If you’re craving a heartwarming feast that feels like a hug in every bite, Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe is the perfect go-to dish. This classic British comfort food blends tender chicken thighs and fresh vegetables in a luxuriously creamy sauce, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends or family. With every mouthful, you’ll taste layers of savory goodness that make this pie a treasured recipe to keep in your culinary collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing a delicious chicken pie, and Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe calls for simple, wholesome staples that combine to build fantastic flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of creaminess, heartiness, and flaky pastry crunch.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for depth of flavor.
- Butter: Brings a velvety softness to the sautéed veggies and roux base.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these provide the star protein.
- Onion: Delivers sweetness and aromatic complexity once softened.
- Carrots: Offer a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the filling.
- Celery stalks: Add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the soft ingredients.
- Garlic: Infuses a gentle warmth and savory undertone.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that forms a luscious sauce base.
- Chicken stock: Boosts the savory depth and brings moisture.
- Milk or cream: Creates a smooth creaminess that makes the filling indulgent.
- Dried thyme: Earthy herb notes that complement chicken beautifully.
- Dried sage: Adds a subtle herbaceous edge and traditional flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
- Frozen peas: A pop of sweetness and color mixed into the filling.
- Puff pastry sheet: The golden, flaky crust that makes this pie irresistible.
- Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash to give the pastry a shiny, appetizing finish.
How to Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the chopped chicken thighs and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they brown evenly, developing those beautiful caramelized edges that add irresistible flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to your skillet. Cook everything together for another 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to release their sweet aromas. This step builds the comforting vegetable base that complements the chicken wonderfully.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Sauce
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw taste and form a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken stock followed by the milk or cream, stirring without pause to make a smooth, creamy sauce. This sauce is what brings everything together into a silky, luscious filling.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper for those distinctive herbaceous tones. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes while you stir occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the chicken will finish cooking, infusing every bite with rich flavor.
Step 5: Add Peas and Prepare to Bake
Fold the frozen peas into the savory filling and then transfer everything into a pie dish. Roll out your puff pastry sheet and lay it over the top, trimming any excess. Press the edges down firmly with a fork and slice a few small slits in the pastry to let steam escape, so your crust stays delightfully crisp.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Give the pie a beautiful golden finish by brushing the top with the beaten egg. Pop it into your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed up and wonderfully golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let all the flavors settle.
How to Serve Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme can brighten the presentation and add a fresh herbal kick that contrasts beautifully with the warm, creamy pie. A light dusting of cracked black pepper also adds an inviting aroma right before serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken pie pairs beautifully with crisp garden salad greens tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables like green beans, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts also complement the savory filling and flaky crust, making for a perfectly rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the pie straight from the pan with rustic bread for mopping up the sauce. For a fancier touch, present individual pies using ramekins topped with pastry to make personalized portions that are visually charming and super comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store leftovers tightly covered to preserve the flaky texture of the puff pastry and the freshness of the filling. Reheat gently for the best experience.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen unbaked pies can last up to two months, while baked pies stay delicious for about one month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring the pie back to life, warm it in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes. This method preserves the puff pastry’s crunch and ensures the filling is piping hot throughout, unlike the microwave, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover roast chicken, you can skip the initial browning step and simply add it directly to the sauce. This shortcut saves time and still delivers that delicious, comforting flavor Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe is famous for.
Can I substitute the puff pastry with shortcrust pastry?
Yes, shortcrust will work if you prefer a sturdier, less flaky crust. The pie might have a slightly different texture, but the overall taste will still shine through wonderfully.
Is this recipe dairy-free friendly?
The classic version uses butter and cream or milk, but you can substitute dairy-free margarine and plant-based milk alternatives to make it suitable for dairy-free diets without losing the creamy richness.
How spicy is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe?
It’s a mild and comforting dish with a focus on herbs rather than heat. If you love a little kick, you could easily add a pinch of chili flakes while cooking the vegetables.
Can I add other vegetables to the pie?
Definitely. Mushrooms, leeks, or sweetcorn make wonderful additions or swaps that complement the filling’s texture and flavor, allowing you to customize Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy invitation to savor time-tested flavors wrapped in a golden crust. If you are looking for a dish that brings people together and fills your home with the scent of comfort, don’t hesitate to try Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe. It’s a true gem that promises warmth, satisfaction, and plenty of smiles around the table.
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Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie is a classic British comfort food featuring tender chicken thighs and vegetables cooked in a creamy herb sauce, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. This hearty, flavorful main course is perfect for family dinners and offers a delicious homemade pie experience.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pastry and Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pie later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned on all sides.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Gradually pour in the chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps. Season the mixture with dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Filling: Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add Peas and Prepare Filling: Stir in the frozen peas, then remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the filling mixture into a pie dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry to fit over the pie dish. Place the pastry sheet over the filling, trimming off any excess pastry. Press the edges down firmly using a fork to seal the pie.
- Vent and Egg Wash: Cut a few small slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the pastry surface generously with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Use leftover roast chicken if preferred—skip the initial sauté step and add the cooked chicken directly when making the sauce.
- Try swapping the vegetables with alternatives like leeks, mushrooms, or sweetcorn for different flavor variations.
- Serve the chicken pie with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
