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Russian Kurnik with Chicken and Rice filling

Oven-Baked Russian Kurnik with Chicken and Rice Filling

Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine European, Russian
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry Brush
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Medium saucepan (for rice)
  • Skillet (for onion and chicken sauté)
  • 9-inch springform pan or deep pie dish

Ingredients
  

For the meat filling

  • 2 cups cooked chicken chopped (preferably thighs for more flavor)
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil for sautéing
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill or fresh if available

For the rice layer

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • Pinch of salt

For the egg layer (optional but traditional)

  • 3 hard-boiled eggs chopped
  • For the dough meat pie dough recipe:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons ice water
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream for added tenderness

Egg wash

  • 1 egg beaten with a splash of milk

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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:
  2. First, a layer of rice
  3. Next, a layer of chicken and onion mixture
  4. Then the chopped hard-boiled eggs
  5. Finish with another thin layer of rice (optional, depending on depth)
  6. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.