Greek Chicken & Cheese Phyllo Pie: Kotopita (updates)

phyllo pastry

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pastry

💰Cheaper: homemade dough

Whole wheat pastry adds fiber and nutrients.

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Ricotta is lower in fat and cost-effective.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: canned chicken

Turkey is leaner, while canned chicken is budget-friendly.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits and is versatile.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).

Drizzle olive oil on 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs and season with salt and black pepper.

Bake the chicken in the oven for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and chop into small pieces or shred with forks.

Chop a large onion and cook it in a saucepan with olive oil over medium heat until soft.

Add 2 grated garlic cloves to the onions and cook until fragrant, then transfer to the bowl with the chicken along with the oil from the pan.

Chop 16 oz of roasted red bell peppers and add them to the chicken mixture.

In the same saucepan, add 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, whisk and cook until slightly toasted.

Add 4 cups of cold whole milk to the pot and whisk until it thickens slightly, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.

Whisk 2 eggs in a separate container and temper them with the hot milk mixture before adding back to the pot.

Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and add a handful of shredded parmesan, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and crumbled sheep's milk feta cheese.

Season the mixture with crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and dried oregano, then mix well.

Assemble the pie in a baking pan, layering phyllo pastry with melted butter between each layer, reserving 7-9 sheets for the top.

Spread the filling over the phyllo layers, fold the edges over, and brush with butter.

Create an accordion topping with the reserved phyllo sheets and place them on top of the filling.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens