Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie Recipe

Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie
Yields: 1 Serving Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 30 Mins Cook Time: 45 Mins Total Time: 1 Hr 15 Mins

Delia Smith’s Chicken and Mushroom Pie encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort food. This savory pie combines tender chunks of chicken with earthy mushrooms in a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky, buttery pastry. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a hearty family meal or a cozy gathering with friends.

In this blog post, I will show you how to make Delia Smith’s chicken and mushroom pie recipe step by step, with tips and tricks to ensure a successful result. You will also learn about the history and variations of this popular dish and some possible substitutions and additions you can make to suit your preferences.

What is Delia Smith’s Chicken and Mushroom Pie Recipe?

Delia Smith’s chicken and mushroom pie recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that consists of a filling of chicken and mushrooms in a creamy cheese sauce, covered with a flaky pastry crust. It is a classic British pie that is easy to make and perfect for serving with mashed potatoes and green beans. Delia Smith is a renowned British cook and author who created this recipe in 1978 and published it in her book, One Is Fun.

 

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Why I Love this Recipe

Delia Smith’s Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a cherished recipe for several reasons:

  • Comforting and Hearty: This pie is the epitome of comfort food. Its warm, hearty qualities make it an ideal dish for chilly winter evenings.
  • Resourceful Cooking: It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover chicken and vegetables, or an opportunity to use fresh ingredients for an even richer flavor.
  • Balanced Flavors: The pie strikes a perfect balance between the richness of the filling and the light, flaky texture of the pastry.
  • Customizable: This recipe welcomes customization. Feel free to experiment with various cheeses, vegetables, herbs, and liquids to tailor the sauce and filling to your taste.
  • Convenience: The pie can easily be made in advance and frozen, ensuring a quick and delicious meal option for busy days. Leftovers reheat beautifully, maintaining their flavor and texture.

Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie

To make Delia Smith’s chicken and mushroom pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts (500g / 1.1 lbs): Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Fresh mushrooms (300g / 0.66 lbs): Cleaned and sliced. White or cremini mushrooms work well.
  • Onion (1 medium): Finely chopped.
  • Garlic cloves (2): Minced.
  • Butter (50g / 1.76 oz): For sautéing and adding richness.
  • All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the filling.
  • Chicken stock (400 ml / 13.5 fl oz): Adds depth and moisture.
  • Heavy cream (100 ml / 3.4 fl oz): For a creamy texture.
  • Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, aromatic flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.
  • Ready-made puff pastry (1 sheet): For convenience and a perfect top crust.

Useful Equipment

You will also need the following equipment:

  • Large frying pan: For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
  • Pie dish: Approximately 9 inches in diameter.
  • Rolling pin: For rolling out the pastry.
  • Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash.

Instructions to Make Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie

Here are the steps to make Delia Smith’s chicken and mushroom pie recipe:

Make the Pastry (if making it from scratch)

  • Prepare the Dough: Combine 250g (about 2 cups) of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut in 125g (about 1/2 cup) of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add cold water, about 1-2 tablespoons at a time, mixing until the dough comes together into a ball. Wrap in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

  • Cook the Chicken: In a large frying pan, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Cook the onion and garlic until translucent, then add the mushrooms and cook until softened.
  • Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat. Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring continuously. Bring to a simmer and let thicken. Stir in the cream and thyme. Return the chicken to the pan, mix well, and adjust the seasoning.

Assemble the Pie

  • Prep the Dish: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). If using ready-made pastry, roll it out; if using homemade, retrieve your chilled dough and roll it out on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
  • Fill the Dish: Spoon the filling into your prepared pie dish.
  • Top with Pastry: Cover the filling with the pastry, seal the edges, and trim any excess. Make slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake

  • Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Chicken and Mushroom Pie Recipe Delia Smith

What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie?

While Delia Smith’s Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a fulfilling meal by itself, pairing it with the right side dishes can enhance the dining experience:

  • Mashed Potatoes: A side of creamy mashed potatoes complements the pie’s rich flavors. Infuse the potatoes with ingredients like butter, cream, or cheese, and a hint of garlic or herbs for a burst of flavor.
  • Crispy Green Beans: Add a pop of color and texture with green beans. Whether steamed, boiled, sautéed, or roasted, enhance them with a touch of butter, seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of almonds.
  • Homemade Gravy: A smooth, savory gravy can amplify the pie’s richness. Craft your own using chicken stock, flour, and butter, seasoned with herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad brings a contrast to the richness of the pie. Mix it up with greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula, and add in tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions. Top it off with a dressing of your choice – vinegar, oil, lemon, honey, mustard, or yogurt – for a delightful freshness.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie

Achieve the best results in your Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie with these expert tips:

  • Chilled Ingredients for Pastry: Use cold butter and water for your pastry dough, and chill it before rolling. This technique ensures a flaky, crisp texture in your pastry.
  • Semolina for Non-Stickiness: Before lining your pie dish, sprinkle a bit of semolina on the bottom and sides. This not only prevents the pastry from sticking but also absorbs any excess moisture, avoiding a soggy base.
  • Steam Escape Hole: Carve a small hole in the center of your pastry lid. This simple step allows steam to escape, preventing the pastry from becoming puffed and potentially cracking.
  • Egg Wash and Cheese for a Golden Crust: Brush your pastry with beaten egg and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking. This gives the crust a beautifully golden and subtly cheesy finish.
  • Rest Time Post-Baking: Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This resting period lets the filling set and the flavors to fully develop and meld together.

