Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Filo Pie is a delicious and lighter alternative to traditional pies, featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a crisp, golden filo pastry crust. This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pie with the delicate, flaky texture of filo pastry, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and elegant. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this pie is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Filo Pie?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Filo Pie is a modern twist on the traditional chicken pie. It features a filling of tender chicken pieces combined with a medley of vegetables and a creamy sauce, all encased in layers of crisp, golden filo pastry. Unlike heavier shortcrust or puff pastry, filo pastry provides a lighter, crunchier texture, making this dish a perfect balance between hearty and delicate. The pie is baked to perfection, resulting in a flavorful filling wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown crust.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Light and Crisp: Filo pastry creates a lighter, crispier crust compared to traditional pie pastries.
• Healthy Option: This pie is packed with vegetables and uses less fat than other pies.
• Quick and Easy: Filo pastry is ready-made, saving you time without sacrificing quality.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavors and tender texture are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
• Beautiful Presentation: The layers of filo create a stunning, golden crust that’s perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 500g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 200g (7 oz) baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 300ml (10 fl oz) chicken stock
• 100ml (3.5 fl oz) crème fraîche or double cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6-8 sheets of filo pastry
• 50g (1.75 oz) unsalted butter, melted

Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Baking dish
• Pastry brush
• Knife and chopping board

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken 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 carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Add the Stock and Cream: Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the crème fraîche or double cream and Dijon mustard, and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
• Combine with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Prepare the Filo Pastry: Lay out the filo sheets on a clean surface and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. Take one sheet and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place it in the baking dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Repeat with 3-4 more sheets, layering them at different angles to cover the dish.
• Add the Filling: Spoon the chicken filling into the filo-lined baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• Top with Filo: Fold the overhanging Filo sheets over the filling, brushing each layer with more melted butter. Place the remaining 2-3 filo sheets on top, scrunching them slightly for a rustic look. Brush the top with butter.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

• Bake Until Golden: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filo pastry is crisp and golden brown.
• Cool Slightly: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie

This chicken filo pie pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pie.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted root vegetables make a hearty side that complements the pie.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add extra comfort to the meal.
• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans provide a fresh contrast to the creamy filling.
• Tomato and Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad of tomatoes and cucumbers adds a burst of freshness.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie

To ensure your chicken filo pie turns out perfectly, consider these expert tips:

• Use Cold Filo: Keep the filo pastry cold until ready to use, as it’s easier to handle and less likely to tear.
• Work Quickly: Filo pastry dries out quickly, so work quickly when assembling the pie, and keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth.
• Season Well: Be generous with seasoning the filling to enhance the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• Butter Each Layer: Brushing each layer of filo with butter ensures a crispy, golden finish.
• Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overfill the pie, as too much filling can cause the pastry to become soggy.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie

Here are a few ways to customize your chicken filo pie:

• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor and extra heartiness to the filling.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a mix of mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the filling for added flavor.
• Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated cheese over the filling before adding the top layer of filo for a cheesy twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo 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 filo pastry crisp.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie

Reheating chicken filo 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 filo starts to overbrown.
• Avoid Microwaving: Reheating in the microwave can make the filo pastry soggy, so it’s best to use the oven.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie Healthier?

For a healthier version of chicken filo 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 yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
• Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or zucchini to bulk up the filling with fewer calories.
• Use Less Butter: Brush the filo with olive oil instead of butter, or use less butter for brushing.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Sodium: 560mg

FAQs

Can I Make Chicken Filo Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make chicken filo pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie as instructed, then cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap the assembled, unbaked pie tightly in cling film and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

How Do You Keep Filo Pastry from Getting Soggy in a Chicken Filo Pie?

To keep filo pastry from getting soggy in a chicken filo pie, make sure the filling is cooled before assembling the pie. A hot filling can cause the filo to become soggy and lose its crispness. Additionally, brush each layer of filo with butter or oil to create a barrier that helps maintain the pastry’s crisp texture during baking.

What Can I Use Instead of Crème Fraîche in Chicken Filo Pie?

If you don’t have crème fraîche, you can substitute it with several alternatives in chicken filo pie. Greek yogurt, sour cream, or heavy cream can all be used in place of crème fraîche, offering similar creamy textures. For a lighter option, try using low-fat yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

How Do I Make Filo Pastry Crispy After Baking?

To keep filo pastry crispy after baking, allow the pie to cool slightly before serving, as this prevents steam from softening the layers. If you need to reheat the pie, do so in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispness. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the pastry soggy.

Final Words

The Jamie Oliver Chicken Filo Pie is a delightful combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and crispy filo pastry. This recipe offers a lighter, healthier twist on traditional chicken pie while still delivering the comforting flavors you crave.

Enjoy making and sharing this dish that brings together the best of classic and modern cooking!

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