How to Make Chicken Pie Easy

Chicken pie is a comforting and hearty dish that works well for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. It combines creamy, seasoned chicken with a fluffy, golden crust, making it a family favorite. This easy chicken pie recipe is quick to put together and doesn’t require any complicated steps. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will take you through each step, ensuring you have a delicious, homemade chicken pie in no time!

Recipe Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this easy chicken pie:

500 grams (17.63 oz) of shredded and seasoned chicken: You can use leftover roast chicken or cook and season fresh chicken breasts.

3 eggs
1 + ½ cups of milk
2 heaping tablespoons of grated cheese: This adds extra flavor and helps the crust turn golden and crispy.

1 cup of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of baking powder

2 cups of all-purpose flour (wheat flour)

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Blend the ingredients
Start by adding the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, grated cheese, flour, and salt into a blender. Blend for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The consistency should be creamy, almost like a pancake batter.

Add the baking powder
After blending the main ingredients, add 1 tablespoon of baking powder to the mixture and blend again for an additional 15 seconds. The baking powder will help the pie rise during baking, giving it a light and fluffy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Before assembling the pie, grease a baking pan with oil or butter and dust it with flour. This step is crucial as it prevents the pie from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove when it’s done baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Pour the batter
Once your pan is ready, pour half of the batter into the pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the bottom.

Add the chicken filling
Now it’s time to add the seasoned chicken. Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the batter. The chicken should be well distributed, so you get a bite of delicious filling in every slice.

Top with the remaining batter
After spreading the chicken, pour the remaining batter over the top, ensuring that the chicken is fully covered. Use your spatula again to spread the batter evenly if necessary.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Preheat the oven
Make sure your oven is preheated to 180ºC (350ºF). Preheating ensures that your pie starts cooking immediately and bakes evenly.

Bake the pie
Place the assembled chicken pie in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the pie—if it comes out clean, your pie is ready.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once your chicken pie is beautifully golden and baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle and makes the pie easier to slice.

Slice your chicken pie and serve warm, either as a standalone dish or with a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Pie

To ensure your chicken pie turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Seasoning the Chicken

The flavor of your chicken pie heavily depends on how well the chicken is seasoned. Feel free to customize the seasoning according to your preferences. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or even a bit of cumin for an extra kick. If you want a richer flavor, you can sauté the shredded chicken with onions, garlic, and some olive oil before adding it to the pie.

Mixing the Batter

The key to a light and fluffy crust is ensuring that the batter is smooth. Blending it well for a couple of minutes is essential to avoid any lumps. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a hand mixer or whisk, though it may take a little longer to get a smooth consistency.

Using Different Cheeses

While the recipe calls for grated cheese to be added to the batter, you can experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor. Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella all work well in this recipe and can add a deeper richness to the pie.

Avoid Overbaking

Keep an eye on the pie during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent overbaking. Once the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, your pie is done. Overbaking can dry out the crust and make it tough.

Make-Ahead Option

This chicken pie can easily be made ahead of time. Prepare and bake the pie as directed, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350ºF for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked or leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe. If you have leftover roast chicken or even rotisserie chicken, shred it and season it as desired before adding it to the pie.

What if I don’t have a blender?
No worries! If you don’t have a blender, you can still make this pie. Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine the batter ingredients. Just ensure you whisk long enough to get a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Can I add vegetables to the chicken pie?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or spinach to the chicken filling for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure the vegetables are cooked and drained well before adding them to the pie, as excess moisture could affect the texture of the batter.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in the oven at 350ºF for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.

Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, this chicken pie freezes well. Once baked and cooled, you can wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350ºF until warm.

Can I substitute the flour?
For a gluten-free version, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still work well in the recipe.

What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for grated cheese to be added to the batter. You can use any type of cheese you like, but Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella are great options for adding flavor and richness.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Pie recipe is a perfect go-to for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something comforting. With its golden, crispy crust and creamy chicken filling, it’s sure to become a favorite. Plus, with so many ways to customize the filling and toppings, you can make this pie your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist with extra veggies or cheese, this chicken pie will always be a crowd-pleaser!