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1
Put the chicken, stock, large onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme sprigs, and celery in a large (8-quart) pot.
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2
Add just enough water to cover the chicken.
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3
Cover the pot; bring the mixture to a boil.
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4
Uncover; reduce heat.
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5
Simmer 1 hour.
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6
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board (reserve the stock in the pot).
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7
Remove the skin from the chicken; discard.
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8
Cut the meat from the bones; discard the bones.
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9
Using a fork, shred the meat into bite-size pieces; set aside.
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10
Pour the stock through a fine sieve into a large bowl; discard the solids.
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11
Set aside 2 cups stock.
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12
(Reserve the remaining stock for another use.
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13
Cooled stock can be frozen in an airtight container up to 4 months; thaw in the refrigerator.)
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14
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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15
Add the potatoes and pearl onions.
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16
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes.
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17
Add the leek, carrots, and mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes more.
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18
Add the flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute.
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19
Stir in the reserved 2 cups stock and the milk.
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20
Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes.
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21
Stir in the chicken, parsley, thyme leaves, zest, salt, and pepper.
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22
Divide the chicken mixture evenly among 8 4 x 2-inch ramekins.
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23
Let cool slightly.
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24
Preheat the oven to 375F.
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25
Roll out the pate brisee on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
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26
Arrange the mixed herbs on top; roll out the dough with a lightly floured pin to 1/8 inch thick, gently pressing herbs.
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27
Using a fluted (or plain) round dough cutter (4 1/2 inches in diameter), cut out 8 rounds from the dough.
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28
Lightly beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water.
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29
Brush the top edges of the ramekins with egg wash. Place a dough round over each ramekin; gently press to seal.
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30
Chill in the freezer until the dough is firm, about 10 minutes.
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31
Brush the dough with egg wash. Cut 4 slits in top of each dough round for steam vents.
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32
Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes.