Whenever I think of comfort food, my mind immediately goes to the first time I made the Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie. It was during a particularly rainy week, and I was craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying. I had just watched the Hairy Bikers make this on one of their cooking shows, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how perfectly golden and creamy it looked. I decided to give it a try that same evening, and it’s been part of my regular cooking rotation ever since.
This pie has everything I love about a home-cooked meal. It’s rich without being overly heavy, and the flavor of the chicken and leeks together is just so comforting. The sauce is creamy and savory, with just the right touch of mustard to lift it. Wrapped in golden puff pastry, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like everything is right with the world. My family now asks for it regularly, especially when the weather turns cold.
What I really appreciate about the Hairy Bikers’ recipes is how approachable they are. Even though this pie looks like something you’d get at a countryside pub, it’s surprisingly simple to make. I remember the first time I pulled it out of the oven, the smell was so good I almost forgot to let it rest before diving in. Since then, I’ve shared the recipe with friends and have added a few little twists of my own over the years.
So if you’re looking for something traditional, delicious, and deeply satisfying, this pie is it. Let me take you through every step, from ingredients to serving suggestions, and help you bring this classic comfort food to your table.
What is Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie?
Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie is a classic British comfort dish made with tender pieces of chicken, soft sautéed leeks, and a creamy, savory white sauce. It’s topped with golden, flaky puff pastry and baked until bubbling and beautifully crisp. This pie strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and homely. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with familiar ingredients and that unmistakable homemade flavor.
Why you should try this recipe?
You should try this recipe because it’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to make. It’s the kind of dish that works for everything from a midweek dinner to a Sunday lunch. The creamy filling is full of flavor, and the leeks give it a subtle sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly. Plus, the puff pastry crust gives it that satisfying crunch and golden finish that makes it feel extra special. If you enjoy cozy, hearty meals that bring everyone to the table, this pie won’t disappoint.
Ingredients needed to make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the filling:
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600g skinless chicken thighs or breast, diced
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2 medium leeks, sliced
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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50g butter
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2 tbsp plain flour
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250ml chicken stock
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150ml double cream
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1 tsp wholegrain mustard
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
For the pastry topping:
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1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
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1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instruction to make Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie
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Prepare the filling. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
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Add the leeks and garlic. Stir in the sliced leeks and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant.
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Cook the chicken. Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until sealed and just starting to brown.
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Make the sauce. Sprinkle in the plain flour and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for a minute to remove the raw taste of the flour.
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Add the liquids. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Then stir in the cream and mustard.
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Season and simmer. Add salt, pepper, and parsley. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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Preheat your oven. Set it to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
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Assemble the pie. Spoon the filling into a pie dish. Unroll the puff pastry and lay it over the top. Trim the edges and press to seal. Use a knife to cut a small slit in the center to allow steam to escape.
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Brush and bake. Brush the pastry with beaten egg and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
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Let it rest. Allow the pie to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 600 g skinless chicken thighs or breast diced
- 2 medium leeks sliced
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 50 g butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 250 ml chicken stock
- 150 ml double cream
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- A handful of fresh parsley chopped
For the pastry topping:
- 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the leeks and garlic. Stir in the sliced leeks and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant.
- Cook the chicken. Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until sealed and just starting to brown.
- Make the sauce. Sprinkle in the plain flour and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for a minute to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Add the liquids. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Then stir in the cream and mustard.
- Season and simmer. Add salt, pepper, and parsley. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven. Set it to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Assemble the pie. Spoon the filling into a pie dish. Unroll the puff pastry and lay it over the top. Trim the edges and press to seal. Use a knife to cut a small slit in the center to allow steam to escape.
- Brush and bake. Brush the pastry with beaten egg and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Let it rest. Allow the pie to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutritional value
Per serving (based on 6 portions):- Calories: ~450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
What goes well with Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie
I like to serve this pie with buttery mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. It also goes wonderfully with roasted carrots or a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. If you’re feeling indulgent, a bit of gravy on the side doesn’t hurt either.
My tips to make the best Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie
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Cool the filling slightly before adding the pastry. This helps prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
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Use thigh meat if you prefer juicier chicken. Breast works too, but thighs stay moist and flavorful.
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Don’t skip the mustard. It adds a gentle tang that brings the creamy sauce to life.
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Get creative with herbs. Fresh thyme or tarragon works beautifully in place of parsley.
Easy variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie
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Add mushrooms to the filling for extra umami and richness.
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Use leftover roast chicken to cut down prep time.
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Make it a pot pie. Use individual ramekins and top with circles of puff pastry.
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Try a mash topping instead of pastry for a more rustic pie feel.
Best way to store Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie
Once cooled, cover the pie tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 180°C for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. It can also be frozen before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Nutritional value
Per serving (based on 6 portions):
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Calories: ~450
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Fat: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Protein: 25g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 450mg
These values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken can be added to the sauce after the leeks are softened.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Make sure it’s well-wrapped and bake it directly from frozen with extra time.
Can I make this without cream?
You can use crème fraîche or a milk and flour mixture as a lighter substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the next day.
Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely. The mild flavors and creamy texture make it very appealing to children.
Conclusion
This Hairy Bikers Chicken and Leek Pie holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about the rich filling or the flaky pastry. It’s about the feeling I get every time I make it. It brings back memories of cozy evenings and family dinners where everyone gathered around the table with full plates and warm smiles. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden pie from the oven, hearing the gentle crackle of the pastry, and watching the steam rise as you cut into it.
The first time I made this pie, I wasn’t sure if it would come out like the one I saw on TV. But it did, and better than I expected. It was the kind of dish that felt like a small triumph. Since then, I’ve come back to this recipe whenever I want to create something that feels special but not overly complicated. And the best part is that it always works. No fuss, no drama, just honest, delicious food.
I love how flexible it is too. I’ve made it with leftovers, added mushrooms, even turned it into individual pies when hosting guests. It always gets compliments, and there are rarely any leftovers. That, to me, is a sign of a recipe worth keeping.
If you’re craving something hearty, homemade, and full of flavor, this pie might just become your new favorite too. Whether it’s your first time trying it or you’re coming back for a second go, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Give it a place in your recipe book and your kitchen memories. You’ll be glad you did.
