Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie Recipe

Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie
Yields: 1 Serving Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 30 Mins Cook Time: 1 Hr Total Time: 1 Hr 30 Mins

Jamie Oliver chicken and ham pie recipe embodies the essence of a comforting, home-cooked meal. This recipe is a delightful way to bring the warmth of traditional British cooking into your own kitchen. It’s a dish that promises a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, thanks to its combination of tender chicken, savory ham, creamy leeks, and a perfectly flaky puff pastry crust.

In this article, I’ll show you how to make Jamie Oliver’s chicken and ham pie recipe step by step. I’ll also share some tips and tricks to make it even more flavorful and satisfying. Let’s get started!

What is Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie Recipe?

Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie is a traditional British dish that consists of a filling of cooked chicken, ham, leeks, and a creamy sauce, topped with a puff pastry crust and baked until golden and crisp. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that can be enjoyed on any occasion.

Other Popular Recipes

Why You Love this Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: The recipe calls for everyday ingredients, readily available in supermarkets or perfect for using up leftovers.
  • Rich and Satisfying: It combines tender meat, soft leeks, and a smooth sauce for a truly hearty meal.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Homemade pies are universally loved, and this one, fresh from the oven, is no exception.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie

To make this chicken and ham pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves picked
  • 500 grams of cooked chicken, shredded
  • 300 grams of cooked ham, chopped
  • 50 grams of butter
  • 50 grams of plain flour
  • 600 ml of chicken stock
  • 200 ml of double cream
  • 2 teaspoons of wholegrain mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large leeks, trimmed and sliced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 375 grams of ready-rolled puff pastry

Useful Equipment

You’ll also need the following equipment to make this chicken and ham pie:

  • A large frying pan
  • A wooden spoon
  • A large pie dish (about 25 cm in diameter)
  • A pastry brush
  • A sharp knife
  • A fork
  • A baking sheet
  • A cooling rack

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie

Follow these instructions to make Jamie Oliver’s chicken and ham pie:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and the Pie Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 and lightly grease your pie dish with some butter or cooking spray.
  • Set aside the pie dish for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Onion, Garlic, and Thyme

  • Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion, garlic, and thyme and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
  • This will add a lot of flavor and aroma to the filling.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Ham

  • Add the chicken and ham to the onion mixture and stir to combine.
  • You can use leftover roast chicken and ham for this recipe, or buy them ready-cooked from the supermarket.
  • Transfer the mixture to your pie dish and spread it evenly.
  • Set aside the pie dish for later use.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  • In the same frying pan, melt the butter over low-medium heat.
  • Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth paste.
  • Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the floury taste.
  • Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, stirring well to avoid any lumps.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  • Stir in the cream, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • You can also add some white wine or sherry for some extra depth and complexity.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce over the Filling

  • Pour the sauce over the chicken and ham mixture in the pie dish, making sure to cover it completely.
  • Set aside the pie dish to cool slightly.

Step 6: Cook the Leeks

  • In a small frying pan, cook the leeks over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and charred.
  • Sprinkle them over the sauce in the pie dish.
  • They will add some extra color and texture to the pie.

Step 7: Cover the Pie with Puff Pastry

  • Unroll the puff pastry and place it over the pie dish, tucking in the edges.
  • Cut a few slits in the pastry to let the steam escape.
  • Brush the pastry with the beaten egg.
  • This will give it a nice shine and color.
  • You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for some extra texture and decoration.

Step 8: Bake the Pie

  • Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
  • The baking sheet will catch any drips and prevent the oven from getting messy.

Step 9: Rest and Serve the Pie

  • Let the pie rest for 10 minutes on a cooling rack before serving.
  • This will allow the filling to set and the pastry to crisp up.
  • Enjoy your Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie with a green salad or some mashed potatoes.
Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie Recipe
Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie

What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie?

To elevate Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Ham Pie, consider pairing it with:

  • Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad adds a light and refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the pie.
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes: They not only complement the flavors but also absorb the delightful sauce.
  • Colorful Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Options like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts contribute both visual appeal and nutritional value.
  • Fresh Bread or Rolls: Perfect for savoring every bit of the delicious sauce.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie

Enhance your Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie with these expert tips:

  • SautĂ©ing for Flavor: Cook onion, garlic, and thyme until they’re soft and golden, as they’re key for a flavorful base.
  • Quality Ingredients for the Sauce: Opt for high-quality chicken stock and double cream. For added complexity, a splash of white wine or sherry works wonders.
  • Perfect Pastry Technique: Extend the puff pastry beyond the pie dish edges, and tuck them in to seal the goodness inside. This prevents leakage and ensures a well-formed crust.
  • Finishing Touches: Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
  • Resting Time: Let the pie rest for 10 minutes post-baking. This helps the filling to settle and the crust to achieve the perfect crispness.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie

Customize Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Ham Pie to suit your taste with these variations:

  • Alternate Proteins: Experiment with turkey or bacon as a substitute for chicken or ham.
  • Cheesy Delight: Incorporate grated cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, or parmesan into the sauce for added richness.
  • Pastry Options: Use fresh, frozen, or homemade puff pastry for different textures and flavors.
  • Vegetable Add-ins: Enhance the filling with additional vegetables such as carrots, peas, mushrooms, or spinach, for extra color and nutrition.
  • Individual Servings: Consider making individual pies for convenient serving and portion control.

How do I store Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie Leftovers?

If you have any leftovers of Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie, you can store them in the following ways:

  • In the fridge: You can store the leftover pie in an airtight container or wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
  • In the freezer: You can freeze the leftover pie in an airtight container or wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to label and date it before freezing it.

How do I reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie Leftovers?

If you want to reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken and Ham Pie leftovers, you can do it in the following ways:

  • In the oven: You can reheat the leftover pie in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the pastry is crisp. You can cover the pie with some foil if it’s browning too quickly.
  • In the microwave: You can reheat the leftover pie in a microwave-safe dish on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the pastry is soft. You can cover the pie with a paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition value per serving:

  • Calories: 829 kcal
  • Fat: 51 g
  • Saturated fat: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Sodium: 1000 mg
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 198 mg

FAQs

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Ham Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie but hold off on baking it. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold pie. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or for preparing a meal for guests.

What kind of chicken and ham can I use for this recipe?

You can use leftover roast chicken and ham for this recipe, or buy them ready-cooked from the supermarket. You can also use turkey instead of chicken, or bacon instead of ham, if you prefer.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner for this recipe?

To make the sauce thicker, you can either cook it for longer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency or add some more flour, whisking well to avoid any lumps. To make the sauce thinner, you can either add some more chicken stock, cream, or milk, stirring well to combine or add some white wine or sherry for some extra flavor and moisture.

What Can I Substitute for Double Cream in the Recipe?

If double cream is unavailable, you can substitute with heavy cream or a mixture of milk and butter. To replicate the richness of double cream, use a combination of Âľ cup of milk and â…“ cup of melted butter, which will give you a similar consistency and fat content.

How Can I Make This Pie Vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken and ham with a mixture of your favorite vegetables and a protein source like tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach are great vegetable options that complement the creamy sauce and puff pastry.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s chicken and ham pie is a delicious and comforting meal that you can make for your family and friends. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and serve it with a green salad or some mashed potatoes. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and ham or to make a special occasion more festive.

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Jamie Oliver’s chicken and ham pie recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. Happy cooking!

More By British Recipes Book

Leave a Reply