If you’ve always thought that making a delicious and comforting chicken and leek pie at home is a time-consuming task, think again! We’re here to show you how to whip up this classic dish in a pressure cooker, saving you both time and effort. With tender pieces of chicken, flavorful leeks, and a golden pastry topping, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for a hearty and satisfying meal. So get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick and easy chicken and leek pie recipe.
Ingredients
To make a delicious chicken and leek pie in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken breast
Start by obtaining fresh chicken breast. Make sure it is boneless and skinless for ease of cooking and eating.
Leeks
Leeks are an essential component of this recipe. They add a unique, mild onion flavor to the pie. Ensure you clean the leeks thoroughly before using them to remove any dirt or grit.
Butter
Butter is needed for both cooking the chicken and leeks and making the sauce. It adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
Flour
Flour is used to thicken the sauce and give the pie a creamy texture. All-purpose flour or plain flour will do the job perfectly.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth is the base for the flavorful sauce in the pie. It adds depth and richness to the dish. You can use homemade chicken broth or store-bought, whichever is convenient for you.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce a luscious consistency and adds to the indulgence of the pie. Opt for a high-quality heavy cream for the best results.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are necessary to season the chicken, leeks, and sauce. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
Puff pastry
Puff pastry is the crowning glory of this pie. It provides a crispy and flaky crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling. You can find ready-made puff pastry sheets in the supermarket or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Egg for egg wash
An egg wash is required to give the puff pastry a beautiful golden color when baked. It also helps seal any seams or edges in the pastry.
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to move on to the preparation process.
Preparation
Prepare the chicken
Before cooking the chicken, make sure it is fully thawed if using frozen chicken breasts. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures that the meat is flavorful and enjoyable.
Prepare the leeks
Leeks need to be thoroughly cleaned before using them to remove any dirt or grit trapped between their layers. Start by trimming off the root and the dark green part of the leeks. Slice the leeks lengthwise and rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Finally, chop the leeks into thin slices or small pieces, depending on your preference.
Cook the chicken and leeks
In your pressure cooker, melt a generous amount of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast and cook until it turns golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and set it aside on a plate.
In the same pressure cooker, melt some more butter and sauté the prepared leeks until they become soft and translucent. This step allows the leeks to release their flavorful aroma.
Make the sauce
To make the sauce, sprinkle flour over the leeks and stir it continuously for a couple of minutes. This helps cook the flour and removes the raw flavor. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens and the flour is fully cooked.
Next, add the heavy cream and stir it into the sauce until well combined. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Take your time to adjust the seasoning, as it will determine the flavor profile of your pie.
Assemble the pie
Return the cooked chicken breast to the pressure cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Stir the chicken into the sauce and leeks mixture until fully coated. This creates a mouth-watering filling for your pie.
Prepare your puff pastry by rolling it out to fit the size of your pressure cooker or individual serving dishes. Carefully transfer the pastry onto the filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Trim any excess pastry if necessary and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Cook the pie in the pressure cooker
Place the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to the appropriate setting for baking. Cook the pie in the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The high pressure and enclosed environment will result in a perfectly cooked and tender pie in a fraction of the time it would take to bake in a conventional oven.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish and serve
Once the pie is cooked and the pressure has been released, carefully remove the lid of the pressure cooker. The aroma of the chicken and leek pie filling will be absolutely heavenly! To enhance the presentation and flavor, you can garnish the pie with some freshly chopped parsley or thyme.
Enjoy the delicious chicken and leek pie
Serve generous portions of the chicken and leek pie onto plates or bowls. The tender chicken, flavorful leeks, and creamy sauce nestled beneath the golden puff pastry crust make for a truly delectable meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Now that you have unlocked the secrets to making a scrumptious chicken and leek pie in a pressure cooker, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can whip up this comforting dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!