Name: Creamy chicken pie recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 1kg Coles RSPCA Approved Chicken Thighs, cut in thirds; 1 onion, coarsely chopped; 1 carrot, coarsely chopped; 1 celery stick, coarsely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, halved; 5 thyme sprigs; Large pinch of salt; 80g butter; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (extra); 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot (extra); 1/2 cup finely chopped celery (extra); 1/3 cup plain flour; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup (125ml) pouring cream; 1/2 cup (125ml) milk; 1 Continental Chicken Stock Pot; 1 1/4 cups water; Finely grated rind of 1 lemon; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 5 thyme sprigs (extra); 1 sheet frozen butter puff pastry; 1 egg; 1 tbsp water (for egg wash); Mixed salad leaves

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If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy chicken pie recipe is just what you need. It beautifully combines tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered to perfection with a rich, velvety sauce loaded with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Topped with flaky golden puff pastry, every bite offers that perfect mix of creamy filling and crispy crust. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this pie brings a touch of homemade love to your table.

Creamy chicken pie recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients make all the difference in this recipe. Each component plays its part in creating a dish that’s flavorful, creamy, and satisfying, while the freshness of the vegetables and herbs adds delightful color and texture.

1kg Coles RSPCA Approved Chicken Thighs, cut in thirds: Tender dark meat that stays juicy and maxes out on flavor.
1 onion, coarsely chopped: Helps infuse the broth with savory sweetness.
1 carrot, coarsely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness.
1 celery stick, coarsely chopped: Brings a nice aromatic crunch to the stock.
2 garlic cloves, halved: Intensifies the savory notes without overpowering.
5 thyme sprigs: Fresh herbaceous aroma that complements the chicken beautifully.
80g butter: Creates a luscious base for the creamy sauce.
1/2 cup finely chopped onion, extra: To soften and add texture within the creamy filling.
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot, extra: Provides miniature bursts of natural sweetness inside the pie.
1/2 cup finely chopped celery, extra: Keeps the filling delightfully balanced.
1/3 cup plain flour: Thickens the sauce for that perfectly rich consistency.
1/2 cup (125ml) pouring cream: Adds indulgent creaminess to every mouthful.
1/2 cup (125ml) milk: Lightens the cream just enough to keep things silky smooth.
1 Continental Chicken Stock Pot: Boosts the depth of flavor without extra fuss.
Finely grated rind of 1 lemon: Brightens the richness with a fresh zing.
1/2 cup frozen peas: Pops of sweet freshness tucked throughout the filling.
5 thyme sprigs, extra: More herbal fragrance to infuse during baking.
1 sheet frozen butter puff pastry: For that buttery, flaky topping that’s irresistible.
1 egg: Brushed on the pastry for a beautiful golden finish.
Mixed salad leaves, to serve: A crisp, refreshing side to balance the creaminess.

How to Make Creamy chicken pie recipe

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Start by simmering the chicken thighs with coarsely chopped onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme, and a pinch of salt in water. This gentle poaching extracts flavors while keeping the chicken moist and tender. After about 10-15 minutes, when the chicken’s cooked through, remove it, shred with a fork, and discard the cooking liquid to keep the filling light.

Step 2: Create the Rich Filling

Next, soften the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery in butter over medium heat to build a fragrant vegetable base. Stir in the flour until it’s fully coated and cooked, then whisk in pouring cream and milk gradually to avoid lumps. Add the chicken stock pot dissolved in water for that extra tasty backbone. Remove from heat before stirring in the shredded chicken, lemon zest to brighten the flavors, frozen peas for sweetness, and fresh thyme sprigs — this combination forms a luscious, creamy filling.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into a 1.5-liter pie dish, then cover with thawed butter puff pastry. Press firmly around the edges to seal in all that delicious goodness. Slice a few ventilation slits on top to allow steam to escape and brush the surface with an egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Bake at 180C for 30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and beautifully browned.

How to Serve Creamy chicken pie recipe

Garnishes

A scattering of freshly chopped thyme or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper works well to enhance the pie’s rustic look and lift its aromas, inviting everyone to dive in. A lemon wedge on the side can also add a zesty squeeze for anyone wanting a bit more brightness.

Side Dishes

Mixed salad leaves tossed lightly with a lemon vinaigrette provide the perfect crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the rich creaminess of the pie. For cooler nights, roasted root vegetables or simple steamed greens like broccoli or asparagus add comforting warmth without overwhelming the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve individual portions of this creamy chicken pie recipe in small ramekins topped with pastry rounds. They bake beautifully and make for a visually delightful presentation at dinner parties or family meals, allowing everyone their own warm, personalized pie.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This creamy chicken pie recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with foil or airtight wrap to preserve that tender filling and flaky pastry texture. Reheating gently prevents the crust from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie either before baking or after it’s cooked. If freezing uncooked, wrap securely to avoid freezer burn, and bake from frozen adding extra minutes. Cooked pie freezes best when fully cooled; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly for a quick comfort meal any day.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a moderately heated oven (around 160-170C) to maintain the flaky crust and creamy interior. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the pastry chewy. Cover loosely with foil to keep the pie moist without drying out the top.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs stay juicier and richer in flavor, which really complements the creamy sauce. If you prefer breast, watch cooking time carefully to avoid dryness.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this creamy chicken pie recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with hearty mushrooms like portobello or a mix of root vegetables. Using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock will keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, and choose a suitable dairy-free pastry sheet to keep that creamy texture without dairy.

What type of puff pastry works best?

Frozen butter puff pastry is ideal because of its rich flavor and flaky texture. Avoid shortcrust pastry if you want that lovely rise and crispiness on top.

How long does this creamy chicken pie recipe take to prepare?

From start to finish, expect about 60 to 75 minutes, including preparing the filling, assembling, and baking. The hands-on time is quite manageable, making it perfect for a satisfying home-cooked meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade pie, and this creamy chicken pie recipe ticks all the boxes with its rich filling and flaky, buttery crust. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s bound to become a much-loved favorite. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and savor every glorious bite!