Imagine the flavors of a classic chicken fajita, but instead of the usual tortillas, it’s topped with golden, crispy puff pastry. Enter the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pie—a delicious, comforting dish that combines the warmth of fajita spices with the indulgence of flaky pastry. With just 6 simple ingredients, this one-pan wonder is easy to make, loaded with protein, and sure to impress your family or friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Serves 3 (BIG servings) or 4 (smaller servings): Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or keeping some leftovers, this dish is perfect for sharing.
- 624 Calories per serving: A hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for those who love comfort food without overdoing it.
- 49.9g of Protein per serving: With almost 50g of protein per serving, this dish is a great way to fuel up and stay full.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500g chicken breast, diced: A lean, high-protein option that serves as the base for this creamy pie.
- 1 onion, finely sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to balance the fajita spices.
- 2 peppers, finely sliced: A mix of red, yellow, or green peppers adds color and sweetness.
- 400ml chicken stock: A savory liquid that helps create the creamy sauce.
- 1 heaped tbsp tomato purée: Adds richness and a tangy flavor.
- 25g fajita seasoning: The key ingredient that brings bold, smoky, and spicy flavors to the dish.
- 70g reduced-fat crème fraîche: Adds creaminess to the filling without making it too heavy.
- 1 pack reduced-fat puff pastry (250g): The flaky, golden topping that takes this pie to the next level.
- 1 egg, beaten: Used to brush over the pastry for that beautiful golden finish.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sauté the onions and peppers:
Begin by spraying an ovenproof pan with cooking spray and heating it over medium to high heat. Add the onions and peppers with a pinch of salt and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. The veggies should be slightly tender but still vibrant, adding a great texture to the pie. - Cook the chicken:
Add the diced chicken breast to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned at the edges. The goal here is to get a nice golden sear on the chicken, enhancing the flavor while sealing in the juices. - Add the fajita flavor:
Sprinkle in the fajita seasoning and cook for a couple of minutes, letting the spices coat the chicken and vegetables. You’ll start to smell the smoky, bold aromas typical of fajitas, making your kitchen smell amazing. - Make the creamy sauce:
Stir in the tomato purée, allowing it to darken slightly and intensify its flavor. Then, pour in the chicken stock and add the crème fraîche, stirring everything together. Let the mixture bubble for a few minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Once it has reached a creamy consistency, take the pan off the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling time will help the pastry top cook more evenly. - Prepare the puff pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into individual squares or leave it as one large piece, depending on how you want to style your pie. Lay the pastry over the filling in the pan, making sure it covers the top. Brush the beaten egg over the pastry to help it bake to a golden, crispy finish. - Bake the pie:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan) and bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the pastry has puffed up and turned a deep golden-brown, with the filling bubbling underneath. - Let it rest:
Once out of the oven, allow the pie to stand for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling settle and make it easier to slice. - Serve and enjoy:
Dive into your Creamy Chicken Fajita Pie and enjoy all the fajita flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, steamed veggies, or even extra fajita-style toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Why This Fajita Pie is a Must-Try
This dish takes the classic chicken fajita and gives it a fun, cozy twist with puff pastry. The spicy, creamy chicken filling pairs perfectly with the buttery, flaky crust, making it a satisfying meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan, so you get maximum flavor with minimal clean-up.
Extra Tips:
- Customize the spice level: Adjust the fajita seasoning to your taste—add more for extra heat or dial it back for a milder version.
- Prep ahead: You can make the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just top it with pastry and pop it in the oven.
- For a lighter version: You can use filo pastry instead of puff pastry for a lower-calorie topping, or skip the pastry altogether and serve the filling as a chicken fajita casserole.
Final Thoughts:
With its rich, creamy filling and perfectly crispy pastry, this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pie is a delightful twist on traditional fajitas. It’s easy to make, high in protein, and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special treat, this pie is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let us know what you think!
Happy Cooking!