Chicken breast pie

Chicken Pie - a versatile delight for any time of the day

Who doesn’t love a warm and flavorful pie? This chicken pie recipe is perfect for breakfast, picnics, or a packed lunch. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to combine the savory taste of chicken with the fluffy texture of the dough. The preparation is simple, and the result will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 125 ml lukewarm water
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 egg
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 400 g chicken breast
- 200 g cream cheese
- 2 onions
- 1 roasted bell pepper
- 1 egg (for the filling)
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley
- Sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste

For brushing:
- 1 egg (beaten)

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough

To achieve the perfect dough, start by dissolving the yeast in 4-5 tablespoons of lukewarm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Add a teaspoon of sugar to help activate the yeast.

Sift the flour into a large bowl, then add the lukewarm water (containing the yeast), the egg, salt, and oil. Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients until you obtain an elastic dough. It’s important to knead the dough well for at least 8-10 minutes to develop the gluten, which will make the pie fluffy and airy.

Once you have an elastic dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the filling

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Wash the chicken breast and cut it into three pieces. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and grill the pieces of meat for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. It’s essential not to overcrowd the pan to ensure the meat cooks evenly.

After the chicken breast is cooked, let it cool, then cut it into small cubes. In the same pan, add the 4 tablespoons of oil and sauté the sliced onions until they become translucent. Finally, add the diced roasted bell pepper and the chicken cubes. Mix well, then add the cream cheese, chopped parsley, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

3. Assembling the pie

Once the dough has risen, place it on a sheet of parchment paper and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 20x30 cm. It’s important to achieve an even thickness for uniform baking. Trim the edges with a knife to straighten them.

In the center of the dough, place the chicken filling, then cut the edges of the dough into strips about 2 cm wide along the entire length. Cover the filling by alternating the strips of dough, creating a beautiful pattern. Transfer the pie with the parchment paper to a baking tray.

4. Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Brush the pie with the beaten egg to achieve a golden and delicious crust. Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy.

Serving and variations

The chicken pie can be served warm or cold. It pairs well with a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce that adds extra flavor. You can also customize the filling by adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even olives, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits

This chicken pie is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken and cheese. It also contains vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, making it a balanced choice for a meal. It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes, as one serving can contain approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use beef or pork instead of chicken?
Yes, the recipe is versatile, and beef or pork will add a different flavor. Just make sure to cook the meat properly.

2. Can I make the pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the oven before serving.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian option?
You can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, and use feta cheese for a wonderful taste.

4. What drinks pair well with this pie?
Fresh lemonade or a dry white wine can perfectly complement the flavors of the pie.

Personal note

This chicken pie is one of my favorite recipes, bringing back memories of family moments. Every time I make it, I remember long, laughter-filled meals where the pie was the star of the evening. I encourage you to try it and adapt it to your liking! Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 350 g flour, 125 ml water, 3 tablespoons oil, 1 egg, 30 g yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Filling: 400 g chicken breast, 200 g cream cheese, 2 onions, 1 roasted bell pepper, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons oil, 1/2 bunch parsley, sweet paprika, salt, pepper. For brushing: 1 egg.