Nigella Chicken Mushroom And Bacon Pie Recipe [GUIDE]

Nigella Lawson’s Chicken Mushroom and Bacon Pie is a comforting, rich and indulgent dish that strikes a perfect balance between savory, creamy and hearty. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of flipping through her cookbooks or watching her on TV, you know she has a way of transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious meal and this pie is no exception. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, wrapping you in the richness of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms and crispy bacon, all held together in a flaky, buttery pastry shell.

What makes this pie stand out, though, is not just the combination of flavors. it’s the fact that it feels both homey and sophisticated. While it’s the kind of dish you can serve for a family dinner, it’s also something that could easily impress guests at a dinner party. The earthy mushrooms bring depth, the chicken provides that comforting familiarity and the bacon… well, the bacon just makes everything better. And the creamy sauce that holds everything together? Total magic.

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was looking for something hearty yet not overly complicated for a Sunday dinner. I wanted to make something satisfying but not so labor-intensive that it would turn my weekend into a culinary marathon. This pie was the perfect balance. It’s comforting without feeling like a chore and it has a way of filling the house with delicious aromas that make your stomach rumble just from the smell.

Nigella Chicken Mushroom And Bacon Pie Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the beauty of Nigella’s recipe: it uses ingredients that are easy to find but when they come together, they feel like they belong to a much fancier dish than they actually are. You don’t need to scour specialty stores or spend hours searching for obscure spices. everything is fairly simple and familiar, making this recipe both approachable and practical.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless). The star of the show. The chicken should be tender and juicy, with enough body to hold its own alongside the bacon and mushrooms.
• Bacon – Don’t skimp here. Get some good-quality streaky bacon. It’s not just about the saltiness but the crispy texture that adds a nice contrast to the softness of the chicken and mushrooms.
• Mushrooms – A mix of white button mushrooms and chestnut mushrooms works great. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms is a key player, so don’t skip this step.
• Shallots – For a little sweet, mild onion flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
• Garlic – Because who doesn’t love garlic? It adds that savory depth that makes the pie irresistible.
• Flour – For thickening the sauce and helping create that lovely creamy consistency.
• Butter – For richness and flavor. You’ll use this to sauté the veggies and chicken, plus a bit to grease the dish.
• Double cream – This is where the magic happens. The cream gives the pie its rich, velvety sauce.
• Chicken stock – For depth and seasoning. If you can find homemade stock, even better!
• Frozen puff pastry – You can certainly make your own pastry but Nigella’s recipe calls for frozen puff pastry which makes this pie feel fancy without all the fuss.
• Salt and pepper – Always season well; it’s the simple things that make a dish like this shine.

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s talk about the equipment you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t require any fancy gadgets or equipment. just the basics will do.

• Large skillet – You’ll need a sturdy pan to cook your chicken, bacon, mushrooms and shallots. Ideally, something that can withstand a bit of heat without warping, like a cast iron skillet or a heavy-duty nonstick pan.
• Pie dish – A round pie dish (about 9 inches in diameter) works best. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe dish with similar dimensions will do. Just be sure it’s deep enough to hold the filling and pastry comfortably.
• Rolling pin – To roll out your puff pastry. Don’t worry, you don’t need to make it from scratch. Just thaw it out and roll it out to fit your dish.
• Pastry brush – This is to give your pie a lovely golden finish when it’s baking. It’s not a necessity but it makes your pie look extra polished.
• Sharp knife – For cutting your chicken and vegetables. A good sharp knife makes the job much easier.

Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Chicken Mushroom And Bacon Pie

Okay, now for the fun part! It’s time to bring all those ingredients together and create something seriously delicious. Here’s how you’ll go about it:

1. Prep the ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, slicing your mushrooms, mincing the garlic and dicing the shallots. Have your bacon ready, too-cut it into small strips or lardons.
2. Cook the bacon: In your large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan for extra flavor!
3. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and sauté them in the bacon fat for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. You don’t need to worry about cooking it all the way through just yet. just get it nicely browned. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit of butter, then toss in the shallots, garlic and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture. Stir occasionally and let the mushrooms cook down.
5. Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce later. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Add the double cream and continue to stir, letting the sauce come together into a velvety, thick texture.
6. Bring everything together: Add the chicken and bacon back to the skillet, mixing it all into the creamy mushroom sauce. Taste for seasoning and don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Assemble the pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, then line your pie dish with it. Pour the chicken and mushroom mixture into the pie dish, making sure it’s spread evenly. Place the top layer of puff pastry over the filling and trim the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges together and cut a small slit in the center to allow steam to escape.
8. Bake: Brush the top of the pastry with a little melted butter (or egg wash if you prefer), then pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed up. The filling should be bubbling and delicious.

What I Learnt

Making Nigella Lawson’s Chicken Mushroom and Bacon Pie taught me a lot about balance in cooking. I’ve always loved comforting dishes but this pie really drove home how crucial it is to give each ingredient its own time in the spotlight. The bacon while it may seem like a small addition, really elevates the entire dish with its smoky richness. The mushrooms give the pie an earthy depth while the chicken, though simple, is the heart of the pie.

I also learned the importance of creating a rich, creamy sauce that binds everything together. The sauce isn’t just there to coat the ingredients; it’s there to add another layer of flavor and texture. Don’t rush it-let the sauce come together slowly and you’ll end up with something truly special.

FAQs

Can I Make Nigella Lawson’s Chicken, Mushroom, And Bacon Pie In Advance?

Absolutely! You can prep the pie the day before and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and let it heat up. It might need a few extra minutes, but it’s a real time-saver.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream For The Filling?

Great question! If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk, though the filling won’t be as rich. Alternatively, a mix of milk and a little butter (about 2 tbsp per cup of milk) can give you a similar creamy texture. Still delicious!

Can I Use A Different Meat Instead Of Chicken For Nigella’s Pie?

Yes! You could use turkey, or even leftover roast chicken for a quicker option. If you want a little more indulgence, swapping in some cooked sausage or even duck would bring a nice twist. Nigella’s recipe is pretty flexible!