Savory Chicken & Spinach Pie Recipe

A warm, savory pie is the epitome of comfort food, and the “Savory Chicken & Spinach Pie” delivers just that. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses, all enveloped in golden puff pastry, this dish is perfect for a family dinner, an elegant gathering, or a cozy night in. This versatile recipe offers a combination of flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates, whether you’re seeking a hearty dinner or a delicious pastry-based meal.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this delicious chicken and spinach pie, along with variations to suit different tastes, including vegetarian options and ideas for using puff pastry in other savory recipes.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken & Spinach Pie

To make this mouthwatering pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (or use frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both works well)
1/2 cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
1/4 cup chicken broth or cream for a richer taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sautéing
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a subtle depth of flavor)

For the Pastry:

1 package of puff pastry sheets (about 2 sheets, depending on the size of your pie dish)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions for Making Savory Chicken & Spinach Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Cook the Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, simply season and cook it in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the pie filling.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the ricotta or cream cheese, if using. Stir in the grated cheese and chicken broth or cream. Continue stirring until the mixture is creamy and well-combined. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
Let the Filling Cool: Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling the pie. This step ensures that the puff pastry doesn’t become soggy when baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheets onto a clean, lightly floured surface. If the sheets are too large for your pie dish, trim the edges to fit. If needed, roll the pastry slightly to stretch it to the correct size.
Line the Pie Dish: Place one sheet of puff pastry into your pie dish, gently pressing it to fit the edges. Leave a little overhang around the edges to fold over later.
Fill the Pie: Spoon the cooled chicken and spinach filling into the pastry-lined pie dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Puff Pastry: Lay the second sheet of puff pastry over the filling. Press the edges of the pastry together to seal the pie. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look. Cut a few slits in the top pastry layer to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush with Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, apply a thin layer of beaten egg over the top of the pastry. This will give the pie a golden, crispy finish when baked.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes to prevent over-browning.
Let It Cool: Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set, making it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken & Spinach Pie

This savory chicken and spinach pie is hearty enough to be served as a standalone meal, but you can also pair it with some side dishes to complete the meal.

Side Salad: A fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pie.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts make for a wholesome and satisfying side.
Soup: Serve a bowl of soup, like a simple tomato or vegetable soup, to accompany your pie for a more filling meal.

Variations for Savory Chicken & Spinach Pie

While this recipe for chicken and spinach pie is already delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:

Vegetarian Option: Spinach Cheese Pie

For a vegetarian take, skip the chicken and simply use a combination of cheeses and spinach. Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses work wonderfully in this dish, creating a rich and creamy filling. You can even add mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables for added flavor and texture. This is a great option for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Puff Pastry Recipes With Chicken

If you’re looking to explore other puff pastry recipes with chicken, you can adapt this filling into individual chicken pot pies. Using the same chicken, spinach, and cheese filling, cut your puff pastry into squares, fill them with the mixture, and fold them into little pastry parcels. These mini pies are perfect for a dinner party or a packed lunch.

Vegan Pastry Recipes Savoury

For a vegan twist, replace the puff pastry with a vegan-friendly option, such as a plant-based puff pastry or a whole-wheat pastry dough. Replace the dairy cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives and use non-dairy milk or cream in place of the cream or chicken broth. The savory spinach and vegetable filling will still shine, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly savory dish that everyone can enjoy.

Cottage Core Recipes Dinner

The concept of “cottage core” is all about rustic, wholesome, and comforting meals that celebrate nature. This savory chicken and spinach pie fits perfectly within that aesthetic. Serve it on a wooden table with a few simple side dishes, like mashed potatoes or a fresh herb salad, and you’ve got a cozy, cottage-core-inspired dinner.

Other Puff Pastry Recipes to Try

Puff pastry is incredibly versatile, and there are endless savory pastry recipes you can try. Here are some ideas:

Vegetable Hand Pies: These hand pies are packed with a mixture of seasonal vegetables, like carrots, peas, and leeks, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They make for a great appetizer or a light lunch.
Chicken Wellington: A twist on the classic Beef Wellington, this version uses chicken and spinach, wrapped in puff pastry with a layer of mushroom duxelles. It’s an elegant dinner option for special occasions.
Spinach and Feta Pie: Another vegetarian-friendly pie, this one features a mixture of spinach and feta cheese, seasoned with herbs, and wrapped in a golden puff pastry crust.

Conclusion

The savory chicken and spinach pie is a delightful, versatile dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melted cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. With options for vegetarian and vegan variations, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit a wide range of dietary preferences.

Don’t forget to explore other puff pastry recipes like savory vegetable pies, puff pastry parcels with chicken, or cottage-core-inspired meals. Puff pastry is a kitchen essential that opens up a world of possibilities for savory baking, and this chicken and spinach pie is a perfect starting point.

This recipe is an ideal option for dinner with puff pastry and can be modified to fit any taste, making it a must-try for anyone looking to create delicious savory dishes at home.