Mary berry chicken and leek lattice pie

Mary berry chicken and leek lattice pie is a classic British dish that consists of succulent chunks of chicken and tender leeks in a creamy sauce, all baked inside a buttery puff pastry lattice crust. This comforting and delicious dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal.

Why people also love Mary berry chicken and leek lattice pie

People love Mary Berry’s chicken and leek lattice pie for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for any time of year. The combination of tender chicken, creamy leeks, and buttery puff pastry is simply irresistible. Secondly, the recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible to both beginner and experienced cooks. Lastly, the presentation of the pie with its beautiful lattice crust makes it an impressive and visually stunning dish, perfect for serving at special occasions or dinner parties.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 large leeks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 300 ml chicken stock
• 150 ml heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 375g puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6.
2. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft.
3. After this,Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Add the leeks and cook for a few minutes until they soften.
5. After this,Stir in the flour and cook for approximately 1 minute.
6. Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring constantly, followed by the heavy cream. Now Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the chicken mixture into a large baking dish.
8. Roll out the puff pastry to about ½ cm thickness. Cut the pastry into strips.
9. Lay the pastry strips over the chicken mixture in a lattice pattern, pressing down the ends to seal.
10. Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Quick Facts

• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 6 servings

Servings suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

• You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days.
• Make sure to let the filling cool before transferring it to the baking dish and covering it with pastry.
• If you prefer a more golden brown crust, brush the pastry with an egg wash before baking.
• Use a mix of white and dark meat for added flavor and tenderness.

Nutrition information:
(Per serving)

• Calories:560
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 18g

Presentation:
Mary Berry’s chicken and leek lattice pie is a beautiful dish that is sure to impress your guests. The lattice crust creates an intricate design that looks stunning on any table. Serve the pie hot from the oven, with the golden brown pastry glistening in the light. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Variations and substitutions you can make for Mary berry chicken and leek lattice pie:

1. Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or your favorite vegetable, such as carrots or zucchini.
2. Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free puff pastry or pie crust instead of regular puff pastry.
3. Cheese topping: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the lattice crust before baking for an added layer of flavor.
4. Spicy version: Add a teaspoon of paprika or cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
5. Herb-infused filling: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling mixture for an aromatic and flavorful twist.
6. Sweet potato pie: Replace the chicken and leeks with sweet potatoes for a comforting vegetarian option.
7. Crust alternatives: Experiment with phyllo dough or pie crust instead of puff pastry for a different texture and taste.
8. Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream to make a dairy-free version.
9. Different meat options: Substitute the chicken with turkey, ham, or even sausage for a different taste experience.
10. Curry-inspired: Add curry powder or garam masala to the filling for an Indian-inspired twist.
11. Pot pies: Instead of making one large pie, divide the filling into smaller individual ramekins or pie dishes and top with the lattice crust for personal-sized portions.
12. Seasonal variations: Change up the recipe depending on the season- for example, try adding pumpkin or squash in the autumn months.

Recommendations and notices:

1. Make sure to let the filling cool before adding the pastry topping. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
2. If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil halfway through cooking.
3. When rolling out the pastry, dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking.
4. You can use a store-bought puff pastry instead of making it from scratch if you’re short on time.
5. For added flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
6. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Add more salt or pepper as needed.
7. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
8. Don’t overfill the pie with too much filling, as it may cause the pastry to become soggy or break.
9. If you’re using a frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before using it.
10. Before baking, prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork to prevent air pockets from forming.
11. This recipe is great for entertaining and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
12. To make the lattice crust, cut the pastry into strips and weave them over the filling. Alternatively, you can simply lay the strips on top of each other in a criss-cross pattern.

Conclusion:

Mary Berry’s chicken and leek lattice pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, creamy leeks, and buttery puff pastry make this a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress. While the recipe may seem complex, it is actually quite easy to follow, making it accessible to even beginner cooks. Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.

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