Ingredients
Pie Crust
Filling
Instructions
Step 1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together *1 egg and 1 yolk* with sugar and salt until smooth. Add all-purpose flour and baking powder.
Cut the *unsalted butter into small cubes* and blend it into the mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and combine until a dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and *refrigerate for at least 30 minutes*.
Step 2
Chop the chicken breast into small cubes. Slice mushrooms and onions. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions until *translucent and slightly golden*.
Add mushrooms and chicken to the pan, cooking until the mushrooms are browned and the chicken is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix heavy cream with cornstarch and pour into the pan. Stir until the filling thickens. Grate the cheese and add it, stirring until melted and well combined.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to *180°C (350°F)*. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and line a *22-24 cm (9-inch) pie dish* with it. Trim the edges.
Fill with the prepared chicken and mushroom mixture. Brush the top edges with reserved *egg white*.
Bake in the preheated oven for *25-30 minutes* until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cozy autumn pie!
Servings
Picture this: A cozy blanket, your favorite movie, and a hearty slice of creamy pie 🥧. This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pie is more than just a meal—it's an experience. For a complete autumn-inspired dinner, serve it alongside a crisp, green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens perfectly complements the pie's richness.
Why stop there? Elevate your meal with a glass of white wine or sparkling apple cider—the apple notes really highlight the mushrooms' earthiness. 🍏
For a comforting finish, how about a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream served with a hot slice of cinnamon-topped apple pie? Because life is sweeter with dessert. 🍨
Equipment
A good quality pie dish ensures even baking. Non-stick varieties can help in easy removal of the pie once baked.
Having different sizes helps when separating ingredients and avoiding cross-contamination between dry and wet ingredients.
Both are great for mixing the dough and batter. An electric mixer speeds up the process, but a whisk builds more arm strength!
Essential for rolling out the shortcrust pastry. Lightly flour it to prevent sticking.
Variations
If you're following a gluten-free diet, don't worry, you can still enjoy this delicious pie! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust. Ensure that the corn starch you are using is also gluten-free, as sometimes it can be contaminated with gluten.
For our vegan friends, swap out the chicken for chunks of flavored tofu or seitan, and replace the cream with coconut cream for that rich texture. Use a vegan butter alternative and a flaxseed meal egg substitute for the crust. 🌱
An extra sprinkle of nutritional yeast will give a cheesy flavor without dairy. It's all about adapting to your taste and dietary needs with ease! 😋
Faq
- How do I prevent my crust from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, blind bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps keep it crisp and flaky.
- Can I use store-bought pastry?
Absolutely! If you're short on time, store-bought shortcrust pastry works well. Just ensure it's thawed thoroughly before rolling.
- How can I intensify the flavor of mushrooms?
Sauté the mushrooms with a dash of balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs like thyme for an extra depth of flavor.
- What's the best way to avoid overcooking the chicken?
Cook the chicken just until it's no longer pink inside. Overcooking can make it dry and chewy. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked perfectly.
- Can I freeze the pie for later?
Yes, the pie can be frozen. Make sure it cools completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- What's the secret to a flaky crust?
Keep the butter cold and handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its flakiness. Avoid overmixing to prevent the development of gluten, which makes for a tougher crust.