Chicken Gammon Leek Pie

Nov 20, 2024 · 12 min read

Hadwin Maverick

Editorial and Creative Lead

Here's a savory treat that marries the hearty flavors of chicken, gammon, and leeks into a delightful, comforting pie! 🥧 Whether you’re a pie enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, Chicken Gammon Leek Pie is a must-try recipe that promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

History of the Chicken Gammon Leek Pie

The Chicken Gammon Leek Pie, while not as traditional as its cousin, the steak and ale pie, has carved out its unique niche in British cuisine. This savory dish combines:

Chicken: A staple in English meals for centuries, known for its versatility.
Gammon: A cut from the hind leg of pork, typically dry-cured, adding a unique salty-sweet depth to the pie.
Leeks: Emblematic of Wales, leeks add a sweet, oniony flavor, balancing the richness of the meats.

This combination of ingredients showcases the British love for hearty pies, often used as an economical way to stretch the meat with other flavorful additions.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Pie Filling:
- 250g of diced chicken breast 🍗
- 150g of diced gammon ham 🥓
- 3-4 leeks, trimmed, washed, and sliced 🥬
- 50g butter
- 2 tablespoons of plain flour
- 300ml chicken stock
- 150ml double cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shortcrust Pastry:
- 250g plain flour
- 125g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg (beaten, for glazing)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Making the Shortcrust Pastry

Combine Flour and Butter: In a large bowl, mix the flour and a pinch of salt. Add the butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Add Water: Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Don't overwork the dough; you just want it to bind.
Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

Cook the Leeks: Melt butter in a large frying pan, add the leeks, and cook until softened but not browned, around 5-7 minutes.
Add Meats: Stir in the diced chicken and gammon. Cook until the meats are slightly browned.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the meat and leeks, stirring to coat. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
Add Cream: Stir in the double cream, then simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Assembling the Pie

Roll Out Pastry: Divide the pastry dough into two parts, one slightly larger for the base. Roll out the base dough to line your pie dish.
Fill the Pie: Pour the filling into the lined pie dish.
Top with Pastry: Roll out the remaining pastry for the lid. Brush the edge of the base with beaten egg and lay the lid on top. Press the edges together to seal.
Decorate and Glaze: Use the excess pastry to decorate the top. Brush the entire pastry surface with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Vent the Pie: Make a few small cuts in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking the Pie

Preheat Oven: To 190°C (375°F or gas mark 5).
Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot.

🔔 Note: Always place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and to make it easier to remove from the oven.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Chicken Gammon Leek Pie can be served as:

Main Course: Ideal with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables like carrots or peas, or a simple salad to cut through the richness of the pie. 🥔🥕
Wine Pairing: A dry white wine like a Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors nicely. 🍷

Variations and Tips

Add Mushrooms: For an extra earthy flavor, add a handful of sliced mushrooms to the leeks.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add an aromatic twist to the pie filling.
Freeze: This pie freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Bake it partially before freezing, then finish baking once thawed.
Cheese: For a cheese lover's twist, sprinkle some cheddar or parmesan on top before baking.

🔔 Note: If freezing, underbake the pie slightly to avoid overcooking when you reheat it later.

Chicken Gammon Leek Pie is not just a dish; it's an experience—a perfect blend of comforting, home-cooked flavors. Whether it's a Sunday dinner or a special occasion, this pie serves up satisfaction with every bite.

Enjoy this culinary delight that warms both the stomach and the soul, promising a cozy blanket of flavor with each slice.

The next time you’re looking for something hearty and delicious to make, give this pie a try. It’s a labor of love, but the reward is an irresistible pie that's sure to become a family favorite.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make this pie in advance?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. If you plan to freeze, par-bake the pie for about 20 minutes, cool completely, then freeze. When ready to eat, add 15-20 extra minutes to the baking time from frozen.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I use instead of gammon?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If you can't find gammon, you can substitute with smoked or cooked ham. Pancetta or bacon would also work well, though they'll impart a different flavor profile to the pie.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I prevent a soggy bottom?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>To prevent a soggy bottom, you can blind bake the pastry base before adding the filling. Also, make sure the filling isn't too wet before assembling the pie, and consider using a hotter oven for the first part of baking to set the pastry quickly.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>