If you’ve ever craved the warm, comforting embrace of a homemade pie packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors, you are going to adore this Greek Chicken Frying Pan Pie Recipe. It’s a dazzling yet simple dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy cheeses, vibrant spinach, and tangy olives all encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfectly seasoned with oregano and black pepper, this pie bakes up beautifully in a single skillet, making it a wonderful weeknight dinner or a show-stopping treat for guests. Trust me, this recipe will become one of your most treasured go-to meals when you want something cozy, impressive, and packed with the sunny, savory notes of Greece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that bursts with texture and flavor. Each component plays an essential role: from the hearty chicken providing substance, to the olives and sun-dried tomatoes delivering that signature Mediterranean punch.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped): The star protein that adds heartiness and soaks up the spices.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings richness and helps soften the onion for a sweet base.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Offers a mild, aromatic sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant depth that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Salty, tangy, and melts just enough for creamy pockets of flavor.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Brings creaminess and balances the saltiness of the feta.
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives: Infuses a briny punch that elevates the Mediterranean vibe.
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet and chewy, they provide a burst of concentrated tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- 3 cups fresh spinach (chopped): Fresh, vibrant greens that wilt down perfectly for texture and nutrition.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The golden, flaky crust that makes this dish irresistibly inviting.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the crust a beautiful glossy finish and helps it brown evenly.
How to Make Greek Chicken Frying Pan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics and Spinach
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In an oven-safe skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it aroma the kitchen for another minute. Next, toss in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts down completely, infusing the mixture with freshness and a lovely pop of color.
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Now’s the fun part! Add the shredded chicken to the skillet along with the feta cheese, ricotta, chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the cheeses begin to melt slightly and the mixture is heated through. The aromas from the oregano and olives really start to shine here, promising a taste of sunny Mediterranean flavors wrapped in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Carefully unroll your thawed puff pastry and drape it over the skillet, covering the filling completely. Tuck the edges gently around the sides of the skillet to seal it in. Then, brush the surface with the beaten egg; this step is key to achieving that gorgeous golden-brown crust that practically glows when you pull it from the oven. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits on top of the pastry to let steam escape, keeping your crust perfectly puffed and crisp.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as the puff pastry rises, browns, and transforms into a flaky cloud of deliciousness. Once it’s reached a beautiful golden color, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This rest time helps everything settle and makes slicing your pie a breeze without losing any of the cheesy filling.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Frying Pan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle your pie slices with chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. These brighten up the rich, savory flavors and add an appealing color contrast that brings the whole dish alive on the plate.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with light, crisp salads like a Greek village salad, cucumber with dill yogurt, or even a simple lemon and olive oil dressed arugula. Roasted vegetables or a side of herbed couscous would also round out the meal perfectly, soaking up any extra flavors and keeping things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve the pie directly from the skillet at the table, letting everyone admire that golden puff pastry top before diving in. Alternatively, slice it into wedges and arrange them on a wooden board surrounded by olives, slices of fresh tomato, and rustic bread for an inviting Mediterranean-style feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe skillet or pan, then wrapping tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time and covering the crust with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta and ricotta?
Absolutely! While feta and ricotta give this pie its signature creamy tang and mild richness, you can substitute with goat cheese, cream cheese, or even mozzarella depending on your taste preferences. Just keep in mind that the salty and tangy balance might shift slightly.
Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?
For best results, yes. An oven-safe skillet lets you cook the filling on the stove and then bake the pie in the same pan, making cleanup easier and the process seamless. If you don’t have one, consider transferring the filling to a baking dish before topping with the puff pastry.
Can I make this pie vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of spinach or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. The combination of cheeses, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes still ensures a rich, satisfying filling.
What type of puff pastry should I use for this recipe?
Store-bought frozen puff pastry works beautifully here. Just be sure to thaw it according to package instructions before using. For an extra special touch, try homemade pastry if you’re up for it — it will make the pie even more impressive.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! You can make the filling a day ahead, store it refrigerated, then assemble and bake the pie when you’re ready. This makes the Greek Chicken Frying Pan Pie Recipe perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests without stress.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Frying Pan Pie Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines easy preparation with bold, fresh Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this savory pie offers comfort and elegance in every bite. Give it a try soon — I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Greek Chicken Frying Pan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Description
This Greek Chicken Frying Pan Pie is a delicious and hearty meal combining tender cooked chicken with fresh spinach, creamy feta and ricotta cheeses, briny kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, all encased in flaky puff pastry. Prepared in a skillet and finished in the oven, this savory pie offers a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors in an easy-to-make dish ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Crust and Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, ensuring the skillet you use can go from stovetop to oven safely.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook Spinach and Combine Filling: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts. Then stir in the cooked chicken, crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix everything well and heat through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Pie: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and carefully place it over the skillet filling, tucking the edges neatly around the filling inside the skillet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent Pie: Brush the top of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish when baked. Cut a few small slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pie cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Notes
- Ensure your skillet is oven-safe to avoid damage or accidents.
- Puff pastry can be substituted with pie dough if preferred for a different texture.
- For an added fresh flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest to the filling mixture before assembling.
