If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this pie combines tender chicken, silky leeks, and a luxuriously creamy filling, all tucked under a perfectly flaky puff pastry crust. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a family favorite you turn to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: The mix of chicken, leeks, and creamy mustard sauce creates a rich, soothing filling that’s hard to resist.
- Simple Technique: No fancy skills needed—just roast, simmer, and bake for a foolproof meal.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Golden, Flaky Crust: The buttery puff pastry top bakes to a gorgeous crisp that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work so well together—the sweetness of the leeks, the savoriness of the chicken, and the creamy mustard sauce harmonize beautifully. When you shop, choose fresh leeks and good-quality chicken for the best results.
- Chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs: I like thighs for extra juiciness, but breast works great too.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the filling a silky richness without overpowering flavors.
- Leeks: Use just the white and pale green parts for a mild, sweet taste.
- Dried thyme: A little herbaceous warmth that elevates the filling.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce nicely.
- Chicken broth or stock: Adds depth and moisture to the filling.
- Heavy cream, light cream, or half-and-half: I usually choose heavy cream for extra creaminess.
- Whole-grain or Dijon mustard: A small punch of tangy flavor that brightens the dish.
- Puff pastry sheet: Thawed but cold, it forms the irresistibly flaky crust.
- Egg: For that shiny golden glaze on the pastry.
Variations
I love that this Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe is so adaptable—you can easily tweak it depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Feel free to get creative!
- Using different proteins: I’ve swapped chicken for turkey leftovers and it turned out fabulous—same comforting vibe with a twist.
- Adding vegetables: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or peas for extra texture and flavor without complicating things.
- Dairy-free option: Replace cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free puff pastry to keep it creamy but allergy-friendly.
- Herb swap: Fresh rosemary or sage can replace thyme to introduce new layers of aroma.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Chicken to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the chicken pieces on a rimmed baking sheet and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roasting at this temperature keeps the chicken juicy and develops beautiful flavor—you’ll want to roast about 15 to 25 minutes depending on size. I always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it hits 165°F (75°C) internally. Once done, let it cool a bit before shredding. This step is key to tender, bite-sized chicken perfect for the filling.
Step 2: Sauté Leeks and Build Your Sauce
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add those lovely sliced leeks, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt. You’ll cook them until tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes—don’t rush this, as the gentle sweetness of softened leeks is a vital flavor layer. Then, sprinkle the flour over the leeks and stir it in, cooking for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and a spoonful of whole-grain or Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and keep stirring until it thickens pleasantly, around 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fold in your shredded chicken. I let this cool to room temperature—it helps the filling thicken a bit and avoid sogging your pastry.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie with Care
Choose a greased baking dish roughly 10 ½-by-7-inches or similar size. Spoon in your cooled chicken and leek filling, smoothing it evenly. Unroll your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out if it needs to stretch just over the edges of your dish. Brush water along the rim of your dish to help the pastry stick, then lay it over the top, pressing edges down and folding any extra dough into a pretty border. I always use a fork’s tines to crimp the edges—it’s soothing and seals the pie nicely.
Brush the top with beaten egg for that golden shine, then pierce three slits to let steam escape during baking. It’s these little details that make all the difference in your pie’s final look and texture.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, then slide it into your 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the pastry is a deep golden brown and the filling bubbles eagerly beneath. If the crust edges start browning too fast, gently tent with foil to prevent burning—but trust me, that gorgeous flaky finish is worth waiting for!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe
- Roast Chicken Evenly: Cutting chicken into similar size pieces ensures they cook at the same pace—avoid dry edges by watching closely.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Allowing the filling to cool prevents a soggy base and helps puff pastry puff up beautifully.
- Seal Pastry Edges Well: Brushing water and crimping edges keeps the filling in and crust crisp; it adds that classic pie look too!
- Use a Baking Sheet: Baking the pie on a rimmed sheet catches any spills, making cleanup so much easier.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving—its bright green color makes the pie pop, and its fresh flavor complements the creamy filling beautifully. Sometimes, a few red pepper flakes add a subtle kick if we’re craving a little heat.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simply steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for freshness. Roasted root vegetables also bring a nice earthy balance. When I want to keep it cozy, mashed potatoes or buttered peas have become our go-to comfort sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve made mini versions in ramekins using biscuit or puff pastry lids for personal pies—these always impress guests and are so fun to eat. You can even experiment with shaping the puff pastry top into little leaf decorations or lattice work for a stunning, homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I tightly cover leftovers with foil or transfer to airtight containers and store in the fridge. This pie keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick reheat.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both the cooked filling and assembled pie (unbaked) with great success. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect from freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual—this is a lifesaver for prepping meals in advance.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the filling piping hot. Microwaving can make the crust soggy, so oven heating is my preferred method to maintain that flaky texture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken as long as it’s completely thawed before roasting. Cooking frozen chicken directly may lead to uneven cooking and a less tender texture, so thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
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What’s the best type of puff pastry to use?
I recommend using high-quality store-bought puff pastry sheets because they’re convenient and bake up beautifully flaky. Just make sure it’s thawed completely but still cold before using to achieve the best rise and texture.
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Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before assembling the pie to avoid soggy pastry.
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How do I prevent the pastry edges from burning?
If you notice the edges browning too quickly during baking, loosely tent the pie’s edges with foil halfway through to protect them while allowing the center to finish baking.
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Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free flour blends for thickening and a gluten-free (and dairy-free if needed) puff pastry alternative, you can adapt this recipe to suit gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to create something that felt so indulgent and comforting at home. It’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into pure joy, and the flaky puff pastry top just takes it over the edge. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this pie as much as my family and I do—it’s truly a dish that fills your home with warmth and brings everyone to the table. Give it a whirl, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This easy chicken and leek pie is a comforting British classic featuring tender shredded chicken and savory leeks in a creamy sauce, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect for a hearty meal, this pie combines simple ingredients with straightforward techniques for a satisfying dish that’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Filling
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large leeks, white and pale green parts only, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into ¼-inch pieces
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or stock
- ¼ cup heavy cream, light cream, or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain or Dijon mustard
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen (about 12 ½-by-10 ½-inches or slightly smaller)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Roast the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken pieces on a rimmed baking sheet, seasoning them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast the chicken for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Remove from the oven and let cool enough to handle, then shred the chicken into bite-size pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced leeks, dried thyme, and a big pinch of salt; cook until the leeks are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and mustard until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the shredded chicken. Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Assemble the pie: Lightly grease a 1 ½ to 1 ¾ quart baking dish (approximately 10 ½-by-7 inches rectangular or 8 to 8 ½ inches square). Transfer the cooled filling to the baking dish and spread evenly. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet, if necessary, to a size just larger than your baking dish. Brush the edges of the baking dish with water. Carefully lay the puff pastry over the filling and press the edges gently to seal it to the dish. Fold over any excess dough to create a tall border and crimp the edges with the tines of a fork for a decorative seal.
- Finish and bake: Lightly brush the top of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to create a beautiful golden sheen. Using a sharp knife, cut three slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the pastry is dark golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
Notes
- There are many varieties of savory British pies, and this easy chicken and leek pie is one of the classics!
- The cozy filling of shredded chicken and tender leeks bakes until bubbly under the shelter of a golden brown disk of buttery puff pastry.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before shredding to keep the filling tender and moist.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If your puff pastry sheet is not large enough, you can patch with extra dough or adjust the size accordingly.
- Be careful not to overbake to avoid drying out the chicken filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 492 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 576 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg