These Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pies are a delightful and savory treat, combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for any occasion, these pies are sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Here’s the detailed recipe to guide you through the process.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 500g (17.6 oz): This is the base for the pies, providing the delicious, flaky crust.
Chicken Breast
- 350g (12.3 oz): Cut into pieces, the chicken offers a rich source of protein and a savory flavor.
Mushrooms
- 250g (8.8 oz): Chopped mushrooms contribute a deep, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
Brown Onion
- 1 medium: Diced, the onion adds a touch of sweetness and aroma to the filling.
Cream Cheese
- 150g (⅔ cup): This ingredient brings a rich and creamy texture to the filling.
Chopped Parsley
- 1 ½ tablespoons: Fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness to balance the richness of the filling.
Herbes de Provence
- 1 teaspoon: This classic French herb blend gives the pies a lovely, aromatic flavor.
Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon: A dash of black pepper to season the filling.
Salt
- 1 teaspoon: Adjust the salt to taste to enhance the flavors.
Egg Yolk
- 1: The egg yolk will be used to brush the pastries, giving them a golden and glossy finish.
Milk
- 1 tablespoon: Mixed with the egg yolk for the glaze to add richness and shine.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Sauté the Onion and Chicken: Start by heating a drizzle of light olive oil in a medium-high heat pan. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 2 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Next, add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 2 ½ minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Mushrooms and Herbs: Once the chicken is slightly cooked, incorporate the chopped mushrooms into the pan. Cook for an additional 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the herbes de Provence and chopped parsley, stirring for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Finish the Filling: Finally, add the cream cheese to the mixture and stir for about 1 ½ minutes until the cream cheese is well combined with the chicken and mushrooms. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary. Let the mixture cool for a while before assembling the pies.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Set the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400°F) or 180°C for fan ovens (Gas Mark 6). The oven should be preheated to ensure the pies bake evenly and the puff pastry crisps up beautifully.
3. Prepare the Pastry
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Cut the dough into squares, each measuring about 12 x 12 cm (4.7 x 4.7 inches). Gently stretch each square using your fingers to make them slightly larger.
4. Assemble the Pies
- Fill the Pastry: Place about 1 ½ tablespoons of the prepared chicken and mushroom filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Seal the Pies: Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle shape. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the pies and prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the stuffed pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pies are not touching to allow even heat circulation while baking.
5. Egg Wash
- Brush the Pies: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the top of each pie. This will give the pies a beautiful golden finish once they bake.
6. Bake the Pies
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pies for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Check the pies after 20 minutes to ensure they are not overbaked.
7. Cool and Serve
- Cool the Pies: Once the pies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve: Serve the pies warm as a hearty snack or as part of a main meal. They pair perfectly with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Helpful Tips
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, leeks, or peas to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Check for Crispness: To ensure the pastry is crispy, you can bake the pies for an additional 5 minutes if they are not golden enough.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pies in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just bake them when you are ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast. They will add more flavor and juiciness to the pies.
Can I make the pastry from scratch?
If you prefer homemade pastry, you can make puff pastry from scratch. However, store-bought puff pastry saves time and is just as delicious for this recipe.
Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, these pies can be frozen before baking. Assemble them as directed, then freeze on a baking tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blue cheese for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to retain their crispness.
Conclusion
These Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pies are an irresistible combination of crispy pastry, creamy chicken filling, and savory mushrooms. Whether you are preparing them for a casual meal or a special occasion, these pies will surely impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and comforting. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or make a batch ahead of time to have them on hand for a quick and satisfying snack or meal.