Latvian Chicken and Mushroom Pie
A comforting pie filled with tender chicken pieces and earthy mushrooms in a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky puff pastry crust. This dish offers a savory and satisfying meal, perfect for family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Chicken breasts(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Butter(divided)
- 1 large Onion(diced)
- 300 g Mushrooms(sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 to taste Salt
- 1 to taste Black pepper
- 1 fresh Tarragon sprigs(leaves only, or 1 tsp dried)
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 250 ml Chicken stock(hot)
- 250 ml Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 300 g Puff pastry(ready-rolled)
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over low heat. Cook the diced onion for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes longer. Add the minced garlic and cook for half a minute. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 2
To the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the chicken pieces. Brown the chicken on the outside; it doesn't need to be cooked through at this point. Add the chopped tarragon.
- 3
Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir until coated. Gradually stir in the chicken stock, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4
Pour in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Taste and add more salt if necessary. Let the mixture cool for about 30 minutes.
- 6
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Transfer the chicken and mushroom filling into a pie plate.
- 7
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to cover the top of the pie plate. Press the edges to seal. Brush with the beaten egg wash and cut slits into the pastry for ventilation.
- 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- ✓Ensure the filling is cooled before adding the pastry to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- ✓If you prefer a pie with a bottom crust, blind bake it before adding the filling.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cooked bacon pieces to the filling for an extra savory note.
- Leeks, sautéed carrots, or par-cooked potatoes can be used as alternatives to mushrooms.