Perfect Chicken And Ham Pie Recipe

Chicken and Ham Pie, a classic comfort dish, masterfully combines the savory flavors of chicken and ham in a delectable and hearty meal. This pie, often featuring a creamy sauce and sometimes paired with leeks for an added layer of flavor, exemplifies traditional home cooking at its best. Known variably as chicken ham and leek pie, this dish is a beloved staple in many households, especially popular in regions where hearty, filling meals are cherished.

The allure of the chicken and ham pie lies in its rich, comforting taste and the satisfying contrast of its flaky pastry against the tender, flavorful filling. The pie typically begins with a base of succulent chicken pieces and smoky ham chunks, cooked together with onions, garlic, and leeks until perfectly tender. These ingredients are then enveloped in a creamy, often cheese-infused sauce that brings out the best in the chicken and ham partnership.

Prepared either as individual servings or as a large pie to be shared, this dish makes for a perfect family dinner or a festive gathering centerpiece. The chicken and ham pie is not just a meal but a delightful experience, promising warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Kitchen Tools

Large Skillet – For cooking the chicken, ham, and vegetables.
Rolling Pin – To roll out the pastry dough.
Pie Dish – Typically 9-inch, for assembling and baking the pie.
Sharp Knife – For chopping vegetables and cutting the pie.
Cutting Board – For preparing ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
Mixing Bowl – To mix and prepare the filling.
Saucepan – For preparing the sauce.
Pastry Brush – To apply the egg wash on the pastry.
Oven – For baking the pie.

Ingredients

Chicken – 2 cups cooked and diced chicken.
Ham – 1 cup cooked and diced ham.
Leeks – 1 large leek, cleaned and sliced (optional, for a chicken ham and leek pie variant).
Butter – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing and flavor.
Flour – 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce.
Chicken Stock – 1 cup, for the sauce base.
Milk – 1/2 cup, to create a creamy sauce.
Cheese – 1/2 cup grated cheese (e.g., cheddar), optional for extra richness.
Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
Ready-Made Pastry Dough – Enough to cover the pie dish, top and bottom if a bottom crust is desired.
Egg – 1, beaten for egg wash.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley – For garnish and added flavor, optional.

How To Make Chicken and Ham Pie?

Preparing the Filling

Begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks (if using) and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked chicken and ham, mixing well to combine. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat the ingredients evenly. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Making the Sauce

Gradually pour in the chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly to combine with the flour and prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using cheese, add it to the mixture and stir until it’s melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the pastry.

Preparing the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pastry dough to fit your pie dish with enough excess to hang over the sides. Gently place one layer of dough into the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides without stretching.

Assembling the Pie

Spoon the filling into the pastry-lined pie dish, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second piece of dough to form the top layer of the pie. Place this over the filling, and trim any excess pastry around the edges. Crimp the edges to seal the pie. Make a few slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking the Pie

Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish when baked. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Serving

Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired. This comforting Chicken and Ham Pie is perfect with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade delight!

What to serve with Chicken and Ham Pie?

When serving a Chicken and Ham Pie, especially if it’s a delicious variant like a chicken ham and leek pie or chicken leek and ham pie, you can complement it with a variety of side dishes that enhance the flavors and textures of the main course. Here are some great options:

Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can add a crisp, refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the pie.
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans seasoned with a touch of garlic butter make a simple yet flavorful side that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling of the pie.
Roasted Carrots: Carrots roasted with honey and herbs offer a sweet and savory side that complements the savory notes of the chicken, ham, and leeks.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a delightful base for any gravy or creamy sauce that might accompany the pie, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.
Cabbage Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw, with a light dressing, can add a crunchy, zesty contrast to the soft and savory textures of the pie.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce of the chicken ham and leek pie, adding a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Sauteed Spinach: Spinach sautéed with a bit of olive oil and garlic complements the pie without overpowering its flavors, adding a healthy and flavorful touch.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt can add a hearty earthiness to the meal.

Each of these sides not only adds to the meal by providing variety and balance but also ensures that every bite of your chicken leek and ham pie meal is memorable and satisfying.

