Indulging in comfort food is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and few dishes embody this notion better than a sumptuous Chicken and Ham Pie. This classic recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or a gathering with friends. In this article, we'll walk you through an irresistible Chicken and Ham Pie recipe, complete with tips and tricks to make your culinary adventure a success! 🍗🥧
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Ingredients You Will Need 🛒
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s a list that will set you up for a delicious Chicken and Ham Pie:
<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Chicken breasts, diced</td> <td>500g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cooked ham, diced</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Onion, finely chopped</td> <td>1 medium</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Carrot, diced</td> <td>1 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Frozen peas</td> <td>100g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Butter</td> <td>50g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Flour</td> <td>50g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chicken stock</td> <td>500ml</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Single cream</td> <td>150ml</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Puff pastry</td> <td>2 sheets</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Egg, beaten</td> <td>1 (for egg wash)</td> </tr> </table>
Important Note: Feel free to use leftover roast chicken and ham; it’s a great way to minimize waste and maximize flavor! ♻️
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Method of Preparation 👩🍳
Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s get started with the preparation.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot. Cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until no longer pink, around 8-10 minutes.
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Create a Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for a couple of minutes until it’s well combined.
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Add the Stock and Cream: Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring to prevent lumps. Once combined, add the single cream and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Incorporate Ham and Peas: Finally, stir in the diced ham and frozen peas, season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this filling cool while you prepare the pastry.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Preparing%20Chicken%20And%20Ham%20Pie%20Filling" alt="Preparing Chicken and Ham Pie Filling" /> </div>
Step 2: Assembling the Pie
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
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Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry to fit the base of your pie dish.
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Add the Filling: Spoon the cooled chicken and ham filling into the pastry-lined pie dish.
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Cover with Pastry: Roll out the second sheet of pastry to cover the top. Seal the edges by crimping with your fingers or a fork. Cut a small slit in the center to allow steam to escape.
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Egg Wash: Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Assembling%20Chicken%20And%20Ham%20Pie" alt="Assembling Chicken and Ham Pie" /> </div>
Step 3: Baking
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Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
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Cool and Serve: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your tongue on that delicious filling!
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Baking%20Chicken%20And%20Ham%20Pie" alt="Baking Chicken and Ham Pie" /> </div>
Tips for the Best Chicken and Ham Pie 🌟
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor of your filling by adding herbs such as thyme or parsley.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to include other vegetables like mushrooms or corn for added texture and taste.
- Freezing Options: This pie freezes beautifully. Assemble it up to the baking stage, then wrap and freeze for a convenient meal later.
Important Note: When reheating, ensure the pie is piping hot all the way through! 🔥
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Chicken%20And%20Ham%20Pie%20Final%20Dish" alt="Final Chicken and Ham Pie Dish" /> </div>
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Chicken and Ham Pie is a hearty dish on its own, but there are several ways to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a Salad: A fresh green salad can balance the richness of the pie.
- Complement with Sides: Pair the pie with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed seasonal vegetables.
- Add Gravy: A rich, homemade gravy can further enhance your dining experience.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Serving%20Chicken%20And%20Ham%20Pie" alt="Serving Chicken and Ham Pie" /> </div>
Conclusion
Creating an irresistible Chicken and Ham Pie is a straightforward process that results in a comforting and delicious meal everyone will love. This recipe not only fills the belly but also warms the heart, making it the perfect addition to your comfort food repertoire. Dive into this dish during chilly evenings or as a delightful family treat, and relish the compliments that will surely follow! Happy cooking! 🥳🍴
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Comfort%20Food%20Chicken%20And%20Ham%20Pie" alt="Comfort Food Chicken and Ham Pie" /> </div>