Chicken and Mushroom Pie

Today, we are making Chicken and mushroom pie, a comfort food that is popular in many parts of the world. Its golden crust holds earthy mushrooms and tender pieces of chicken. Originally created to preserve food, the pie crust was inedible.

In Medieval England, pie crusts were made simply from flour and water. However, in the 16th century, the pie crust evolved, shifting from a sturdy structure to a lighter, flakier, and butterier version. Interestingly, the Ancient Egyptians were the first to create pie crusts using oats, wheat, and barley. Moreover, a recipe for chicken pie was even carved on a tablet dating back to 2000 BC. Just think about it: the first chicken pie was enjoyed over 4,000 years ago! 🤔

Ingredients

Chicken breasts or thighs, Salt, Black pepper, Paprika, Oregano, Thyme, Shortcut pastry, Puff pastry, Fresh cream, Dijon mustard, Butter, Egg , Flour, Beans. Onions, Mushroom, Garlic cloves, Green onions, Fresh Parsley.

Chicken breasts and thighs are both suitable options for making chicken and mushroom pie. Chicken breasts are lean and tender, while chicken thighs are juicier and offer a richer flavor due to their higher fat content. Cut the chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking. Salt is an essential seasoning that enhances flavor. Black pepper adds a mild, earthy taste, while paprika brings a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. Oregano has a slightly bitter, citrusy taste, and thyme has mint undertones that can be somewhat lemony.

Shortcut pastry forms a crumbly base that becomes sturdy once baked, providing the foundation for the chicken and mushroom pie. Blind baking helps prevent the shortcrust pastry from losing its shape and puffing up in the oven. For the top layer, puff pastry is used; it is light and flaky and is brushed with a whisked egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish. Fresh cream adds a smooth and luxurious taste to the chicken and mushroom filling. Dijon mustard provides a spicy, sharp flavor, while butter adds a rich, nutty taste. Flour is crucial for thickening the gravy, creating a creamy filling that holds the ingredients together.

Beans are used during the blind baking process, while onions add sweetness and depth. Mushrooms enhance the dish’s savory aspect, fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous flavor, and garlic cloves impart an aromatic, slightly spicy note. Green onions lend a mild and fresh taste, and fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous flavor to the overall dish.

---

What makes a Great Chicken & Mushroom pie?

Chicken and mushroom pie consists of vegetables, chicken, and a delicious sauce. The rich flavours of the gravy bring everything together. Adding fresh herbs brightens up the dish. Dijon mustard and fresh cream add a different dimension to the dish; they give the sauce a luxurious texture and taste.

All of these components play an essential role in creating a great pie. Depending on the type of pie you are creating, chicken and mushroom pie can take the form of a pot pie, hand pie, or an English pie, each consisting of two types of pie dough.

One is the shortcrust pie, which forms the base of the pie, and the other is the puff pastry dough, which is considered the crowning glory of the chicken and mushroom pie. If you do not have shortcrust pie dough, it is perfectly fine to skip this extra step and use only the puff pastry dough. Then, it will be called a Chicken and mushroom pot pie.

Instructions

Remove the store-bought shortcrust pastry and puff pastry from the freezer. Allow about thirty minutes for the pastry to reach room temperature. Next, roll out the shortcrust pastry and use it to line the bottom and sides of a casserole dish. Be sure to press the pastry into the corners of the dish. Since shortcrust pastry tends to shrink during baking, it needs to be blind-baked. This involves lining the pastry’s surface with parchment paper and filling the dish with baking beans to help maintain its shape.

Preheat the oven to 190 °C and bake the casserole for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, carefully remove the casserole from the oven, taking off the parchment paper and the beans. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside. Blind baking helps prevent shrinkage and maintains the shape of the shortcrust pastry, resulting in an even bake.

In a large pan, add two tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 7 to 9 minutes, until the garlic is caramelized, which adds depth to the chicken and mushroom pie.

Add the chicken and cook for five to eight minutes, stirring frequently to develop a rich flavor and color. Next, add the sliced spring onions and mushrooms. Then, incorporate the fresh cream, spices, and Dijon mustard. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for seven to nine minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the filling from burning on the bottom of the pot.

Transfer the filling to the casserole dish with the shortcrust pastry, spreading it evenly. Cover it with puff pastry, sealing the filling inside.

Separate one egg into a small bowl and whisk it vigorously. Use a brush to apply the egg wash to the puff pastry’s surface.

Place the chicken and mushroom pie in the oven and bake for twenty to twenty-five minutes. Once the puff pastry is golden brown, remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for ten minutes.

Chicken and Mushroom pie is well-known in the UK and has also gained popularity in the US. Many Americans enjoy the flavor of pot pies but often skip adding the shortcrust pastry on the bottom.

This alternative version is not only delicious but also saves time when preparing the dish. In Australia, mashed potatoes and peas are often added to pies, making them a heartier dish. In contrast, the French typically enhance their pies with wine and salami.

How to store Chicken and Mushroom Pie?

Store in the fridge for two to three days. Reheat in the microwave. Freeze the pie for two to three months. Use disposable foil tins for the pie. Pre-bake the shortcrust pastry and add the filling. Top with the puff pastry and freeze. Only bake the pies when it is time to eat them.

What can you serve with Chicken and Mushroom Pie?

Serve alongside a Simple green salad or Caesar salad. Other side dishes include mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Consider this Green bean recipe if you want a side dish with unique flavours. It will pair well with the Chicken and mushroom pie.