Creative Variations of Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie

Experiment with these variations to add a twist to the traditional Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie:

  • Turkey and Mushroom Pie: Swap chicken with leftover turkey, adding cranberries or chestnuts for a festive flavor.
  • Chicken and Ham Pie: Enhance the filling with diced ham or bacon. Swap cider with white wine for a deeper, nuanced liquid base.
  • Chicken and Vegetable Pie: Tailor the pie with a range of vegetables like mushrooms, celery, peas, or corn. Incorporate cream cheese in the sauce for added creaminess.
  • Chicken and Leek Pie: Focus on leeks as the primary vegetable, eliminating carrots and mushrooms. Mustard or tarragon in the sauce can introduce an exciting flavor profile.
  • Chicken and Cheese Pie: Elevate the cheesy aspect by using additional cheese in the sauce. Consider blue cheese or feta in the filling for a tangy twist.

Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie

How do I store Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie Leftovers?

If you have any leftovers of Delia Smith chicken and mushroom pie, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later.

Here is how to do it:

Refrigerator

  • Let the pie cool completely at room temperature.
  • Cut the pie into portions and place them in airtight containers or wrap them with plastic wrap or foil.
  • Refrigerate the pie for up to 3 days.

Freezer

  • Let the pie cool completely at room temperature.
  • Cut the pie into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or wrap them with plastic wrap and foil.
  • Label the containers or wraps with the date and contents.
  • Freeze the pie for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie Leftovers?

If you want to reheat Delia Smith chicken and mushroom pie leftovers, you can do it in the oven or the microwave.

Here is how to do it:

Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place the pie portions on the prepared baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil.
  • Bake the pie for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.
  • Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until golden.

Microwave

  • Place the pie portions on a microwave-safe plate and cover them loosely with a damp paper towel.
  • Microwave the pie for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through and soft.
  • Let the pie rest for 1 minute before serving.

Nutrition value per serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 982 kcal
  • Fat: 63 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 1010 mg
  • Cholesterol: 223 mg

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FAQs

What is Chicken and Mushroom Pie?

Chicken and mushroom pie is a type of savory pie that consists of a filling of chicken and mushrooms in a sauce, covered with a pastry crust. It is usually baked in the oven until golden and crisp. Chicken and mushroom pie is a traditional dish in British cuisine, and it is often served as a main course with vegetables and gravy.

The origins of chicken and mushroom pie can be traced back to the Middle Ages when pies were a common way of preserving meat and using up leftovers. The pastry was originally a thick and hard crust that was not meant to be eaten, but rather to seal in the juices and flavors of the filling. Over time, the pastry became thinner and more edible, and different types of fillings and sauces were developed.

Can I Make Delia Smith’s Chicken and Mushroom Pie with Puff Pastry?

Yes, you can substitute the homemade shortcrust pastry with puff pastry if preferred. Puff pastry will give the pie a lighter, more buttery crust. Just be sure to adjust baking times accordingly, as puff pastry might bake faster than shortcrust.

Is It Possible to Prepare the Chicken and Mushroom Pie in Advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to the point of baking and then refrigerate it for 1-2 days before you need to serve it. Ensure it’s covered properly in the fridge. When ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

How can I make the pastry more flaky and crisp?

To make the pastry more flaky and crisp, you can use cold butter and water for the dough, and refrigerate it before rolling it out. You can also sprinkle some semolina over the bottom and sides of the pie dish before adding the pastry, to help prevent it from sticking and sogging. You can also brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before baking, to give it a golden and cheesy crust.

How can I make the filling more creamy and rich?

To make the filling more creamy and rich, you can use heavy cream instead of milk for the sauce, and add some cream cheese for extra creaminess. You can also use more cheese for the sauce, and add some blue cheese or feta cheese to the filling for extra tanginess.

How Can I Make the Pie-Filling Thicker?

If you prefer a thicker filling, you can increase the amount of cornstarch in the sauce. Alternatively, allow the sauce to simmer for a longer period to reduce and thicken. Remember, the filling will also set and thicken a bit more as it cools after baking

How can I make the pie more flavorful and aromatic?

To make the pie more flavorful and aromatic, you can use chicken stock instead of cider for the liquid, or a combination of both. You can also use white wine for a more sophisticated flavor. You can also add some herbs, such as parsley, sage, or rosemary, to the filling for more aroma and freshness. You can also season the filling with nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and curry powder for more spice and warmth.

Final Words

Delia Smith’s chicken and mushroom pie recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that will make you feel cozy and satisfied. It is easy to make and can be adapted to your preferences and ingredients. It is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and it will impress your guests with its flavor and appearance. Try it today and enjoy a slice of British tradition!

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