Variations

Turkey and Bacon Pie: Swap out the chicken and ham for turkey and bacon for a twist on the traditional flavor, perfect for using up holiday leftovers.
Seafood Pie: Use a mix of seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and crab in place of chicken and ham for a luxurious pie that’s great for special occasions.
Vegetarian Pie: Omit the meats and add a hearty mix of mushrooms, carrots, peas, and potatoes for a vegetarian version that still feels indulgent.
Spicy Pie: Introduce a bit of heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for those who appreciate a spicy kick.
Curry Chicken Pie: Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the filling for an aromatic and flavorful variation that pairs wonderfully with the creamy components.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pastry dough to make this pie suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Dairy-Free Options: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk to cater to dairy-free diets.
Low-Carb Crust: Create a crust with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower carbohydrate option.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella for a change in flavor profile in the sauce.
Vegan Pie: Utilize plant-based chicken and ham substitutes along with vegan cheese and dairy alternatives to create a completely vegan version of this classic pie.

Making Ahead

Prepare in stages: You can prepare the filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie with the crust when you are ready to bake to keep the pastry fresh and flaky.
Assemble and refrigerate: Fully assemble the chicken and ham pie, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It can be stored like this for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

Storage

Refrigerating: After baking, let the pie cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pie either baked or unbaked. Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Unbaked pies can be stored for up to 3 months, and baked pies for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.

Reheating

Oven method: Reheat the pie in the oven to help the pastry regain its crispness. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the pie with foil to prevent the crust from burning, and heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, individual servings can be microwaved. Place a slice of the pie on a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, but be aware this method might soften the crust rather than crisp it.

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

For chicken and ham pie, both puff pastry and shortcrust pastry work well. Puff pastry offers a light, flaky texture, ideal for the top crust, while shortcrust provides a sturdy base that holds up well to the moist filling.

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of chicken and ham pie by substituting plant-based butter for regular butter and using a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or soy milk for the sauce. For a richer sauce, coconut milk is an excellent choice.

To thicken the filling, ensure you use enough flour when cooking the chicken and ham with the vegetables. Alternatively, a mixture of cornstarch and water added to the filling can help achieve the desired consistency without altering the flavor significantly.

Chicken and ham pie freezes very well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, extend the baking time to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked through. If freezing a baked pie, reheat it in the oven until it’s fully warmed through and the crust crisps up again.

Light and simple sides complement chicken and ham pie best due to its rich and creamy filling. Options include steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots, a crisp green salad, or even just some freshly baked bread for soaking up any creamy sauce. These sides add a nice balance without overwhelming the main dish.

Chicken And Ham Pie

Recipe by JesseCourse: MainCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

580

kcal

Total time

hour

Ingredients

Chicken – 2 cups cooked and diced chicken.
Ham – 1 cup cooked and diced ham.
Leeks – 1 large leek, cleaned and sliced (optional, for a chicken ham and leek pie variant).
Butter – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing and flavor.
Flour – 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce.
Chicken Stock – 1 cup, for the sauce base.
Milk – 1/2 cup, to create a creamy sauce.
Cheese – 1/2 cup grated cheese (e.g., cheddar), optional for extra richness.
Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
Ready-Made Pastry Dough – Enough to cover the pie dish, top and bottom if a bottom crust is desired.
Egg – 1, beaten for egg wash.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley – For garnish and added flavor, optional.

Directions

Begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks (if using) and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked chicken and ham, mixing well to combine. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat the ingredients evenly. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly to combine with the flour and prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using cheese, add it to the mixture and stir until it’s melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the pastry.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pastry dough to fit your pie dish with enough excess to hang over the sides. Gently place one layer of dough into the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides without stretching.
Spoon the filling into the pastry-lined pie dish, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second piece of dough to form the top layer of the pie. Place this over the filling, and trim any excess pastry around the edges. Crimp the edges to seal the pie. Make a few slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish when baked. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired. This comforting Chicken and Ham Pie is perfect with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade delight!

Conclusion

Chicken and ham pie stands out as a beloved dish that captures the essence of comfort food with its rich, creamy filling and flaky pastry crust. This pie is not just a meal but an experience, offering a delightful mix of flavors that satisfy the palate. It’s perfect for family dinners, festive occasions, or simply as a warming meal during the colder months. The versatility of chicken and ham pie also allows for various adaptations, whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or experimenting with different flavor profiles.

Its ability to be made ahead and frozen adds to its appeal, making it a practical choice for busy schedules. Indeed, chicken and ham pie embodies the heartwarming essence of home-cooked meals, bringing joy and satisfaction to any table.

Perfect Chicken And Ham Pie Recipe

Kitchen Tools

Ingredients