Name: Delicious Tuscan Chicken Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 8 to 10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

Are you ready to dive into the luscious flavors of Tuscany? This Tuscan Chicken Pie is everything you could want in a comforting dish—flaky, golden phyllo crust, creamy chicken filling, and a burst of Mediterranean flavors that create a satisfying meal in one skillet. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is a delightful homage to rustic Italian cooking that you’ll want to make again and again.

Imagine cutting through the crisp layers of phyllo dough to reveal a warm, creamy interior bursting with tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and aromatic sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite combines the richness of Parmesan cheese with the earthy notes of thyme, creating a symphony of flavors that transport your taste buds straight to the charming countryside of Tuscany. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also brings a sense of warmth and togetherness—essential qualities for any home-cooked meal.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Pie

Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy filling and flaky crust bring a sense of warmth and coziness to your table.
Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can serve this delicious dish in under an hour.
Made with Simple Ingredients: Utilizing everyday pantry staples makes this recipe both accessible and affordable.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive feast, this pie is truly versatile.
Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and fresh spinach, it’s a satisfying and healthier meal choice.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you jump into making the Tuscan Chicken Pie, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space and gather the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pie cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispiness on top. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it can go from stovetop to oven seamlessly, giving you a beautiful presentation right from baking to serving.

Gather your ingredients and measure them out beforehand to streamline the cooking process. It’s also a good idea to have a damp towel handy to cover the phyllo dough sheets as you work. This prevents them from drying out while you assemble the pie—important for achieving that delicate, flaky texture. You’ll need a sharp knife or kitchen scissors for cutting the phyllo sheets, and a pastry brush for applying olive oil between the layers.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
8 to 10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Sauté

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your cast-iron skillet on medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and sauté for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn. Follow this by adding the fresh spinach, cooking just until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Filling Ingredients

Once your onion, garlic, and spinach mixture is ready, lower the heat. Stir in the shredded or diced chicken, followed by the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until thoroughly combined and creamy, letting the flavors mingle on the heat for about 3-5 minutes. This step allows the sun-dried tomatoes to infuse their flavor into the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

After removing the skillet from heat, carefully spoon the creamy filling evenly across the bottom. Now comes the fun part—layering the phyllo dough! Take one sheet of phyllo, lay it over the filling, and crinkle it slightly to create texture. Brush a light layer of olive oil over the top. Repeat this process with additional sheets, allowing them overlap slightly for a beautiful presentation. Once finished layering, the last few sheets can be arranged more neatly on top.

Step 4: Bake

Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once out of the oven, let the pie rest for 10 minutes to set. This resting period is crucial as it allows the filling to stabilize, making it easier to cut and serve. For an added touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Variations

Protein: Substitute the chicken with turkey, cooked sausage, or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to enhance the filling.
Spices: Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and add flavor to the dish.
Make sure to dry spinach thoroughly before adding it to the filling to avoid a watery texture.
Always cover the unused phyllo dough with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out while you assemble the pie.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Tuscan Chicken Pie with a light arugula salad for a refreshing contrast.
A glass of Chardonnay or light red wine complements the bold flavors beautifully.
Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or pesto for additional taste experiences.

Tips

For extra crunch, sprinkle the top layer of phyllo with a handful of breadcrumbs before baking.
Letting the pie cool slightly makes slicing easier without losing the structural integrity.
Using a mix of fresh and dried herbs can elevate the overall flavor of the pie.
If desired, additional cheese types like mozzarella can be blended in for extra creaminess.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze Tuscan Chicken Pie?

Yes, this pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like feta for a tangy twist or mozzarella for a stretchy texture.

Is phyllo dough hard to work with?

Not at all! Just remember to keep it covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out. It can be a bit delicate, but with a little care, it’s entirely manageable.

Conclusion

This Tuscan Chicken Pie is not just a meal; it’s an experience rich in flavor and heartwarming comfort. From its delightful layers of crispy phyllo to the creamy, savory filling, every slice is a celebration of culinary creativity. Embrace the rustic charm of this dish and share it with your loved ones. We encourage you to try this recipe, customize it to your liking, and let us know how it turns out. Join in the conversation in the comments below and share your experiences or variations. You might just inspire someone else to enjoy this Tuscan delight!