Mini chicken, sherry and herb pies

Method

1. For the pastry, put the flour and salt into a large heatproof bowl, make a well in the centre, crack in the egg and cover it with flour. Put the butter and lard in a medium pan with 200ml water and bring to the boil.
2. Pour the hot water mixture onto the flour, mixing quickly with a table knife to start to bring the pastry together. When it’s cool enough to handle, use your hands to work the pastry together until smooth. Leave to cool, covered in a tea towel, until just warm or room temperature.
3. Meanwhile, make the filling. Heat the olive oil in a large casserole and add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the shallots and fry for 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the pancetta and fry on a medium-high heat for 5 minutes until it starts to colour. Turn down the heat, then add the chicken, flour and garlic, stirring until coated.
Recipe continues after advertising
Advertisement
4. Fry for a few minutes more, then add the sherry and cook for 5 minutes to reduce the liquid. Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is just cooked. Turn off the heat, stir in the herbs and lemon juice, then season. Cool the filling completely.
5. Cut off a quarter of the dough, wrap in cling film and set aside. Divide the rest of the dough into 12 equal pieces and use to line the individual muffin holes as mini pie shells. The pastry only needs to be as thick as a £2 coin, but make sure it comes just above the top of the tray lip. Roll out the reserved pastry to the thickness of a £2 coin. Using a 7cm pastry cutter or an upturned glass the same diameter as the muffin hole, stamp out 12 circles, re-rolling as needed. You can use any leftover pastry trimmings to cut out decoration for the pies, if you want.
6. Divide the chicken filling evenly among the pastry cases in the muffin tray. Brush the edges with the egg and cream glaze, then cover with the pastry lids and glaze the tops. Use a fork to decorate the edges of the pies (this helps to seal them as well). Use a skewer to poke a small hole in the top of each pie, glaze again, then chill uncovered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
7. Bake the pies for 30-35 minutes until golden, cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Cover the tops with foil if the pies start to brown too much. Serve the pies warm or at room temperature.