Poule Au Pot Pie (Chicken In a Pot—Pie!) | Melissa Clark

For the chicken, in a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons salt with the thyme, garlic, and pepper. Smear the mixture all over the chicken, and let it rest, uncovered, in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. 

In a small bowl, lightly whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon water to make an egg wash. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry so it will fit over the top of a large Dutch oven; don’t make it too thin. Transfer the pastry to a large plate or cookie sheet. Brush it with the egg wash, cut a few slits in the center, then refrigerate it until you are ready to bake the chicken. 

In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the leeks, carrots, mushrooms, and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook until the vegetables have softened and are just starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and melt the butter in the other side (to make the roux). Stir the flour into the butter and cook until it is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Stir the roux into the vegetables. Nestle the chicken in the pot and add the chicken stock, wine, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a low simmer, cover, and continue to barely simmer for 30 minutes. 

Meanwhile, place a rimmed sheet pan in the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. 

Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and uncover it. Stir in the peas and mixed herbs, and then carefully drape the prepared puff pastry over the pot. Transfer the Dutch oven to the sheet pan in the oven and bake until the pastry is puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. 

Make the aioli: Combine the lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender; let the ingredients stand for 1 minute. Add the parsley, tarragon, egg, and egg yolk. Cover and blend briefly on medium speed. With the motor running, drizzle in both oils in a slow steady stream until just combined. Taste and add more lemon juice and/or salt if needed. 

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to carve. Serve the chicken in soup plates with some of the broth and with pieces of the golden crust. Serve the aioli on the side for drizzling, with flaky sea salt for sprinkling.