Lemon Chicken Not-Potpies with Poppy Seed Crust

Lemon Chicken Not-Potpies with Poppy Seed Crust

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 sheet puff pastry (9-inch square), thawed but cold
* 1 egg, beaten with a little water
* 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
* 2 baking potatoes (1-1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
* Salt
* 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
* 1-1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
* 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
* Pepper
* 2 leeks—stems split, thinly sliced and thoroughly rinsed
* 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
* 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons flour
* 1/2 cup white wine
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* Grated peel and juice of 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS:

1.

Preheat the oven to 425°. Roll out the puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Set aside four 2-cup bowls; invert 1 bowl onto the pastry and cut out 4 rounds. Place on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and brush with the egg. Sprinkle with the poppy seeds and bake until golden, 12 minutes. Let cool.
2.

In a large saucepan, add the potatoes and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, salt the water and cook until tender, 7 minutes. Add the peas and cook for 1 minute; drain.
3.

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons EVOO over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook for 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon EVOO to the skillet. Add the leeks and carrot; season with salt, pepper and the thyme. Cook for 3 minutes.
4.

Scoot the leeks to the side and add the butter. Whisk in the flour, then the wine and chicken broth. Stir in the chicken and cream and heat through. Stir in the lemon peel, lemon juice, potatoes and peas. Fill the bowls with the chicken mixture and top with the crust.