Elegant Country Chicken And Wild Mushroom Pie Food

CHICKEN WITH WILD MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Place 1/2 cup flour in a bowl and dredge the chicken in the flour. In a large (12-inch) ovenproof pot such as Le Creuset, heat the oil. Add the chicken in three batches (don't crowd them!) and brown lightly over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken to a plate and continue until all the chicken is browned.
• Add the whole garlic cloves, mushrooms, and thyme to the pot and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the sherry and cook for 1 minute, scraping up the brown bits. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the wine, chicken stock, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken (large pieces first), cover, and place in the middle of the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (about 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer).
• Remove the chicken to a bowl and discard the thyme. With a fork, mash together the butter and 1/4 cup flour and add it to the sauce. Simmer, stirring constantly, over medium heat for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Season to taste (it should be highly seasoned), put the chicken back in the sauce, and serve hot.

CHICKEN & MUSHROOM PUFF PIE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large, non-stick frying pan. Season the chicken thighs and fry for 5-8 mins until golden brown, turning occasionally. You may need to do this in two batches, depending on the size of your pan.
• Lift the chicken onto a plate and tip the bacon pieces into the pan. Fry for 5 mins until crisp. Add the onion, mushrooms and thyme sprigs, then fry on a high heat for another 3 mins until the onions start to colour. Tip the flour into the pan and cook, stirring, for 1 min.
• With the pan off the heat, gradually stir or whisk in the chicken stock, followed by the milk, then add the chicken back to the pan.
• Bring to the boil, then simmer for 30 mins. Spoon the filling into a large pie or baking dish (approx 20 x 30cm) with a lip and leave to cool.
• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. On a floured surface, roll the pastry to the thickness of two £1 coins. Cut a long strip as wide as the rim of the pie dish and, using a little of the beaten egg, fix to the edge of the pie dish. Brush with beaten egg, then lift the rest of the pastry over the pie, using the rolling pin to help. Gently press the edges with your fingers and trim with a sharp knife.
• Brush lightly with egg to glaze, then bake for 30 mins or until the pastry is risen and dark golden brown.

CREAMY CHICKEN & WILD MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Soak the mushrooms in 300ml hot water for 10 mins until plump. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid, and chop. Mix with the butter and half the tarragon, then stuff under the skin of the chicken.
• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Heat the oil in a large flameproof dish, add the chicken and brown on all sides. Transfer to the oven for 20 mins. Remove from the oven; the chicken should be cooked by now. Remove from dish and keep warm.
• Return the dish to the heat, add the wine and simmer until nearly reduced. Add the reserved mushroom liquid and simmer to reduce by half. Stir in the crème fraîche and simmer for 1-2 mins more. Add the remaining tarragon and season. Return the chicken to the dish, heat through for 1 min more, then serve.