Introduction
This hearty chicken and mushroom pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes is the perfect comfort food. The combination of tender chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, and savory bacon, all simmered in a rich sauce made with Guinness, creates an incredibly flavorful filling. Crowned with a fluffy layer of mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to impress at any family gathering or cozy dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 60 g / (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, approximately divided into 4 (no need to be accurate)
– 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt, divided
– 1 tsp black pepper, divided
PIE FILLING:
– 750 g / 1.5 lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless
– 500 g / 1 lb button mushrooms – very small ones whole, larger ones halved or quartered
– 100 g / 3.5 oz thick cut streaky bacon, cut into 2.5 cm / 1″ squares
– 1 1/2 onions, cut into 2 cm / 1″ square or thick wedges
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
– 1/4 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
– 3/4 cup Guinness beer
– 1 1/2 cups beef stock / broth, low sodium
– 3/4 cup water
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
MASHED POTATO TOPPING:
– 1 kg / 2 lb starchy potatoes, peeled, cut into 2.5 cm / 1″ cubes
– 30 g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces
– 1/3 cup milk, hot
– 1/8 tsp white pepper (sub black)
TOPPING:
– 30 g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil spray)
– 2 tbsp grated parmesan, sandy store-bought type works best or grate your own
– 2 tsp finely chopped parsley for garnish, optional
Prep Time
Prep time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, which includes chopping ingredients and preparing the pie filling.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 1 hour, with a total time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Melt 1/4 of the butter in a large 30cm/12″ non-stick pan over high heat. Add the mushrooms and toss for 3 to 4 minutes until you see some browning on the surface. Incorporate another 1/4 of the butter, allowing it to melt and toss to coat the mushrooms. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of salt and pepper, then add half of the minced garlic. Toss for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic turns golden. Remove the mushrooms to a bowl, ensuring all garlic bits are scraped out.
Sear Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper. In the same pan, melt another 1/4 of the butter until it is hot and foamy. Sear the chicken for 2 minutes on each side until beautifully golden, yet still raw on the inside (if the chicken does not fit in a single layer, sear it in batches). Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and, once cool enough to handle, cut it into 2.5cm (1″) pieces.
Bacon and Onion
In the same pan, add the chopped bacon and stir for 15 seconds. Then, add the onion; there should be enough fat from the chicken at this point. Cook for 2 minutes until the edges of the onion start to turn golden and soften. Add the remaining garlic and stir for 20 seconds.
Deglaze with Guinness
Pour in the Guinness, allowing it to simmer rapidly as you scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any golden bits (this is known as ‘fond’, which contributes to the flavor). Continue to simmer until the Guinness reduces by approximately 75%.
Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and incorporate the last portion of butter. Once it has melted, sprinkle flour evenly across the surface and stir for 1 minute until a pasty mixture forms. Gradually pour in half of the beef stock, while continuously stirring to dissolve the flour paste, aiming for a lump-free sauce. Add the rest of the stock, water, tomato paste, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper into the mixture, stirring well to combine.
Simmer
Include the cooked mushrooms and all their accumulated juices back into the pan. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes or until the liquid reduces into a thick gravy and the mushrooms are tender. During this time, start preparing the mashed potatoes.
Thicken Sauce
Add the chicken, along with its juices, to the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy thickens enough that you can draw a line on the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Adjust the salt to taste if needed.
Assemble
Pour the filling into a baking dish with a capacity of 1.5 – 2 L (6 – 8 cups), smoothing the surface evenly.
Preheat Oven
While assembling, preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C fan-forced).
Duchess Potato Topping
Transfer the mashed potatoes into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe mounds of mashed potato swirls onto the surface of the filling. Each mound should have a 4.5cm base (1.6″) and be about 4cm tall (1.4″). Fill in any gaps with smaller swirls or blobs of mashed potato. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, rotating the baking dish at the 20-minute mark for even cooking.
Serve
After removing from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Mashed Potato
Make Mash
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold tap water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes and either pass them through a ricer for a smoother texture or mash them well in the empty pot.
Add Ingredients
Incorporate the remaining butter, hot milk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp white pepper into the potatoes. Mix until creamy, but ensure that it is not too loose, allowing it to hold its shape when piped.
Piping Bag
Transfer the mashed potatoes into a piping bag fitted with a star tip for easy application on the pie filling, ensuring an appealing presentation.
Cook techniques
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Melt unsalted butter over high heat, add finely minced garlic, and sauté whole button mushrooms until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from pan.
Searing Chicken
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the same pan, melt butter until hot, and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Cut into large pieces once cooled.
Bacon and Onion Sauté
Cook diced streaky bacon in the same pan, then add onions and cook until golden. Incorporate minced garlic for flavor.
Deglazing with Guinness
Pour Guinness into the pan, allowing it to simmer and reduce, scraping up browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
Making the Sauce
Lower heat, add remaining butter, sprinkle with flour to create a roux, and gradually mix in beef stock until the sauce is lump-free. Add water and tomato paste to enhance flavor.
Simmering
Combine mushrooms back into the sauce and simmer until it thickens. Ensure mushrooms are tender.
Thickening Sauce
Add the seared chicken along with its juices to the pan, simmering until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
Assembling the Dish
Pour mixture into a baking dish, smoothing the surface before adding the mashed potatoes.
Duchess Potato Topping
Pipe mashed potato onto the surface of the dish, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and crispy, rotating halfway through.
Resting Before Serving
Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking, then garnish with parsley if desired.
FAQ
Can I substitute chicken thighs with another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or other poultry, though cooking times may vary.
What can I use instead of Guinness beer?
You can substitute Guinness with another stout beer or a non-alcoholic option like beef broth or apple cider.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and leave a path when drawn through with a spatula.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and mash in advance, storing them separately in the fridge until ready to assemble and bake.
What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag for the mashed potatoes?
You can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off or simply spoon the mashed potatoes onto the dish without piping.
Conclusion
The robust flavors of garlic, chicken, mushrooms, and bacon come together harmoniously in this comforting pie, crowned with creamy mashed potatoes and a touch of parmesan. Each layer contributes to a savory experience that is sure to satisfy and impress.
Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
Combine diced chicken thighs and mushrooms with a creamy sauce and top with puff pastry or biscuit dough for a delicious casserole.
Beef and Guinness Stew
Swap chicken for chunks of beef and use the same Guinness-infused gravy, simmered with hearty vegetables for a classic stew.
Vegetarian Mushroom Pie
Replace the chicken and bacon with a mix of seasonal vegetables and add more mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian option.
Loaded Mashed Potato Bake
Layer the mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and chives, then bake until golden for a cheesy twist on the topping.
Shepherd’s Pie with Lamb
Use ground lamb instead of chicken, with the same rich gravy and a mashed potato topping for a traditional shepherd’s pie.
Chicken and Bacon Pasta
Utilize the chicken and bacon from the original recipe in a creamy pasta dish, adding the Guinness-infused sauce for extra depth.
Potato and Cheese Perogies
Use the mashed potato filling to make stuffed perogies, adding cheese and seasoning to create a delightful Eastern European dish.
