Appetizers - Chicken pies by Anda B. - Recipia
Chicken Pies: A Family Delicacy

Chicken pies are a culinary dish that harmoniously combines flavors and textures, making them ideal for a hearty lunch or a delicious dinner. These pies are creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and can be served alongside a fresh salad, turning any meal into a feast. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve perfect chicken pies, full of flavor and warmth.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Necessary ingredients:

*Dough:*
- 600 g flour
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 180 ml warm water
- 25 g fresh yeast (one cube)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to activate the yeast)

*Filling:*
- 1 chicken breast (approx. 400 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 bell pepper (or any colored bell pepper)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons peanuts (optional, for added texture)
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil and oregano (fresh or dried) to taste
- 200 g cream cheese
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

Short history:
Stuffed pies have a long history in many cultures, being appreciated for their versatility. Regardless of the filling, they bring a sense of comfort and familiarity, evoking family memories and moments spent at the table. This chicken pie recipe is a modern version of these delicacies, adapted and enriched with delicious flavors.

Nutritional information:
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the chicken breast and cheese, healthy fats from oil and peanuts, as well as carbohydrates from flour. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portions of filling and oil used.

Step by step for chicken pies:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by rubbing the yeast with the sugar in a small bowl. Add a few tablespoons of warm water to help activate the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the oil, mixing with a spoon. Then, add the yeast mixture and the rest of the water. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth (about 10 minutes). Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes or, if you prefer, grind it in a meat grinder. Cut the bell pepper into cubes.
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken cubes and stir until the water released by the meat evaporates and the chicken is well cooked. Add the bell pepper and let it sauté for a few minutes.
After the bell pepper has softened, add the tomato sauce, peanuts, and cream cheese. Mix well and season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to taste. Let the mixture cool.

3. Forming the pies:
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour on the work surface and turn out the dough. Roll it out with a rolling pin until you obtain a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a knife or a pastry cutter to make 10 cm by 10 cm squares.
Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a triangle. Press the edges well with a fork to seal the pies.

4. Baking the pies:
Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with the beaten egg to achieve a golden and crispy crust when baked. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an attractive appearance.
Bake the pies in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 30-40 minutes, until they become golden and crispy.

5. Serving:
Once the pies are ready, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These chicken pies are delicious both warm and cold, making them perfect for a lunch at the office or a quick dinner.

Serving suggestions:
To complete the meal, you can serve the pies with a fresh green salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Additionally, a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill would be an excellent choice to add a touch of freshness.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment with the filling, you can replace the chicken breast with turkey meat or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option. You can also add feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh yeast.

2. How can I store the pies?
The pies can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, the pies can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray, freezing them individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, let them thaw and bake them according to the instructions.

I invite you to try this chicken pie recipe and enjoy their aroma and taste! Whether you prepare them for yourself or for your loved ones, these pies will surely bring smiles to the table. Enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

Dough: 600 gr flour 4 tablespoons oil one and a half teaspoon salt 180 ml water a 25 gr yeast cube 1 teaspoon sugar Filling one chicken breast one onion 2 garlic cloves one kapia pepper 2 tablespoons oil 2 tablespoons hazelnuts 2 tablespoons tomato sauce salt, pepper basil, fresh or dried oregano, to taste 200 gr cream cheese a beaten egg for spreading and sesame seeds for sprinkling on top

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Appetizers - Chicken pies by Anda B. - Recipia

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