I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie. It was a chilly evening, and I had just moved into a new apartment. My kitchen was bare, and I had no idea what I was doing. The recipe was simple and enticing – only five ingredients. I thought, “How can this possibly work”? But by the time the pie was out of the oven, the aroma had filled the whole apartment, and it was everything I had hoped for – comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying.
What I love most about this pie is its simplicity. In an age where recipes often demand a long list of ingredients and hours of preparation, this one proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just five ingredients, you can create something magical. Let’s dive in and explore this gem of a recipe!
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie 5-ingredients Recipe
The beauty of Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie lies in its simplicity. Jamie is a chef known for making home cooking approachable and fun, and this chicken pie is no exception. When I first stumbled across this recipe, I was immediately drawn to how few ingredients it called for. I wondered if the flavor would be strong enough with so little – and to my surprise, it was not just flavorful, it was decadent.
The dish takes a humble filling of chicken, mushrooms, and a couple of pantry staples and turns it into a hearty meal. You don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to pull it off. All you need is a bit of patience and a good pie crust to wrap everything up.
Ingredients Needed
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the few ingredients you’ll need to bring this recipe to life. The beauty of this recipe is in how little you need to make something that feels indulgent.
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Chicken Breasts (or Thighs)
- I like using breasts for this recipe, but thighs add more flavor if you prefer a richer taste. Both will work well.
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Mushrooms
- Fresh mushrooms add a savory depth. I typically use button mushrooms, but any variety will do. They bring a meaty texture to the pie’s filling.
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Puff Pastry
- This is your pie’s crust. Go for a good quality store-bought puff pastry unless you’re feeling adventurous and want to make it from scratch.
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Cream (or Creme Fraiche)
- The richness of the cream will make the filling smooth and luxurious. If you want a lighter option, swap this for low-fat crème fraiche.
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Chicken Stock
- A good chicken stock is essential. It adds the right amount of moisture and flavor to the pie filling, bringing everything together.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie 5-ingredients
This part is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.
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Cook The Chicken
- Start by cooking the chicken in a pan with a little oil until golden and cooked through. You can either chop it into small chunks or leave it in larger pieces for more bite. Once it’s done, set it aside.
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Prepare The Mushrooms
- In the same pan, toss in your chopped mushrooms and cook them until they’re soft and have released all their moisture. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Create The Sauce
- Add the cream and chicken stock to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken up nicely.
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Combine The Chicken And Mushrooms
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix well. Let it all come together. The mixture should be creamy and rich.
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Assemble The Pie
- Roll out your puff pastry and place it in a pie dish. Pour the chicken and mushroom mixture into the dish. Top with another sheet of puff pastry and seal the edges. Cut a few slits on top for steam to escape. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Here’s where the magic happens: the science of ingredients. The combination of chicken, cream, and mushrooms might seem simple, but there’s a lot of science going on behind the scenes.
- Chicken provides lean protein and a mild flavor that acts as the base of the filling. When cooked, its proteins bond with water, which helps retain moisture during baking, keeping the pie from drying out.
- Mushrooms are rich in glutamates – compounds that naturally enhance the savory taste of the pie. They also have a unique texture that mimics meat, which is why they’re so satisfying in a dish like this.
- Cream has fat molecules that coat the proteins and starches, making the filling smooth and luscious. The fat also adds richness and helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the pie.
- Puff pastry is flaky because of the way the layers of dough are folded with butter or fat. When baked, steam forms between the layers, causing the pastry to puff up and become light and crisp.
Expert Tips
Here are a few pro tips to take this recipe from great to even greater:
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Season Generously
- Don’t be afraid to season your chicken and mushrooms well with salt, pepper, and herbs. I like to add a sprinkle of thyme for extra flavor.
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Add A Touch Of Garlic
- If you love garlic like I do, a minced clove or two tossed in with the mushrooms will give the filling an added depth of flavor.
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Let The Filling Cool Slightly
- Before assembling the pie, let the chicken mixture cool a little. This helps prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy when baking.
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Make It Crispy
- For a golden, crispy finish, brush the top of the pie with an egg wash (egg yolk beaten with a little water) before baking.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile. You can make it your own by switching out ingredients. Here are a few ideas to get creative:
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Vegetarian Version
- Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like roasted sweet potato, leeks, or spinach for a meatless pie.
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Spicy Chicken Pie
- Add a touch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling for a bit of heat.
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Add Cheese
- Grated cheddar or parmesan mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top of the pie adds an extra layer of richness.
Final Words
This chicken pie has become a go-to for me. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl – easy to make, but comforting and satisfying. Even on a busy weeknight, it delivers that homemade taste without demanding too much time in the kitchen.
FAQs
What Are The 5 Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie?
The five main ingredients are chicken breasts, puff pastry, crème fraîche, mustard, and frozen peas.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie?
It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy recipe!
Can I Use Other Vegetables In Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pie?
Yes, you can swap peas for other veggies like carrots or mushrooms, depending on your preference.