French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

Known as a “Tourte”, this homemade French Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a delightful comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in, this savory pie combines flaky pastry with a rich filling of chicken, mushrooms, and bacon. The addition of thyme and Dijon mustard elevates the flavors, making it truly special for any occasion.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Bacon
• Step 3: Cook the Chicken
• Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
• Step 5: Make the Sauce
• Step 6: Combine Ingredients
• Step 7: Assemble the Pie
• Step 8: Top with Pastry
• Step 9: Brush and Score
• Step 10: Bake
• Final Touches
• How to Serve French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)
• With a Fresh Green Salad
• Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables
• Paired with Mashed Potatoes
• Served with Crusty Bread
• Alongside Steamed Asparagus
• With a Side of Gravy
• How to Perfect French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)
• Best Side Dishes for French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)
• Reheating French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)?
• Can I use other meats in this recipe?
• How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
• How can I customize my Tourte?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: Filled with tender chicken and mushrooms, this pie is perfect for a filling meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can create a delicious dish without culinary stress.
• Versatile Meal: Great for dinner parties or a comforting family meal during colder months.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good pie! It’s sure to impress your guests.
• Freezable Option: Make two and freeze one for an easy weeknight dinner later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Pie dish (9-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Fork
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan: Essential for cooking meat and vegetables evenly.
• Pie dish: Holds the filling securely while baking, ensuring even cooking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth sauce by combining ingredients effectively.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 170g each)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, divided
• 200g bacon (4 strips/7 ounces), cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
• 1 lbs (450g) mushrooms (cremini and/or various types), sliced
• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 6 tbsp (50g) plain/all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup + 1tbsp (195ml) chicken stock (ideally, low sodium)
• 3/4 cup + 1tbsp (195ml) milk (2% minimum)
• 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 (13-oz [370-g]) packets ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp (15ml) milk

How to Make French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water.
2. Pat-dry thoroughly with paper towel.
3. Cut them into 1-1.5 inch (2.5-3.5cm) cubes.
4. Season with salt and pepper; set aside at room temperature.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bacon and cook for about 6–7 minutes until crispy.
3. Set aside but leave the fat drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the chicken cubes to the pan and cook for 7–8 minutes until mostly cooked.
2. Transfer to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Add one tablespoon of butter to the pan.
2. Add sliced mushrooms; season with black pepper.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes until browned; set aside.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

1. Melt another tablespoon of butter in the pan.
2. Add garlic and onion; cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in flour to coat onions and garlic.
4. Gradually add chicken stock while stirring continuously until thickened.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

1. Slowly pour in milk while stirring until creamy consistency is achieved.
2. Mix in Dijon mustard and thyme; adjust seasoning if necessary.
3. Add bacon bits, mushrooms, and chicken pieces; stir well.

Step 7: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 410˚F (210˚C).
2. Line a deep pie dish with parchment paper.
3. Unroll one sheet of pastry onto the bottom; poke holes with a fork.
4. Pour in the chicken filling evenly.

Step 8: Top with Pastry

1. Place the second sheet of pastry over top of filling; seal edges tightly to remove air.
2. Roll hanging edges towards center creating a thick rim.

Step 9: Brush and Score

1. Whisk together milk and egg yolk; brush on top of pie.
2. Score a circle in center for steam to escape while baking.

Step 10: Bake

1. Bake for 20 minutes at high temperature.
2. Lower temperature to 350˚F (180˚C); bake another 20 minutes until golden brown.

Final Touches

Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving your delightful French Chicken And Mushroom Pie! Enjoy!

How to Serve French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

French Chicken and Mushroom Pie, or Tourte, is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

With a Fresh Green Salad

• A simple green salad with mixed greens adds a refreshing crunch to balance the rich flavors of the pie.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts provide a hearty side that complements the Tourte perfectly.

Paired with Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes can soak up the delicious filling, creating a comforting combination that warms the soul.

Served with Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce from your plate.

Alongside Steamed Asparagus

• Tender steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil offers a light and nutritious contrast to the richness of the pie.

With a Side of Gravy

• A small bowl of gravy can add an extra layer of flavor. Drizzle it over each slice for added richness.

How to Perfect French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

Creating the perfect French Chicken and Mushroom Pie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your Tourte comes out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and mushrooms make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for organic or locally sourced ingredients when possible.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: Take your time while cooking each component. This allows flavors to develop fully, resulting in a richer filling.
• Ensure Proper Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference to ensure balanced flavors.
• Work Cold Pastry: Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. This helps achieve that flaky texture we all love.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the pie to cool for about 15 minutes after baking helps the filling set, making slicing easier.
• Experiment with Herbs: While thyme is traditional, feel free to try other herbs like rosemary or tarragon for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

Serving French Chicken and Mushroom Pie can be even more delightful with complementary side dishes. Here are some great pairings:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread adds an aromatic touch, perfect for dipping into sauce.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast, enhancing every bite of the creamy pie.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber offers freshness and nutrients.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness; toss them with olive oil and herbs before roasting.
5. Creamed Spinach: Rich creamed spinach balances the heartiness of the pie while adding a touch of elegance.
6. Brussels Sprouts Slaw: Shredded Brussels sprouts tossed with vinaigrette brings brightness and crunch alongside the Tourte.
7. Carrot Purée: Smooth carrot purée offers sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with savory dishes like this pie.
8. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf cooked with herbs provides a neutral base that absorbs flavors beautifully from the pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a French Chicken and Mushroom Pie, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Always season your chicken and other ingredients well. This enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
• Overcooking the fillings: Avoid cooking the chicken and mushrooms too long before baking. They should be slightly undercooked, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
• Using cold pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is at room temperature before using it. Cold pastry can be difficult to work with and may not rise properly.
• Not sealing edges properly: Make sure to seal the edges of your pie tightly. This prevents leaks during cooking and helps keep everything inside moist.
• Skipping the steam vent: Don’t forget to cut a small vent in the pastry lid! This allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess in your pie.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover French Chicken and Mushroom Pie (Tourte) in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

• Wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Reheating French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Cover loosely with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through, which usually takes about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte)?

French Chicken And Mushroom Pie (Tourte) is a savory pie filled with chicken, mushrooms, bacon, and creamy sauce, all encased in flaky puff pastry.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef for a different flavor profile while keeping the same creamy filling approach.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace chicken with vegetables like spinach or leeks. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for added flavor.

How can I customize my Tourte?

Feel free to add herbs like parsley or tarragon for extra flavor. You could also include cheese or different types of mushrooms!

Final Thoughts

This French Chicken and Mushroom Pie (Tourte) is an inviting dish that brings warmth to any table. Its versatility allows for many customizations based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly night or serve it at gatherings, this hearty pie is sure to delight everyone who tries it!