Chicken pie

Chicken Pie

Chicken pie is a delicious dish made with a flaky pastry crust and a savory filling of chicken and vegetables. It is a popular comfort food enjoyed by people all over the world. In this article, we will explore the history of chicken pie, its ingredients, and how to make it at home.

History

The history of chicken pie can be traced back to ancient times. Pies were a common way of cooking and preserving food in many cultures. The concept of enclosing a filling in a pastry crust dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

In medieval Europe, pies became a staple of the culinary tradition. Chicken pie, in particular, gained popularity during this time. It was often served at banquets and feasts, showcasing the wealth and status of the host.

Ingredients

The ingredients for a classic chicken pie may vary depending on regional and personal preferences. However, the basic components typically include:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used. They are cooked and shredded or diced before being added to the pie.

• Vegetables: Common vegetables used in chicken pie include carrots, peas, onions, and celery. These vegetables add flavor and texture to the filling.

• Sauce: A creamy sauce is usually made to bind the chicken and vegetables together. It can be made with a combination of chicken broth, milk or cream, and flour or cornstarch for thickening.

• Seasonings: Various herbs and spices can be added to enhance the flavor of the filling. Popular choices include thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Preparation

To make a chicken pie, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature.

2. Prepare the pastry crust by either making it from scratch or using store-bought pastry dough.

3. In a large skillet, cook the chicken until it is no longer pink. Remove from heat and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.

4. In the same skillet, sauté the vegetables until they are tender. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.

5. In a separate saucepan, prepare the creamy sauce by combining chicken broth, milk or cream, and flour or cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.

6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine.

7. Roll out the pastry dough and line a pie dish with it. Pour the chicken and vegetable filling into the pie dish.

8. Cover the filling with another layer of pastry dough, sealing the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

9. Bake the chicken pie in the preheated oven for the specified time or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Serving

Chicken pie is typically served hot as a main course. It can be accompanied by a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Leftover chicken pie can be refrigerated and reheated for later consumption.

See Also

• Pie
• Comfort food
• Poultry