Puff Pastry Chicken and Leek Casserole

Here’s a delicious recipe for Puff Pastry Chicken and Leek Casserole!

Ingredients:

• For the filling:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium leeks (cleaned and sliced)
  • 3 chicken breasts (or thighs) cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or double cream)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp flour (optional, to thicken)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• For the topping:
  • 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling:

• In a large pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the sliced leeks and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Add the garlic and chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides (about 6-8 minutes).
• Stir in the flour (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Pour in the chicken stock, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the frozen peas and stir until heated through. Remove from the heat.

2. Assemble the casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Transfer the chicken and leek mixture into a casserole dish (about 9×13 inches or similar).
• Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it to fit over the top of the casserole dish.
• Lay the puff pastry on top of the casserole, pressing down around the edges to seal. If you like, you can trim any excess pastry or fold it over the edges.
• Brush the top of the puff pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

3. Bake:

• Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
• Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve:

Serve the casserole hot with a side of greens or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The creamy chicken and leek filling, combined with the crispy puff pastry topping, is simply irresistible!

Enjoy your Puff Pastry Chicken and Leek Casserole!

how long does Puff Pastry Chicken and Leek Casserole last

Puff Pastry Chicken and Leek Casserole can last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

To store:

1. Cool the casserole completely to room temperature before refrigerating.
2. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.

To reheat:

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through and the pastry is still crispy.
• You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the pastry may lose its crispiness.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. To freeze:

1. Allow the casserole to cool completely.
2. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
3. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat from frozen, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until fully heated through.

Enjoy your leftovers!

What to serve with Puff Pastry Chicken and Leek Casserole

Puff Pastry Chicken and Leek Casserole is a rich, creamy dish, so it’s nice to balance it with lighter, fresher sides to complement the flavors. Here are some great ideas for what to serve alongside it:

1. Green Vegetables:

• Steamed or Roasted Green Beans: Their crisp texture and slight bitterness provide a nice contrast to the rich casserole.
• Sautéed Spinach or Kale: A quick sauté with garlic and olive oil adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with a bit of balsamic vinegar or honey can add a savory-sweet balance.

2. Salads:

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, dressed lightly with olive oil, lemon, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
• Caesar Salad: The crunchy romaine and tangy dressing pair well with the richness of the casserole.
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A refreshing, light salad with red onions, herbs, and a vinaigrette.

3. Roasted Vegetables:

• Roasted Carrots: Roasting carrots with a bit of honey and thyme enhances their natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the casserole.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Think parsnips, sweet potatoes, and carrots roasted with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic.
• Roasted Butternut Squash: The sweetness of roasted squash complements the savory casserole.

4. Mashed Potatoes or Potato Gratin:

• If you’re craving something extra comforting, mashed potatoes with a bit of garlic and butter can be a great side. A Potato Gratin with cream and cheese is also a rich and indulgent choice.

5. Bread:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf like a baguette or sourdough is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: If you’re a fan of garlic, this is a great option to add flavor and texture.

6. Crispy or Roasted Potatoes:

• Roasted new potatoes or crispy potato wedges, seasoned with rosemary and sea salt, work perfectly alongside the casserole.

7. Rice or Quinoa:

• Fluffy Rice: A simple, neutral rice like jasmine or basmati can be a good side to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Quinoa: A healthy, nutty option that adds texture and balance to the dish.

8. Pickled Vegetables:

• A small side of pickled vegetables or a tangy chutney can bring an acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

These sides will round out the meal and provide a variety of textures and flavors that complement the creamy and crispy nature of the Puff Pastry Chicken and Leek Casserole. Enjoy!