Description
A classic British comfort-food pie from Mary Berry featuring tender chicken and sweet leeks in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with golden puff pastry perfect for family dinners or cosy nights in.
Ingredients
500g boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 large leeks, washed and sliced
50g (2oz) butter
50g (2oz) plain flour
300–400ml hot chicken stock
150ml milk or crème fraîche (or double cream)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or tarragon
1 sheet ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry (about 320g)
1 large egg, beaten (for glazing)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6).
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan and gently cook the sliced leeks for about 10 minutes until very soft.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the hot chicken stock and milk until you have a smooth, thickened sauce.
5. Add the chicken pieces, bring back to a simmer, then cover and cook gently for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh herbs, crème fraîche (if using), and season well with salt and pepper.
7. Pour the creamy filling into a pie dish and let it cool slightly.
8. Drape the puff pastry sheet over the pie dish, trim and seal the edges, and brush the top with beaten egg.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
10. Let rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a richer sauce, use crème fraîche or double cream instead of milk.
Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavour.
Use chicken thighs for more succulent results.
Cool the filling slightly before adding the pastry to help prevent a soggy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Mary Berry chicken and leek pie, creamy chicken pie, comfort food pie