Meat pie

Chicken Pie

If you're craving to try a chicken pie recipe, you've come to the right place. This chicken pie recipe is inherited from my mother's recipes, filled with love and memories. It's a simple yet extremely flavorful dish that will delight your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy a delicious combination of flaky crust and juicy filling!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust (enough for a 25x35 cm tray):
- 150 ml boiling water
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 150 ml oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- Flour (approximately 500 g, but add gradually)

For the filling:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 egg
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Dried dill (or fresh, according to preference)

For brushing:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

Preparing the crust

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the boiling water, baking powder, vinegar, salt, and oil. Mix the ingredients well until completely homogeneous.

2. Adding the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously. Continue adding flour until you obtain a fine dough that easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl and does not stick to your hands.

3. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 6 hours. This step is essential to achieve flaky and easily rolled-out dough.

Preparing the filling

1. Boiling the meat: Place the chicken thighs in water and boil until the meat is well cooked. This step will ensure a juicy and flavorful filling.

2. Deboning the meat: After the thighs are boiled, let them cool slightly, then debone the meat and chop it finely. If you want to achieve a uniform texture, use a food processor, being careful not to turn it into a paste.

3. Preparing the vegetables: In a pan, add a splash of oil and sauté the finely grated onion and carrot until they become golden and tender. This step will add sweetness and flavor to the filling.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, sautéed vegetables, egg, salt, pepper, and chopped dill. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients.

Assembling the pie

1. Rolling out the crust: On a floured surface, divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into the shape of the tray, ensuring an even thickness.

2. Preparing the tray: Grease the tray with oil and dust it with flour (if you don't have parchment paper). Place the first layer of dough in the tray.

3. Adding the filling: Pour the filling evenly over the first layer of dough. Make sure it is evenly distributed to achieve a well-cooked pie.

4. Covering with the second layer: Place the second layer of dough over the filling, ensuring to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Baking the pie

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2. Initial baking: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

3. Preparing the brushing mixture: In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give a golden and appetizing crust to the pie.

4. Finalizing the baking: Remove the pie from the oven, brush it with the egg and sour cream mixture, then return it to the oven for another 35 minutes, or until the pie is golden and crispy.

Serving and suggestions

After the pie has cooled slightly, cut it into portions and serve warm, alongside a spoonful of sour cream. This chicken pie is perfect for a family dinner or to impress your guests.

Practical tips:
- Filling variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as beef, pork, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Enhancing flavors: Add extra spices, such as paprika or garlic, to give the filling an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: Keep the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispy texture.

Nutritional information

This chicken pie offers a good balance of protein (from the chicken), carbohydrates (from the dough), and vitamins (from the vegetables). Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use pork, beef, or even a combination of meat and vegetables for a vegetarian version.

2. What can I do if I don't have baking powder?
You can use baking soda combined with vinegar to achieve a similar effect.

3. How can I make the dough lower in calories?
You can replace the oil with a lighter product or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.

This chicken pie recipe is an excellent choice for any occasion and will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and share this delicacy with your loved ones!