Easy Mary Berry Chicken Ham and Leek Pie Recipe

Make Mary Berry’s Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie for a tasty and filling meal. This classic British pie has chicken, ham, and leeks all baked into a flaky crust. It’s a great choice for dinner with your family or when you have friends over.

This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.

Follow this article for easy, step-by-step instructions to help you make this delicious pie perfectly.

What is Mary Berry’s Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie?

Mary Berry’s Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie is a quintessentially British dish that combines succulent chicken and diced ham with creamy leeks, all baked in a rich, flaky pastry shell. It’s a warming dish that’s especially popular in colder months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this recipe for its comforting flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of chicken and ham offers a delightful protein-rich filling, while the leeks add a gentle, onion-like sweetness that’s not overpowering. Wrapped in a buttery pastry, this pie is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be served in any season, making it a perennial favorite.

Other Pie Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Pie
• Jamie Oliver Leek and Potato Pie
• James Martin Meat and Potato Pie

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry’s Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie

For the Filling:

• Chicken breasts (about 500g or 1.1 lbs), cubed
• Ham (250g or 0.55 lbs), diced
• Leeks (3 medium), thinly sliced
• Butter (50g or 1.76 oz), for sautéing
• Flour (2 tablespoons), for thickening
• Chicken stock (600ml or about 2.5 cups), for a rich base
• Heavy cream (100ml or about 0.4 cups), for creaminess
• Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pastry:

• Ready-rolled puff pastry (500g or 1.1 lbs), keep chilled until use
• Egg (1), beaten, for glazing

Useful Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Pie dish (about 9-inch round or equivalent)
• Rolling pin (if adjusting pastry size)
• Pastry brush

Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

• Sauté the Leeks: In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
• Cook the Chicken: Increase the heat slightly, add the chicken pieces, and cook until they start to brown.
• Add Ham and Season: Mix in the diced ham, sprinkle over the flour, and stir well to coat. Cook for another minute.
• Pour in Liquid Ingredients: Slowly add the chicken stock and cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
• Season and Simmer: Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie

• Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Prepare the Pie Dish: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry if not pre-rolled. Lay it over your pie dish, gently pressing into the edges.
• Add the Filling: Spoon the chicken, ham, and leek mixture into the pastry-lined pie dish. If there’s excess liquid, use a slotted spoon to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
• Cover with Pastry: Place another layer of pastry over the top, seal the edges by crimping, and trim any excess.
• Glaze and Vent: Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden finish and make a few small slits in the center to allow steam to escape.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

• Bake for 25-30 Minutes: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
• Rest and Serve: Let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Chicken Ham and Leek Pie?

When it comes to serving Mary Berry’s Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie, selecting the right side dishes can enhance your meal experience.

Here are some great options that complement the flavors of this hearty pie:

• Steamed Green Beans: Fresh green beans steamed until tender-crisp make a healthy and colorful side.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with the rich pie filling.
• Roasted Carrots: Carrots roasted with a touch of honey and thyme offer a sweet and earthy balance.
• Garden Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds a fresh element to your plate.
• Peas and Mint: Bright peas with a hint of mint refresh the palate.
• Cauliflower Cheese: A creamy cauliflower cheese is a comforting and luxurious addition.
• Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread to soak up any delicious sauce from the pie.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Chicken Ham and Leek Pie

Creating the perfect Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie involves some tricks that can elevate your baking to the next level.

Here are some pro tips to ensure your pie turns out great every time:

• Chill Your Pastry: Keeping the pastry cold before baking helps achieve a flaky crust.
• Thicken the Filling: Ensure your filling is thick enough to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
• Pre-Bake the Bottom Crust: Consider pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes to prevent it from becoming too soft.
• Seal Edges Properly: Crimp the edges of your pie well to keep the filling contained and prevent leaks.
• Add Egg Wash: Brush the top with an egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing.

Variations of Mary Berry Chicken Ham and Leek Pie

Experimenting with different variations can add an exciting twist to the classic Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie. Here are some ideas to try:

• Add Mushrooms: Include sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try adding some grated cheddar or crumbled blue cheese for extra richness.
• Swap Meats: Replace ham with bacon or turkey for a different taste.
• Include Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or sweet potatoes for additional nutrients and color.
• Spicy Version: Add a bit of mustard or cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Chicken Ham and Leek Pie Leftovers?

Properly storing leftovers ensures that your pie remains delicious for subsequent meals.

Follow these tips for the best results:

• Cool Completely: Let the pie cool down completely before storing to avoid condensation.
• Refrigerate: Place the pie in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Wrap Tightly: If keeping in the pie dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

How Do I Reheat Mary Berry Chicken Ham and Leek Pie Leftovers?

Reheating your pie correctly can help maintain its texture and flavor.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with Foil: Cover the pie with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from burning.
• Heat Thoroughly: Reheat the pie for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Remove Foil: For the last 5 minutes, remove the foil to allow the crust to crisp up.

Nutrition Values (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 30 g (of which saturated fat is about 15 g)
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg

FAQS

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie completely, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What Can I Use Instead of Ham in the Chicken, Ham, and Leek Pie?

If you prefer not to use ham, you can substitute it with equal amounts of cooked bacon, turkey, or even smoked sausage for a different flavor profile. Ensure any substitute is cooked and diced before adding to the pie.

How Can I Make the Pie Crust Crispy?

To ensure a crispy pie crust, you can pre-bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, brushing the top crust with egg wash before baking will help achieve a golden, crispy top.

Is There a Vegetarian Alternative to Chicken in This Pie?

For a vegetarian version of this pie, replace the chicken and ham with a mixture of additional vegetables like mushrooms, squash, and chickpeas. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the vegetables.

Final Words