What makes chicken and broccoli pie a good choice?
This Chicken and Broccoli Pie is perfect for families because it combines a creamy sauce with healthy vegetables. The puff pastry top provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft filling. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken or fresh produce from the fridge. Preparing the filling takes very little time before it goes into the oven to bake.
Follow these 4 steps for chicken and broccoli pie
Cook the chicken: Heat a little oil in a large pan and add the diced chicken and onions. Fry them over a medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are soft. Season the mixture with a little salt and pepper as you go. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the ingredients to get a good colour.
Prepare the filling: Add the broccoli florets to the pan with the chicken. Mix the cornflour with a small amount of cold water and pour it into the pan along with the stock and cream. Stir the mixture constantly as it thickens into a smooth sauce to finish the base for your Chicken and Broccoli Pie.
Assemble the pie: Pour the hot filling into a suitable pie dish and spread it out evenly. Unroll the puff pastry sheet and place it carefully over the top of the dish. Trim any excess pastry from the edges and press down with a fork to seal it. Brush the top with the beaten egg to help it turn golden brown.
Bake until golden: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200C for about 20 minutes. The pastry should rise and become crisp and dark golden. Check that the filling is bubbling hot before removing it from the oven. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving to help the sauce set.
The best tips for chicken and broccoli pie
For the best result with your Chicken and Broccoli Pie, ensure the broccoli is cut into small bite sized pieces so it cooks evenly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornflour mixed with water. Always use chilled pastry straight from the fridge to get the best rise in the oven.
Brushing the pastry with egg is a simple step that creates a beautiful professional finish. You can also make a few small slits in the pastry lid to allow steam to escape while it bakes. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy on the bottom. If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use that instead to reduce the preparation time even further.
You may also like
pudding with fruit sauce,
tuna patties with chilli and lime or
baked flounder.
