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This Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a light, low-calorie twist on a classic comfort food! Made with filo pastry, it’s perfect for those watching their calories or following a specific diet plan like Weight Watchers. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce makes for an irresistible, comforting meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with chunky chips, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

25g filo pastry
2 chicken breasts, diced
6 mushrooms, quartered
½ onion, finely diced
170ml chicken stock
2 tbsp quark (or low-fat cream cheese)
½ tbsp cornflour
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 tsp white wine vinegar
1 dash Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Spray a pan with low-calorie cooking spray and sauté the onion and chicken until they start to color.
Add the mushrooms and cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through (about 10 minutes).
Stir in the white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken stock. Let it simmer to reduce slightly.
Mix the cornflour with a little water, then stir it into the pan to thicken the sauce.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Stir the quark into the pie mixture, then check the seasoning and add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if necessary.
Pour the filling into an ovenproof dish (about 19 cm in diameter).
Take one sheet of filo, lay it flat, and generously spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Cut into 8 even pieces, scrunch each piece lightly, and place them over the pie filling.
Spray the top of the filo with more cooking spray.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the filo is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and serve.

Nutrients

Calories: 247 kcal per serving
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 2.7g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Sugars: 2g

Why Choose Filo Pastry for the Pie?

The choice of filo pastry in this recipe plays a key role in keeping the pie light and low-calorie. Traditional pies typically use a shortcrust or puff pastry, both of which can be high in fat and calories. In contrast, filo pastry is much thinner and lighter, and it crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a delicate and flaky texture without all the added calories. By using filo pastry, you’re cutting down significantly on the calorie count, which makes this version of Chicken and Mushroom Pie a much healthier option for those watching their intake.

Filo pastry also has a neutral flavor, which allows the filling to shine. It absorbs the delicious savory juices from the chicken, mushrooms, and sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. The texture is light and crispy, providing that satisfying crunch that makes pies so irresistible, but without the heaviness of traditional pastry.

The Flavorful Chicken and Mushroom Filling

The combination of chicken and mushrooms creates a deeply savory and satisfying filling. Chicken breasts, diced into small pieces, are the perfect source of lean protein for this dish. They cook quickly, staying tender and juicy, while absorbing the flavors of the mushrooms and sauce. Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken, and they also add moisture and depth to the filling.

In addition to chicken and mushrooms, the use of quark (or low-fat cream cheese) in the sauce adds creaminess without adding the high fat content that would come from using regular cream or butter. Quark is a great choice for creating a velvety texture while keeping the dish light and healthy. It also offers a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor of the pie, adding a richness that’s still low in calories.

The savory sauce is further elevated by the addition of Worcestershire sauce and white wine vinegar. The Worcestershire sauce gives the filling a deep umami flavor, while the vinegar adds a bit of sharpness, balancing the richness of the quark and complementing the mushrooms. The chicken stock provides a flavorful base, ensuring the filling is juicy and packed with flavor.

How to Keep the Pie Light and Healthy

The key to keeping this Chicken and Mushroom Pie light and healthy lies in the careful selection of ingredients. While traditional pies may use high-fat cream, butter, or regular cheese, this recipe substitutes those ingredients with healthier alternatives like quark and low-calorie cooking spray. The quark is a great choice for creating a creamy, indulgent filling without the excess fat, while the use of low-calorie cooking spray instead of oil or butter ensures that the pie stays light without sacrificing flavor.

Additionally, the use of chicken breasts instead of fattier cuts of chicken reduces the fat content while still providing a satisfying protein source. Chicken breasts are lean, low in calories, and packed with protein, making them an excellent option for those looking to keep their meals healthy and nutritious.

By making these simple swaps, this pie becomes a nutritious and lighter option that can be enjoyed by those watching their calories, but still wanting to indulge in the comforting experience of a classic pie. It’s an excellent choice for meal prepping or serving at family dinners, where everyone can enjoy a healthier version of a beloved comfort food.

The Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Mushroom Pie

Chicken and Mushroom Pie isn’t just low in calories; it also offers a variety of nutritional benefits. The primary protein source in this dish comes from the chicken breasts, which are rich in high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it plays a crucial role in the production of enzymes and hormones. With 38 grams of protein per serving, this pie is a great way to meet your daily protein needs.

The mushrooms in the filling contribute valuable nutrients as well. They are low in calories but high in important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. B vitamins, such as riboflavin and niacin, help maintain a healthy metabolism and support the nervous system, while selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

The quark used in the sauce is a fantastic dairy product choice, as it provides calcium and protein without the added fat content of traditional cream or cheese. Calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, while the protein in quark supports muscle function and repair. The use of chicken stock further adds to the mineral content of the dish, providing potassium and magnesium, which help maintain proper fluid balance and support heart health.

The Simplicity and Speed of Preparation

One of the standout features of this Chicken and Mushroom Pie is how simple and quick it is to prepare. From start to finish, the pie takes less than an hour to make, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

The process is straightforward, starting with sautéing the chicken, onions, and mushrooms. Then, the sauce is created by adding chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and quark, followed by baking the pie until golden and crispy. The use of filo pastry makes the assembly even quicker since it’s much easier to handle than traditional pie crusts.

This simplicity makes it ideal for those new to cooking or anyone looking to create a comforting meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a great option for anyone who wants to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without spending hours preparing complex dishes.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Mushroom Pie

Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to complete the meal. For a low-calorie option, consider pairing the pie with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pie and add a refreshing contrast.

For a heartier meal, serve the pie with roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables pairs beautifully with the savory filling of the pie, creating a well-rounded and satisfying plate. If you prefer a more traditional side, serve the pie with a portion of chunky chips for a classic comfort food experience.

Alternatively, you can pair the pie with a side of steamed or sautéed green beans or peas, adding a fresh and nutritious element to the meal. The pie is rich enough on its own, so lighter sides will help balance the overall dish, making it more suitable for a healthy, well-rounded meal.

Why Chicken and Mushroom Pie is Perfect for Every Occasion

Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed at any time. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a more elaborate meal, this pie offers the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and nutrition. Its lightness makes it a great option for those who are conscious of their calorie intake, but its satisfying filling ensures that it’s still a comforting and indulgent dish.

The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and crispy filo pastry makes it a crowd-pleaser that will be enjoyed by both adults and children. The versatility of the dish allows it to be paired with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a fantastic low-calorie twist on a classic comfort food. By using filo pastry and healthy, flavorful ingredients like chicken breasts, mushrooms, and quark, this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious alternative to traditional meat pies. It’s simple to make, quick to prepare, and versatile enough to be enjoyed with a variety of sides. Whether you’re following a specific diet plan, looking for a healthier meal, or simply craving comfort food, this Chicken and Mushroom Pie is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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