Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Bites

Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Bites

This Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Bites is a comforting, hearty dish filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with golden puff pastry. The bite-sized puff pastry pieces add a fun and flaky twist to this classic meal.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Puff Pastry Bites:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook it in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Once done, let it cool and dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In the same pan, melt the butter and add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
   • Add the thyme, parsley, and peas, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the cooked chicken and remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry Bites:
   • Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into bite-sized squares using a knife or pizza cutter.
   • Transfer the pastry bites to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with the egg wash (egg beaten with water).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
4. Assemble the Pot Pie:
   • While the pastry bakes, transfer the chicken and vegetable filling into individual ramekins or a large baking dish.
   • Once the puff pastry bites are baked, carefully place them on top of the filling.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of the creamy chicken filling with the crispy, flaky puff pastry bites!

Tips:

• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to assemble and bake.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or corn for more variety.
• Puff Pastry: If you prefer a full pastry topping, you can lay the puff pastry sheet over the entire filling instead of making bites.

Enjoy this delightful Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Bites, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining!