Savory Chicken Cornish Pasties Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

When it comes to savory pies, few can match the rich history and flavor of a traditional Cornish pasty. Originating from Cornwall, England, the Cornish pasty is a beloved pastry filled with a variety of hearty ingredients, wrapped in a delicious, flaky crust. While the classic version typically features beef, today we are putting a fresh spin on this iconic dish by using chicken as the main protein. Our Savory Chicken Cornish Pasties are a perfect choice for dinner, offering a crispy, golden pastry filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and rich seasonings. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make savory chicken Cornish pasties from scratch, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Along with our main recipe, we’ll also explore variations like using puff pastry for an even flakier texture, how to make chicken and mushroom pasties, and tips for preparing these pasties using an Instant Pot for a quicker cooking time.

The Traditional Cornish Pasty: A Brief History

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick moment to appreciate the history of the Cornish pasty. The Cornish pasty is a traditional British dish with a long and storied history. According to legends, Cornish miners in the 19th century would pack their lunches in these handheld pastries, which were easy to carry and could withstand the harsh conditions of a mine. The hearty filling would keep them nourished throughout the day, and the crimped edge of the pastry allowed them to hold onto the pasty without touching the filling (a crucial detail when working in mines).

Today, the Cornish pasty has evolved into a favorite for people worldwide, with variations for all tastes and preferences. While the original recipe calls for beef, potatoes, onions, and swede (rutabaga), many home cooks like to experiment with different proteins and vegetables. Our savory chicken Cornish pasties are one such variation, offering a delicious twist on the classic.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken Cornish Pasties

Pour rendre ces savory chicken Cornish pasties, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Filling:

2 chicken breasts, diced into small pieces (or use cooked chicken for convenience)
1 oignon moyen, haché finement
1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional for a chicken and mushroom pasty)
2 gousses d'ail, émincées
2 cuillères à soupe de beurre
1 cuillère à soupe d'huile d'olive
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
Sel et poivre au goût
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)

For the Pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry (you can also use shortcrust pastry for a more traditional texture)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash to give the pasties a golden finish)
1 tablespoon of flour (to dust the surface for rolling)

For the Instant Pot Version (Optional):

If you want to speed up the cooking process, an Instant Pot can help. Use the same ingredients for the filling but cook the chicken in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting with oil and garlic. After sautéing the chicken, add the chicken broth, cream, and spices, and cook under high pressure for about 10 minutes. This step reduces the cooking time and makes the filling even more flavorful.

How to Make Savory Chicken Cornish Pasties

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Faire cuire le Poulet: Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using cooked chicken, simply heat it through in the pan.
Add the Vegetables: Next, stir in the grated carrot, peas, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely before using it in the pasties. This is important because hot filling can make the pastry soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

Roll Out the Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry (or shortcrust pastry) into a thin sheet. Use a round cutter (or a bowl) to cut out circles of pastry about 6-8 inches in diameter. You should be able to make 4-6 pasties, depending on the size.
Fill the Pasties: Place a generous spoonful of the cooled chicken mixture into the center of each pastry circle, making sure not to overfill. Leave enough space at the edges to seal the pasty.
Seal the Pasties: Brush the edges of the pastry with a little water to help seal the edges together. Fold the pastry in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp them using your fingers or a fork to create a neat, decorative edge.

Step 3: Bake the Pasties

Préchauffer le Four: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Egg Wash: Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of each pasty with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish.
Bake: Bake the pasties in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
Serve: Once baked, let the pasties cool for a few minutes before serving. They are perfect on their own or served with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.

Variations: Chicken and Mushroom Pasties

For those who love the combination of chicken and mushrooms, this recipe can easily be adapted to make a Chicken and Mushroom Pie. Simply add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the filling along with the other vegetables. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a nice texture, enhancing the overall taste of the pasty.

Alternatively, you can also use other vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or parsnips to create a custom filling. The versatility of pasty recipes means you can easily swap ingredients based on your personal preference or what’s available in your pantry.

Puff Pastry Chicken Pasties

If you prefer a flakier, more buttery pastry, using puff pastry is a fantastic choice. Puff pastry is a classic option for pasties, and it creates an ultra-flaky crust that complements the savory chicken filling. Just like with the traditional shortcrust pastry, follow the same steps for preparing the filling and sealing the pasties, but substitute puff pastry in place of the shortcrust. The result is a puff pastry dinner that is sure to be a hit at any meal.

Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Cornish Pasties

If you are short on time, you can also prepare your savory chicken Cornish pasties using an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot is perfect for making a quick and flavorful filling in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove. Simply sauté the chicken, onions, and garlic in the Instant Pot, add the remaining ingredients, and cook under pressure for 10 minutes. The chicken will be tender, and the sauce will be perfectly creamy, making your pasty filling ready in no time.

Tips for Making the Best Cornish Pasties

Don’t Overfill the Pasties: One of the keys to making the perfect Cornish pasty is not overstuffing the pastry. If you add too much filling, the pasty may burst open during baking. A generous spoonful is plenty!
Crimp Well: Sealing the edges properly is important to keep the filling inside. You can crimp with a fork or pinch the edges with your fingers.
Use a Hot Oven: A high-temperature oven helps the pastry puff up and become crispy, giving you that golden-brown, flaky crust.
Freezing for Later: Cornish pasties freeze beautifully. You can make a batch, freeze them before baking, and then bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cornish Pasty Recipe

Whether you choose to follow the traditional Cornish pasty recipe or opt for the chicken version, these savory pasties are sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a flaky, golden pastry makes them the perfect comfort food. Plus, with options to use puff pastry, make a chicken and mushroom pie version, or speed up the process with an Instant Pot, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences.

Perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, savory chicken Cornish pasties offer both flavor and convenience. Give this pasty recipe a try, and enjoy a deliciously hearty meal that brings a little bit of Cornish tradition to your table!