2cupscooked chickenchopped (preferably thighs for more flavor)
1medium onionfinely chopped
1tablespoonbutter or oil for sautéing
Salt and pepper to taste
½teaspoondried dill or fresh if available
For the rice layer
1cupwhite rice
2cupswater or chicken broth
1teaspoonbutter
Pinchof salt
For the egg layer (optional but traditional)
3hard-boiled eggschopped
For the doughmeat pie dough recipe:
3cupsall-purpose flour
1cupcold unsalted buttercubed
1egg
½teaspoonsalt
6tablespoonsice water
1tablespoonsour creamfor added tenderness
Egg wash
1eggbeaten with a splash of milk
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
Start by making the meat pie dough recipe. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg and sour cream. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide into two balls—one slightly larger than the other. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add rice, butter, and salt. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until tender—about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
Sauté the Onion and Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add chopped onion. Sauté until translucent. Add chopped chicken, season with salt, pepper, and dill, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until flavors meld. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the Pie
Roll out the larger dough ball into a 12-inch round and line the base and sides of your greased springform or pie pan. Start layering:
First, a layer of rice
Next, a layer of chicken and onion mixture
Then the chopped hard-boiled eggs
Finish with another thin layer of rice (optional, depending on depth)
Roll out the second dough ball and place it over the top. Pinch edges to seal and trim excess dough. Use leftover scraps to create decorative shapes if you like.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the pie with egg wash. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and cooked through.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.