James Martin Chicken And Ham Pie

Dive into the comforting world of traditional British cuisine with the James Martin Chicken and Ham Pie, a recipe that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food. This dish, with its rich, creamy filling and flaky pastry, is perfect for those chilly evenings when only something hearty will do. Below, we've combined insights from various sources to bring you a detailed guide on preparing this classic dish.

Brief Description of the Recipe The Chicken and Ham Pie by James Martin is a quintessential British dish that combines tender chicken and ham in a creamy sauce, all encased in a buttery pastry. Ideal for a satisfying family meal, it’s a testament to James Martin's ability to create approachable, delicious dishes that pay homage to traditional British cooking.

Cultural or Historical Context Chicken and ham pie has deep roots in British culinary traditions, often served in pubs and homes across the country. James Martin, with his focus on British cuisine, elevates this traditional recipe with his culinary expertise, making it a beloved choice for dinner tables.

Ingredients for the James Martin Chicken and Ham Pie

• Chicken stock: 450ml
• Chicken breasts, skinned: 3 pieces
• Butter: 75g for filling, plus extra for pastry
• Leeks, trimmed and sliced: 2
• Garlic cloves, crushed: 2
• Plain flour: 50g for filling, 350g for pastry
• Milk: 200ml
• Optional white wine: 2-3 tbsp
• Double cream: 150ml
• Thickly carved ham, cut into chunks: 150g
• Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
• For the pastry: 200g butter, 1 free-range egg beaten with 1 tbsp cold water, plus another egg for glazing

Preparation Instructions for the Chicken and Ham Pie

1. Start by simmering the chicken breasts in chicken stock, then set aside to cool.
2. Sauté leeks and garlic in butter, then blend in flour to create a roux before gradually adding milk and some of the reserved stock to form a thick sauce.
3. Incorporate double cream into the sauce, followed by the cooked, diced chicken and ham.
4. For the pastry, process flour and butter to a breadcrumb texture, then add an egg mixture to form a dough.
5. Roll out the pastry for the base and lid of the pie, fill with the chicken mixture, and bake until golden brown.

Storage and Reheating

Cool the pie completely before storing it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until thoroughly warm.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and ham but also high in fat due to the butter and cream. For more detailed nutritional values, consider the specific ingredients used.

FAQ about the James Martin Chicken and Ham Pie

• Can I use leftover chicken? Yes, leftover chicken is perfect for this pie, just ensure it's shredded or chopped finely.
• Is it possible to make the pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie and refrigerate it before baking, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.
• Can I freeze the pie? This pie freezes well. Freeze before baking for best results, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

In summary, the James Martin Chicken and Ham Pie is a heartwarming dish that brings a touch of British comfort to your dinner table. With its creamy filling and buttery pastry, it's a testament to the timeless appeal of traditional British cuisine. For those looking to recreate this classic at home, following the detailed instructions above will ensure a deliciously satisfying meal.

Original recipe inspiration from James Martin​​​​.