Nigerian Chicken Pie Recipe: No Oven Needed

The Nigerian Chicken Pie is a delightful pastry that has captured the hearts of many. While it shares similarities with the Nigerian Meat Pie, the main distinction lies in the delicious chicken filling. This debate often leads to spirited discussions about which pastry reigns supreme but, both have unique flavours and charm. You’ve come to the right place if you’re searching for an easy-to-make Nigerian chicken pie recipe. By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to create a chicken pie that will impress your family and friends!

 Nigerian Chicken Pie Recipe

Ingredients For the Nigerian Chicken Pie Recipe (Dough)

• 500g All-Purpose Flour
• 250g Cold Salted Butter
• 1/4 teaspoon Chicken Benny (this is the secret ingredient)
• 1/4 teaspoon Curry Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 tablespoon Milk (dry) but if you have liquid milk, you can use it to replace the water.
• 1/2 cup Cold Water
• 1 Egg (for egg wash)

For the Filling

• 300g Diced Chicken (preferably shredded)
• 1 cup Cabbage (finely chopped)
• 1 cup Carrot (shredded)
• ½ Red Bell Pepper (diced)
• ½ Green Bell Pepper (diced)
• 2 Spring Onions (chopped)
• 1 small Onion (finely chopped or preferably blended)
• 1 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper (finely chopped)
• Seasoning (to taste)
• Curry Powder
• Ginger (minced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Salt (to taste)

Preparation of the Filling for the Nigerian Chicken pie Recipe

Cook the Chicken: In a pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil, add the minced garlic and ginger, blended onion and allow it to simmer for a minute before introducing the already cooked dreaded chicken and stir fry.

Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced carrots, cabbage, red and green bell peppers, spring onions, and finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the cooked stir-fried chicken. Stir well to combine and add your seasoning, curry powder and salt for taste. Add your chicken stock and water, then allow to cook.

Thicken the Filling: In a bowl, mix a little flour or cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Alternately, you can hard the flour without mixing with water just as seen in the image. Add this mixture to the pan to thicken the filling and prevent it from being too dry. Allow the vegetables to soften while stirring. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Making the Chicken Pie Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, curry powder, Chicken Benny, and nutmeg. If you are using dry milk, you can add it at this stage. Make sure to sieve the flour to remove any lumps.

Add Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the liquid (in this case, I’m using liquid milk,but you can use cold water if not using liquid milk) while mixing until the dough comes together. Knead lightly; do not overwork the dough if you want your chicken pie to be flaky and crunchy.

Assembling the Chicken Pie

1. Preheat the air fryer

2. Roll Out the Dough:

Cut small balls of dough and roll them out on a floured surface. You can use a meat pie cutter or a round lid to cut circles from the dough after rolling flat and not too thin or too thick on a floured surface. You can also be creative by designing any shape of your choice.

3. Fill the Dough:

Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving some space around the edges.

4. Seal the Pie:

Before folding the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle, use egg or flour mixed with water to seal the edges. Press the edges with a fork to ensure a tight seal, I also use it as a form of design to my chicken pie or meatpie. Use a brush to egg wash the meatpie, this gives your meatpie that glazing golden look.

5. Air Fry the Chicken Pies:

line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, place the chicken pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry the front side and bake at 160°Cfor about 15 minutes. Important: After 15 minutes, turn the chicken pies to ensure that the back side bakes evenly. This step is important; if you do not turn them, the back may remain soft while the front gets crispy. Continue baking for an added 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and baked through.

If you’re new to using an air fryer, check out this comprehensive guide on air fryers to get the best results. If you’re interested in purchasing one, here’s where you can buy an air fryer.

Enjoy Your Chicken Pie!

Once baked, your homemade Nigerian chicken pies are ready to be savoured. They pair wonderfully with chilled drinks like Coke or fresh juice like Tropical Root Fusion juice, Ginger Pear refresher, Pineapple Berry Boost, etc the list is long, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a delightful snack. If you’re curious about the health benefits of the ingredients in this recipe, here’s a nutrition breakdown of chicken pies.

My Tips for Making the Best Chicken Pies

Frequently Asked Questions About Nigerian Chicken Pie

What is the difference between Nigerian Chicken Pie and Meat Pie?

The primary difference lies in the filling. While the meat pie is traditionally filled with minced beef, Nigerian chicken pie uses diced or shredded chicken, making it a lighter option.

Can I fry Nigerian Chicken Pie instead of baking it?

Yes, you can fry chicken pie if you prefer a different texture. Just be generous with your oil and make sure the oil is not too hot and too cold when frying and this will also make you to achieve a crispy outer layer. Remember it’s deep-frying method.

How can I make my Chicken Pie healthier?

To make a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour for the dough and reduce the amount of butter. You can also load up on vegetables for the filling to increase its nutritional value.

Can I freeze Nigerian Chicken Pie?

Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked chicken pies before baking and after baking. Just place them on a baking sheet until they are frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. And for the baked freeze chicken pie, just heat it up in the oven until it’s ok.

Conclusion

Making Nigerian chicken pie is an enjoyable process that results in a delicious pastry, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the filling and make it your own!

Now that you have this easy-to-follow recipe for Nigerian chicken pie, gather your ingredients and start baking. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma of freshly baked chicken pie filling your home!

Additional Resources

For more Nigerian recipes and culinary tips, check out our other posts on Naija Kitchen Tales. Don’t forget to share your chicken pie experience in the comments below!