Indulge in the irresistible flavors of a classic chicken pie without the lengthy preparation time! This recipe, made famous by Jamie Oliver, is a delightful combination of savory chicken, caramelized onions, and earthy mushrooms all tucked under a golden, buttery puff pastry crust. The best part? This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights.
This recipe, featured in Jamie Oliver’s ‘5 Ingredients’ cookbook, is a testament to his philosophy of creating delicious meals with minimal fuss. The secret lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the clever use of time-saving techniques. Instead of relying on cream, this recipe harnesses the natural juices of the chicken and vegetables to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to recreate this culinary masterpiece:
1.
Get started:
Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C) and prepare a large, ovenproof frying pan over high heat. This is where the magic happens! You’ll also need a smaller non-stick pan set aside over medium heat.2.
Sizzling Onions:
Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the larger pan and let it sizzle. Meanwhile, peel and roughly chop two white onions, adding them to the hot pan. For a bolder flavor, you can substitute leeks if you prefer.3.
Chicken Delight:
Roughly chop two-thirds of the chicken thighs, finely chop the rest, and toss them into the pan with the onions. Let it all cook for about six minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown. While you can use chicken breast, thighs are a better choice for this recipe. Their higher fat content translates to richer flavor and a tender texture that’s less likely to dry out.4.
Earthy Mushrooms:
Tear up the mushrooms and place them in the smaller pan. Toast them for four minutes, until they develop a nutty aroma. Then, transfer them to the chicken pan along with half of the thyme leaves.5.
Flavorful Fusion:
Remove the pan from the heat and season generously with salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar and 150ml of water to the pan. Stir everything well.6.
Pastry Perfection:
Work quickly as you roll out the puff pastry until it’s about 2 inches wider than your pan. Carefully place the pastry over the filling, pressing it into the edges with a wooden spoon.7.
Finishing Touches:
Use a knife to make criss-cross patterns on the top of the pastry. Brush the pastry with a teaspoon of olive oil and then decorate the center of the pie with the remaining thyme sprigs.8.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake the pie for 25 minutes, until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbly and hot.Enjoy this simple yet delectable chicken pie, a comforting meal that’s sure to please even the busiest of cooks!
