Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to serve it for a cozy dinner, a Sunday lunch, or a special celebration, this pie will not disappoint.
In this article, I will show you how to make this Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie recipe step by step, with tips and tricks along the way. You will learn how to:
- Prepare the chicken, ham, and leek filling
- Make the creamy sauce
- Assemble and bake the pie
- Serve and enjoy the pie
What is Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie?
Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie is a delicious and comforting pie made with cooked chicken, ham, leeks, cream, mustard, and puff pastry. It is a classic British dish that is popular for its rich and creamy filling and flaky pastry crust. The name “Hairy Bikers” comes from the famous TV chefs and cookbook authors Dave Myers and Si King, who are known for their love of motorcycles and hearty food.
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Why You Love this Recipe
You’re bound to appreciate this Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie recipe for various reasons:
- Simplicity: Utilizes straightforward ingredients along with ready-made puff pastry for ease.
- Resourceful: Ideal for utilizing leftover chicken and ham, enhancing both flavor and economy.
- Hearty Satisfaction: Delivers a comforting and filling meal perfect for various occasions.
- Flavor Harmony: Offers a delightful blend of leek’s sweetness, ham’s saltiness, mustard’s tang, and a rich creamy sauce.
- Impressive Presentation: Achieves a golden, crisp finish that’s sure to wow any table.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie
To make this Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 25 g butter
- 3 medium leeks, trimmed and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 500 ml chicken stock
- 200 ml double cream
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 500 g cooked chicken, shredded
- 200 g cooked ham, chopped
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 500 g ready-made puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
Equipment
You will also need the following equipment to make this recipe:
- A large frying pan
- A wooden spoon
- A pie dish (about 25 cm in diameter)
- A rolling pin
- A pastry brush
- A sharp knife
- A fork
- A baking sheet
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients and equipment, you are ready to make this Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie recipe. Follow these instructions carefully and you will have a delicious pie in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the filling
The first step is to prepare the filling for the pie. This is where you will cook the leeks, garlic, flour, stock, cream, mustard, salt, pepper, chicken, ham, and parsley together in a large frying pan. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the leeks and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until soft and golden.
- Sprinkle the flour over the leek mixture and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the cream and mustard and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the chicken, ham, and parsley and remove from the heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the pie crust
The next step is to make the pie crust. This is where you will roll out the puff pastry and line the pie dish with it. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and lightly grease a pie dish.
- Roll out two-thirds of the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3 mm. Cut out a circle that is slightly larger than the pie dish and use it to line the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim off any excess pastry and prick the base with a fork.
- Spoon the filling into the pastry-lined dish and spread it evenly.
- Roll out the remaining pastry to a thickness of about 3 mm and cut out a circle that is slightly larger than the pie dish. Use it to cover the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal. Trim off any excess pastry and make a small slit in the center of the lid to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg and place it on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the pie
The final step is to bake the pie. This is where you will cook the pie in the oven until golden and crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie?
While this pie stands as a hearty dish on its own, consider pairing it with:
- Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad adds a light, balanced touch.
- Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for absorbing the pie’s creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Complement with the nutritional goodness of carrots, peas, or green beans.
- Bread or Rolls: Ideal for sopping up any remaining sauce and filling.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie
To make sure your Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie turns out perfect, follow these pro tips:
- Leek Preparation: Sauté until golden for optimal sweetness.
- Smooth Sauce: Ensure flour is thoroughly whisked into the leeks, gradually incorporating stock for a thick, lump-free sauce.
- Balanced Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper, mindful of the inherent saltiness from ham and mustard.
- Uniform Filling: Chop chicken and ham into even pieces for consistent texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley enhances flavor; consider other herbs like thyme or sage for variety.
- Pastry Thickness: Roll to approximately 3 mm, ensuring it’s neither too thin nor too thick.
- Pastry Sealing: Overlap slightly larger pastry circles over the pie dish, sealing edges with a fork for aesthetics and security.
- Golden Finish: Egg-wash the pastry for a lustrous golden hue.
- Proper Venting: Include a slit in the pastry lid to release steam and avoid sogginess.
- Resting Time: Allow the pie to rest post-baking, setting the filling and cooling the pastry just enough for slicing.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie
Explore these variations to customize your pie:
- Meat Alternatives: Experiment with turkey or bacon for diverse flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate mushrooms, spinach, or cheese for a richer filling.
- Pastry Switch: Swap puff pastry with shortcrust or cheese pastry for a twist.
- Individual Servings: Create personal pies using muffin tins or ramekins for easy serving and portion control.
How do I store Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of this Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie, you can store them in the refrigerator or the freezer, depending on how long you want to keep them.
Here’s how to do it:
Refrigerator
- Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container.
- Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the pie in the oven or the microwave before serving.
Freezer
- Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then cut it into slices or portions, if desired.
- Wrap each slice or portion with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in freezer bags or containers, making sure to squeeze out any air.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and the contents, and freeze the pie for up to 3 months.
- Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight, or in the microwave on the defrost setting, before reheating and serving.
How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie Leftovers?
To reheat this Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie, you can use the oven or the microwave, depending on your preference and convenience.
Here’s how to do it:
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and place the pie on a baking sheet.
- Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil, to prevent it from burning or drying out.
- Bake the pie for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the pastry is crisp.
- Remove the foil and serve the pie hot.
Microwave
- Place the pie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel, to prevent it from drying out or becoming soggy.
- Microwave the pie for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the pastry is soft.
- Serve the pie hot.
Nutrition value
The nutrition value list for one serving (about half of the pie) is as follows:
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1353 | 57g | 57g | 84g |
FAQs
Can I make Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie but don’t bake it; instead, cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How can I make my pie pastry extra flaky and golden?
For a flakier pastry, ensure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it, and the oven is fully preheated before baking. Brushing the top with a beaten egg will give it a rich golden color and shine. Avoid opening the oven frequently, as the stable temperature helps achieve that desirable flakiness.
What are the best substitutions for leeks in the pie?
If you don’t have leeks or wish to try something different, onions or shallots make a good substitute, offering a similar mild, sweet flavor. For a twist, try using fennel for a slightly sweeter and licorice-like taste.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this Hairy Bikers chicken ham and leek pie recipe and found it easy to follow. This pie is a great way to use up leftover chicken and ham, and it is sure to impress your guests with its rich and creamy filling and flaky pastry crust. If you liked this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and let me know what you think in the comments below.
Thank you for reading and happy cooking!