If you are looking for a hearty yet elegant comfort food, this Creamy Chicken Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. Rich, luscious cream mingles with tender chunks of chicken and sharp cheeses, all enveloped in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect meal to impress friends or treat yourself to something special that feels both indulgent and homemade. Once you master this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic with a creamy, savory filling that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Five golden brown pies with crimped edges sit on white parchment paper over a silver cooling rack. Each pie has a shiny, smooth, and slightly puffy top crust, with one pie showing a creamy filling with bits of textured ingredients spilling from a small bite. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with a light teal cloth visible on the side and white patterned plates stacked in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this Creamy Chicken Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s building flavor, ensuring the right texture, or adding that beautiful golden color.

600 grams chicken thighs: Chopped into small 2cm pieces for tender, juicy bites; leftover cooked chicken works just as well.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken evenly and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warm kick, balancing the creamy sauce.
2 cups cooking cream (500 ml): Use cooking cream, thickened cream, or heavy cream for that luxuriously smooth, rich base.
4 teaspoons wholegrain mustard: This tangy mustard brings depth and a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness.
½ cup aged cheddar cheese, freshly grated: Gives a strong, savory flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce.
½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Offers a nutty aroma and extra umami punch.
3 teaspoons cornflour: Acts as a thickening agent to make the sauce irresistibly creamy and luscious.
3-4 sheets ready-rolled shortcrust pastry (25 x 25cm, thawed): For the base if making a full pie; adds a buttery, crumbly texture.
2-3 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry (25 x 25cm, thawed): Use these for that signature flaky, golden top crust that everyone loves.
Egg beaten (for the glaze), optional: Brushed on before baking to give your pastry that gorgeous shine and rich color.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken thighs, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. This step is crucial for locking in the juiciness and building an intense savory base for your pie filling.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cooking cream, wholegrain mustard, cornflour, and both cheeses. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the pan. Stir constantly and bring it to a gentle simmer. The sauce will begin to thicken nicely, coating every piece of chicken with that indulgent creaminess you crave.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry

If you’re using shortcrust pastry for the pie base, line your pie dish with it, trimming any excess. Then pour your creamy chicken mixture into the pastry-lined dish. Next, unfold the puff pastry sheets for the top. Drape them over the filling, trimming the edges to fit and pressing down to seal. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits in the puff pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Glaze and Bake

Brush the top of the puff pastry with beaten egg for that irresistible golden-brown finish. Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and browned to perfection. The smell that fills your kitchen at this stage will tell you you’re nearly ready to enjoy one unforgettable meal.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe

The image shows a two-part view of a cooking tray with four round portions. The top part has four open dough circles with thick, creamy white filling mixed with small pink and light brown bits placed in the center of each dough. The dough is pale yellow with smooth edges, and the filling looks soft and chunky. The bottom part shows the same tray with the portions now closed and baked into golden brown, domed pies with crimped edges, giving a slightly shiny and smooth crust finish. The tray is black and rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the pie. You can also scatter a few extra shreds of cheddar or parmesan right after baking for added gooey goodness that melts slowly on the warm crust.

Side Dishes

This pie is a meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with simple, vibrant sides to balance the indulgence. Try serving with steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or buttered new potatoes with a sprinkle of dill. These sides add freshness and lightness without competing with the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try making individual pot pies using ramekins and just puff pastry on top. This makes for elegant plating and personalized servings. Or serve slices on rustic wooden boards alongside small bowls of pickle or chutney, bringing a delightful burst of tangy flavor with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tightly wrap any leftover creamy chicken pie in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days while preserving that wonderful texture and flavor.

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, prepare the pie completely but hold off on baking. Wrap it securely and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure a perfect golden crust.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the pastry regain its crispness while warming the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that beautiful flaky texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook the breast meat to keep it tender.

What if I don’t have wholegrain mustard?

You can substitute with Dijon mustard or even a regular yellow mustard for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind the distinctive texture and slight tang from wholegrain mustard is part of what makes this pie special.

Is it necessary to use both cheddar and parmesan cheese?

Using both cheeses adds complexity and depth to the flavor. Cheddar brings sharpness and melts smoothly, while parmesan adds nuttiness and umami. You can experiment with just one type if needed, but the combination really elevates the dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

It’s possible by using plant-based cream alternatives and dairy-free cheeses, but the texture and flavor will change noticeably. For the best creamy experience, real dairy ingredients work wonderfully here.

How can I make individual servings?

You can use ramekins or muffin tins and skip the shortcrust pastry base, just covering the filling with puff pastry. This turns the dish into charming, portable mini pies perfect for entertaining or portion control.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Creamy Chicken Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe that effortlessly combines comfort, elegance, and unbelievable taste. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dish to wow guests, this recipe offers that perfect balance of rich, creamy filling and flaky, golden pastry that will have everyone asking for more. Go ahead, dive in and enjoy every delicious bite—you won’t regret it!

Creamy Chicken Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe