How do you make a really tasty chicken pie?

[RosemaryHoight]

I've made them before, the filling was too dry or too creamy. From cream.

I had one on Saturday that had peas and carrots in and was so bloody tasty.

Can you help me make one please?

There are so many variations, I think it's a case of trying them all until you find one that hits the spot.
Firstly, what veg? I like mushrooms, carrots and leeks. If I'm using leeks, I don't usually add any herbs. If I'm not using leeks, I'll probably put in some thyme and possibly a bay leaf if I've got any.
I nearly always add either bacon, pancetta or ham.
If we have a bottle open, I'll add 2-4 tbsp of white wine.
A tsp of Dijon mustard can make a nice addition, and it's also tasty with a large spoon of grated Parmesan.
Delia doesn't use any cream for her sauce but she does have quite a lot of cheese in it. Quite a few recipes use creme fraiche, a lot use single cream and the Hairy Bikers use double cream! This one doesn't use any of that. www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1765/chicken-and-mushroom-puff-pie I suppose it depends how thick and how saucy you like it!

Oh thank you for such a detailed response.

I'm looking forward to attempting this.

Emmmm

Swartz do a lovely packet

Tarragon. Lots of lovely tarragon.

Jamie Oliver turkey and leek pie is lovely, really tasty.

I fry up leeks and garlic in butter, then add chicken chunks with just a little stock, then a cheese sauce. Did this the first time because we live in West Africa and can’t easily get cream but it was great. Full of flavour and not quite as rich.

Nigella does a great chicken, bacon and mushroom one in Nigella Express. Flavour is also from garlic oil, stock and thyme. She does a similar one with turkey and ham in another book which puts double cream in the sauce.

If you've cooked the chicken yourself, use some of the juices from the bird in the sauce, or left over gravy, or stock made from the bird carcass.

Add some garlic, herbs, and wine to the sauce. If you're doing a white sauce add nutmeg to it. Mustard of any type will add zing to a creamy white sauce or gravy sauce.

Chicken and mushroom is a classic combination, try using dried mushrooms from your store cupboard, soak them then sauté in butter before combining with the chicken. Use the mushroom soaking water in the sauce. Dried mushrooms have umami (I think that's the right spelling!) flavours so add richness to a dish.

I always keep a bottle of Noilly Prat for splashing into any sauce, it keeps well and adds an interesting depth of taste.

Joe wicks does a healthy one which tastes INSANE. I swap the filo pastry for puff on the tip which obviously takes away the healthiness but it soaks up the sauce better.

There's one on the BBC good food website called crumbly chicken pie that we make with veg it's really nice

I second Jamie’s Turkey and Leek Pie-it’s delicious!

Do you pie - loving lot use a bottom crust as well as a top one?

Oh the joe wicks one is good too

My lot love it

thecat Jamie Oliver turkey and leek pie is lovely, really tasty I have had many many compliments with this. Bloody tasty pie with a lovely gravy as a side product.

I fry my leeks / bacon / mushrooms / whatever in butter, add flour, cook out, add chicken stock & wine, reduce and then add cream cheese / creme fraiche...Or roughly some variation on that theme.
If adding peas and carrots like a "pot pie" I'd probably cook them first and add in last?

I really fancy making the JO pie now! My meal planning for next week could change..

I forgot to say i usually halve the recipe and miss off the chestnuts as i don't like them.

I'm going to try the Joe Wicks one tomorrow.

Thanks for the suggestions and tips.

soften the onions or leeks in buter first with the carrots.add some stock.use bag of frozen medley veg.mustard can be good.season plenty.i think with pies everyone has a variation that only suits them so keep trying until you find it but these little addition have helped us reach our loved recipe here

I often cook the chicken, leek and parsley pie from the Claire Macdonald cookbook. I usually buy a ready cooked chicken and strip it- much less faff than cooking it from scratch.

I could, but I'd have to kill you afterwards.

The recipe is here

For a really tasty chicken pie, I find that using a mix of chicken thighs (for extra flavor) and a rich, creamy sauce makes all the difference. Adding vegetables like leeks or mushrooms can also elevate the dish, and don’t forget to season generously with herbs like thyme or parsley!
If you're looking for some great recipes, I highly recommend trying these:
Mary Berry Chicken And Leek Pie: This recipe is a classic and easy to follow. It’s perfect if you want a comforting and flavorful pie. Here’s the link to the recipe: Mary Berry Chicken And Leek Pie
Hairy Bikers Chicken And Leek Pie: Another fantastic option with a hearty filling. It’s rich and packed with flavor! You can find the recipe here: Hairy Bikers Chicken And Leek Pie
Both are delicious and simple enough to make at home!

I use a roast chicken, because I think that makes the meat most flavourful. I always put in bacon lardons. For veg, I either put in sauteed leeks or, more often, sweetcorn, and then I make a simple white sauce to mix it all through.

I think the bacon is the key - I use smoked bacon, and it permeates the sauce and gives the pie filling a delicious, savoury taste.

I have a massive pie dish that my mum gave me, and I could make a pie in it that would feed five of us for one meal, and still have leftovers for me to have for lunch the next day - it was good cold too.