Savory Chicken and Vegetable Pie
### Savory Chicken and Vegetable Pie Recipe
This hearty **Chicken and Vegetable Pie** is perfect for a comforting meal any time of year. With a tender, flaky crust and a creamy, flavorful filling of chicken and vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is straightforward, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
#### Ingredients:
– **1 pre-made pie crust** (or homemade if you prefer)
– **500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts**, diced
– **1 onion**, finely chopped
– **1 red bell pepper**, diced
– **1 yellow bell pepper**, diced
– **2 garlic cloves**, minced
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 tablespoon flour**
– **1 cup chicken broth**
– **1/2 cup heavy cream**
– **1 teaspoon paprika**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Fresh parsley**, for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking the pie.
2. **Prepare the Chicken**:
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step locks in the flavor and gives the chicken a nice texture.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables**:
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for the filling.
4. **Make the Sauce**:
– Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir well. This helps to thicken the sauce. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken.
– Add the heavy cream and paprika. Stir well and let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. **Combine the Chicken and Vegetables**:
– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything well. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the filling to be evenly seasoned.
6. **Assemble the Pie**:
– Roll out your pie crust on a floured surface. Transfer it to a pie dish, pressing it gently into the dish. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the pie shell, spreading it out evenly.
7. **Bake**:
– Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
8. **Garnish**:
– Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness.
9. **Serve**:
– Slice the pie and serve warm. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this savory dish!
### Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Vegetable Pie:
– **Crust**: If using a pre-made pie crust, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out to avoid cracking. For a homemade crust, make sure it’s chilled before using to ensure it’s easy to handle.
– **Chicken**: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in your favorite herbs and spices before cooking.
– **Vegetables**: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Mushrooms, carrots, or peas can be great additions.
– **Creamy Filling**: If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add a bit more flour or let the sauce reduce slightly before adding the chicken back in.
– **Freezing**: This pie can be assembled ahead of time and frozen. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
### Conclusion
This **Chicken and Vegetable Pie** is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky pie crust. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a dish to impress guests. Enjoy the rich flavors and easy preparation, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own! If you have any more questions or need another recipe, just let me know!