
This creamy chicken, spring onion and mustard pie is packed with tender chicken thighs, savory pancetta, earthy mushrooms, and sweet peas under a crisp golden puff pastry lid. It is a comforting family-style dinner that feels special enough for guests but is straightforward enough for a weekend cook.
Heat the olive oil in a large flameproof casserole or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pancetta for 5-7 minutes until crisp and lightly browned, then lift it out with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the chicken, season lightly, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer the chicken to the bowl with the pancetta.
Add the mushrooms to the same pan and cook for 7-8 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. Stir in the butter, the white parts of the spring onions, and the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the flour is absorbed and the onions soften slightly.
Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring well after each addition so the sauce stays smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Dijon mustard, bay leaves, nutmeg, mustard powder, and thyme.
Return the chicken and pancetta to the pan. Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the peas, double cream, and green parts of the spring onions. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Spoon the filling into an 18 x 28 cm pie dish and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the puff pastry to about 3-4 mm thick. Brush the rim of the pie dish with beaten egg, lay the pastry over the filling, and trim away any excess. Crimp the edges to seal, use any trimmings for decoration if you like, and cut a small steam hole in the center.
Brush the pastry all over with the remaining beaten egg. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the pastry is deep golden and the filling is bubbling hot. Let the pie stand for 5 minutes before serving with steamed green vegetables and new potatoes, if desired.
For the best texture, let the filling cool slightly before topping with pastry so the butter layers stay flaky. You can swap pancetta for bacon lardons, and the pie can be assembled ahead and frozen unbaked for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.




