Greek chicken & cheese pie (Kotopita)

Savory, cheesy, and wrapped in layers of crisp golden phyllo, this Greek Chicken & Cheese Pie (Kotopita) is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the comfort of traditional Greek cooking right to your table. Juicy shredded chicken is folded into a creamy cheese filling, seasoned with herbs, and baked into a flaky pie that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or sharing at gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Greek Flavor – Inspired by traditional kotopita with a cheesy twist.
Golden, Flaky Layers – Buttery phyllo pastry for irresistible crunch.
Rich & Creamy Filling – Chicken and cheese make this pie hearty and satisfying.
Great for Meal Prep – Delicious warm or cold, and easy to reheat.
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (breast or thigh)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese
• ½ cup grated mozzarella or kasseri cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Phyllo Layers:

• 8–10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil)

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• 9×13 inch baking dish or round pie pan
• Sharp knife
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
In a large bowl, combine sautéed onions/garlic, shredded chicken, feta, ricotta, mozzarella, eggs, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Step 2: Preheat & Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush a 9×13 baking dish (or deep pie dish) with melted butter or olive oil.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Place 4 phyllo sheets in the dish one at a time, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next. Let edges hang over the sides.
Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over the base.
Top with 4–6 more phyllo sheets, again brushing each with butter. Tuck in the edges or fold over for a rustic look.
Brush the top generously with more butter.

Step 4: Score and Bake
Use a sharp knife to gently score the top layers of phyllo into squares or diamonds—this makes it easier to cut later without shattering the pastry.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the pie cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a fresh salad or tzatziki on the side.

Tips for Success
Keep Phyllo Covered – Use a damp towel to prevent sheets from drying out.
Use Leftover Chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Don’t Skip the Butter – It makes the phyllo layers beautifully golden and crispy.
Add Extra Herbs – Dill, mint, or thyme add extra Greek flavor.
Let It Rest – Helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner.

Serving Suggestions
With Greek Salad – Tomato, cucumber, olives, and feta with olive oil.
With Tzatziki – A cool and creamy dip on the side.
With Roasted Veggies – Like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers.
As a Light Meal – Pair with soup or lentils for a Mediterranean lunch.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
Air Fryer: Crisp slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
Microwave: Quick but will soften the pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo?
   Yes! Puff pastry will yield a different texture but still delicious.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh.
3. What cheese is best?
   Feta is classic, but a mix of creamy and melty cheeses (like ricotta and mozzarella) creates great balance.
4. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
   Yes—bake first, cool, then freeze. Reheat uncovered in the oven.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes! Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies.

Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken & Cheese Pie (Kotopita) brings the comfort of traditional Greek flavors into a crispy, creamy, and totally satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a party appetizer that wows, this pie delivers every time.

Bake it, slice it, and enjoy a little taste of Greece right from your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your kotopita creations online!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Greek

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – serves 8):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 480mg

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