Zucchini and chicken breast pie

Delicious Zucchini and Chicken Pie

I invite you to discover together the recipe for a savory pie, perfect for a family lunch or a dinner with friends. This zucchini and chicken pie harmoniously blends the natural flavors of fresh ingredients, offering a tasty and nutritious dish. A simple yet elegant recipe that will captivate you from the first bite. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

A short story about the pie

The pie is a traditional dish, appreciated in numerous culinary cultures, which has adapted over time with various fillings, from sweet to savory. Its versatility makes the pie a favorite in modern cuisine, and the combination of zucchini and chicken brings a touch of freshness and hydration, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 zucchini (approximately 500 g)
- 500 g boneless chicken breast
- 3 green onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 200 ml sour cream
- 2 egg yolks + 1 whole egg
- 100 g grated cheese
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil

Step by step to a perfect pie

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step will not only ensure a fine texture but will also help aerate the flour.
2. Add the salt and diced butter. Use your fingers to mix the butter with the flour until you obtain a crumbly dough. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to make this step quicker.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture. Also add the cold water. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and homogeneous (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it chill for 30 minutes. This step is essential for giving the dough a better texture when baked.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Cut the zucchini into small cubes and the onion into thin rings. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breast and sauté until it turns white (about 5-7 minutes). Stir constantly.
3. Add the zucchini and onion to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Also add the sliced garlic, mixing to combine the flavors.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assembling the pie

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Make sure the dough is large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the pie dish.
3. Place the dough in the pie dish, trimming the excess from the edges. Use a fork to prick the dough on the bottom so it doesn’t puff up while baking.
4. Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. This will help achieve a pie with a crispy crust.

Step 4: Completing the pie

1. In a bowl, whisk the sour cream with the egg yolks and the whole egg. Add the grated cheese, sliced garlic, and finely chopped thyme leaves. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
2. Pour the zucchini and chicken mixture over the pre-baked pie crust. Pour the sour cream mixture over the filling.
3. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until it becomes golden and well set.

Step 5: Serving

1. Let the pie cool slightly before cutting it. You can decorate the slices with fresh basil or parsley leaves for a more appealing look.
2. Serve the pie warm, alongside a fresh green salad or a tomato salad with feta cheese.

Useful tips

- Choosing the zucchini: Opt for young and firm zucchinis with smooth skin for a fresher taste.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken breast with tofu or mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian pie.
- Customization: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to enrich the pie's flavor.
- Serving with drinks: A zucchini and chicken pie pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a cold mint tea.

Nutritional benefits

This pie is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, while the zucchini provides essential fiber and vitamins. The sour cream adds a creamy note, but you can opt for low-fat versions to keep the recipe lighter.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, turkey breast or even pork are excellent alternatives.
2. How can I store the pie? The pie can be stored in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan alternatives for sour cream and eggs, but the taste will be different.

With this zucchini and chicken pie recipe, you are about to enjoy a delicious dish that will surely become a favorite in your home. So, don’t hesitate to try it and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 250g flour, 125g butter, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons cold water, 1 pinch of salt. For the filling: 1 zucchini (500g), 500g boneless chicken breast, 3 green onions, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 200ml sour cream, 2 egg yolks + 1 egg, 100g cheese, 4 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, 1 sprig of thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and basil.

 Tags:  cake chicken breast zucchini