushroom 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 Mushroom Pie

Reheating chicken, leek, and mushroom 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.
• 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 Mushroom Pie Healthier?

For a healthier version of chicken, leek, and mushroom pie, consider these adjustments:

• Use Lean Chicken Breast: 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.
• Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to bulk up the filling with fewer calories.
• Whole Wheat Pastry: Use whole wheat pastry or a reduced-fat pastry option for a healthier crust.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 530
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 30g
• Sodium: 610mg

FAQs

Can I Make Chicken, Leek, and Mushroom Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, chicken, leek, and mushroom pie can be made ahead of time. Prepare the filling and assemble the pie, then cover it tightly with cling film and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked 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 Chicken, Leek, and Mushroom Pie?

To prevent the pastry from getting soggy in chicken, leek, and mushroom 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. Additionally, you can blind-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling to ensure a crisp base.

What Type of Mushrooms Are Best for Chicken, Leek, and Mushroom Pie?

Button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or chestnut mushrooms are ideal for chicken, leek, and mushroom pie. These mushrooms have a mild flavor that complements the chicken and leeks without overpowering the dish. If you prefer a stronger mushroom flavor, you can use a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for added depth.

Can I use a puff pastry instead of a shortcrust pastry for chicken, leeks, and mushroom pie?

Yes, puff pastry can be used instead of shortcrust pastry for chicken, leek, and mushroom pie. Puff pastry will give the pie a lighter, flakier texture compared to the denser, crumbly shortcrust pastry. Whether you use puff pastry for just the top or for both the top and bottom crust, it will add a deliciously crispy layer to the pie.

Final Words

The Hairy Bikers Chicken, Leek, and Mushroom Pie is a comforting, classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy filling and golden, flaky pastry, this pie is sure to become a family favorite.

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