Chicken pie (kotopita)

Chicken Pie (Kotopita)

If you are looking for a delicious and comforting recipe, chicken pie, known as kotopita, is the perfect choice. This savory pie, with a rich filling of chicken, cheese, and herbs, wrapped in a crispy phyllo crust, will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. A recipe that combines tradition with refined taste, kotopita is a dish that will remind you of family meals and moments spent together.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (4-5 thighs)
- 1 large onion
- 1 bay leaf
- 500 g phyllo dough
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 eggs
- 200 g cheese (preferably cow cheese or feta)
- A bunch of herbs (dill or parsley)
- Melted butter for brushing the sheets
- Salt and pepper to taste

History of the recipe:
Kotopita has deep roots in culinary tradition, symbolizing comfort and heritage. Over time, this pie has been adapted and personalized according to the available ingredients and regional preferences. Each family has its own version, passing down recipes and preparation techniques from generation to generation. Additionally, pies are often associated with celebrations and gatherings, bringing people together around the table.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken, trimming excess fat. Place the chicken in a large pot, add the halved onion, bay leaf, and a teaspoon of salt. Cover with water and boil over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is well cooked. Make sure not to overcook it to preserve its juiciness.

2. Debone and chop the chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, remove the skin and debone it. Use a sharp knife to chop the meat into small pieces. This will help achieve a uniform and delicious filling.

3. Preparing the white sauce: In a saucepan, melt the two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and mix well to form a paste. Cook for a minute, then gradually pour in the two cups of chicken broth obtained from boiling, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste and let the sauce cool.

4. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooled white sauce, beaten eggs, crumbled cheese, and finely chopped herbs. Mix all the ingredients well until homogeneous. This rich filling will provide an amazing flavor to your pie.

5. Assembling the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with melted butter. Place half of the phyllo sheets, brushing each sheet with melted butter for a crispy texture. Add the filling evenly and level it. Then, place the remaining phyllo sheets, brushed with butter, on top of the filling.

6. Baking: Gently prick the surface of the pie with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

7. Serving: Once the pie is ready, let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting. It is an excellent delicacy both warm and at room temperature. It can be served with a fresh vegetable salad or a flavored yogurt sauce.

Useful tips:
- Use quality chicken, preferably free-range, for a more intense and natural flavor.
- You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as mushrooms or spinach, to diversify the flavor.
- If you like a stronger taste, you can add spices like sweet paprika or oregano.
- The pie can be frozen! You can prepare it in advance and bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought phyllo sheets? Yes, it is a quick and convenient option. Make sure to let them thaw completely before use.
- How can I make the pie healthier? You can use low-fat cheese and olive oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fats.
- What drinks pair well with kotopita? A refreshing lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent choices to complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken pie is rich in protein due to the chicken and eggs, also providing vitamins from the herbs. The cheese adds calcium and flavor, while the phyllo sheets bring carbohydrates for energy. It is a complete and balanced meal, perfect for a family dinner.

Possible variations:
- Mushroom kotopita: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an umami flavor.
- Vegetarian pie: You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or with feta cheese and spinach for a meat-free option.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious chicken pie, and its aroma will turn any meal into a special occasion! Bon appétit!