Happy New Year everyone! This is the first post of 2011 and it’s a dish that takes me back to Thessaloniki, perhaps it will trigger some of your memories? I first had a Kotopita (chicken pie) at a taverna in Thessaloniki, in the Agia Sophia area in fact. A Kotopita is made of filling of primarily chopped/shredded chicken meat and sandwiched between several layers of phyllo pastry. A strained Greek yogurt or a side of “paprika”, a kind of red pepper-based condiment that resembled ketchup but with the thickness of tomato paste.
We have odes to both the Kotopita and paprika today. The Kotopita (chicken pie) comes from Chef Sofia Georgakaki, originally from the Toumba area of Thessaloniki and she’s a fan of PAOK soccer club (naturally). I’ve came to learn of Sofia through television as she’s a contestant on Greece’s premier season of Top Chef. Sofia was doing some show promo on the station’s morning show and she also showcased her Kotopita for the viewing audience. This recipe is ideal if you have leftover turkey meat or one can buy one of those roasted chickens that are always ready for pick-up at your neighborhood supermarket.
I loved Sofia’s recipe as the filling wasn’t just chicken, the result was a moist pie with the crunch of crisp phyllo and the undertones of mushrooms, fresh sage and smoked cheese. The true test of this dish was re-heating it as a leftover and yes….still moist and very flavourful.
I’ve tweaked the recipe by adding some sweet paprika into the filling, used clarified butter for brushing the phyllo and I’ve tweaked my paprika sauce as the accompaniment to the Kotopita. The “must do’s” in this recipe is the smoked cheese, fresh sage and paprika sauce on the side. In Greece, the popular smoked cheese is from western Greece, the province of Epirus where some of Greece’s best Feta is also made. The town of Metsovo is “foodie destination” with it’s tradition of homemade sweet and savory pies, sausages, wine-making, homemade pasta and cheese production. The famous Metsovone cheeses are formed in cylindrical shape and of particular popularity is the smoked Metsovone, with its brown rind (and smoky aroma).
Smoked Metsovone is not something you will find in your area but you will find other smoked cheeses. As a substitute, I like using a smoked Gouda. As your grocer or deli for it and they should be able to direct you to their location in the cheese display. Get some smoked cheese and while you’re out shopping, grab some fresh sage…ideal for chicken, mushrooms and remarkably wonderful with the cheese too! Dried sage will work in a pinch but if fresh is available, it’s worth the splurge.
The paprika sauce here has been tweaked from a recipe I featured last September with some Keftedes. I’ve adjusted the recipe to suit the Kotopita and the pairing worked wonderfully. This paprika sauce begins with a roux and the remaining ingredients are whole milk, grated Kefalograviera and Feta cheeses and some sweet paprika. Serve a square of Kotopita with a dollop of the Paprika sauce and simply take a piece of the pie, swipe it into the sauce and savour the mouthful. 
Sofia’s Kotopita (Η Κοτοπιτα της Σοφια’ς)
1 whole roasted chicken, meat pulled off the carcass and chopped (no skin)
OR equivalent in roast turkey meat (approx. 4 cups)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 lb of button mushrooms, quartered
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of brandy (Metaxa)
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage (or 1 tsp. dried)
3/4 cup of half & half cream
3 eggs
1 cup of cubed Metsovone cheese (smoked Gouda works well here)
450 gr. package of phyllo pastry, thawed overnight in the fridge
1 lb. of unsalted butter, (optional to clarify it)*
For the Paprika Sauce
1 Tbsp. of unsalted butter (or olive oil)
1/4 cup finely diced onions
2 heaping Tbsp. of all purpose flour
1 cup of warm whole milk
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tsp. of sweet paprika
1/2 cup grated Kefalograviera cheese (or parmesan)
1/3 cup crumbled Feta cheese
1 heaping Tbsp, of Greek yogurt
- In a large, skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat and add the onions, scallions, garlic and mushrooms and saute while occasionally stirring for 5-6 minutes or until softened. Season with some salt and pepper and now add the brandy and stir in until absorbed. Now add the chicken (or turkey meat) and stir in and warm through for 2-3 minutes. Take off the heat and add the chopped sage and adjust seasoning with salt and fresh ground pepper (be careful with the salt as you will be adding cheese soon) and remove from the heat and allow to cool (transfer to a bowl to cool quicker). Now add the cheese.
- In a bowl, add the cracked eggs and cream and whisk and add the beaten egg/cream mixture to the chicken and stir until well incorporated and reserve.
- Remove your thawed phyllo from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature (15 minutes). Count out your phyllo sheets and divide separate into two piles with one pile having two extra phyllo sheets. One pile will layer the bottom part of the pie (with extra sheets) and the second pile will top the filling (and pie). You may use either a rectangular roasting pan or circular large pizza pan – your choice.
- Begin laying the first pile of phyllo, leaving the edges hanging over the sides of the pan. Brush each sheet generously with the melted butter. Empty the chicken filling into the pan and spread evenly.
- Fold the excess phyllo over and into the pan and evenly distribute the remaining sheets of phyllo (second pile) to entirely cover the filling. Again, ensure that each sheet is brushed generously with melted butter. Place the chicken pie in a fridge to cool or other cool place to slightly chill, so as to make cutting the phyllo easier. Cut the top layers of phyllo into squares and pre-heat your oven to 350F, middle rack position. Brush the top of your Kotopita with any remaining butter and place in your pre-heated oven for 45 minutes or until golden-brown.
- In the meantime, make the Paprika Sauce by warming up some milk in a pot and reserve (keep warm). In another pot, add the butter and onions over medium heat and once it melts, add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon for a minute. Now a grab a whisk and while stirring, add a little bit of warm milk and sweet paprika. As soon as the milk is absorbed, add some more milk while stirring.
- Now add the grated Kefalograviera and Feta cheese and as soon as it has incorporated into the sauce, stir for 30 seconds and take off the heat. Add the Greek yogurt, adjust seasoning (more cheese) or if you like the sauce a litter thinner, add a splash of milk. Remove from the oven and allow to cool 15 minutes before serving with the Paprika Sauce. Serve a piece of Kotopita on a plate with some sauce.
- Serve the Kotopita as an appetizer, part of array of mezedes or a light meal with a salad. Pair with a Gerovassliou Sauvignon Blanc fumé, ideal for the smoked Metsovone cheese and chicken.
*To clarify your butter, add it to a pot and melt over medium heat. Once melted, take off the heat and allow to cool completely. Place in the fridge and allow to harden. Your clarified butter has hardened on the top and the why and water are in the bottom. Poke a hole and carefully drain-off and discard the water/why. What you have left is clarified butter.
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© 2007-2010 Peter Minakis
42 Responses
This looks like a a savory baklava. It reminds me of Moroccan bisteeya, which is made with phyllo stuffed with chicken. Btw, yesterday my husband and I ate at a Greek restaurant and we had a dish I once saw here on your blog. It’s a pan seared cheese appetizer but I don’t remember the name. It was good but a bit too salty for my taste.
Nisrine, you’re right – this does look like Bisteeya. As for your cheese dish at the Greek restaurant, it’s called Cheese Saganaki and sometimes it can be too salty with the Kefalotyri cheese. A Kefalograviera or Kasseri is less salty. Try my recipe at home and you’ll enjoy this one!
https://kalofagas.ca/2010/10/02/flaming-cheese-saganaki/
Dear Peter,
I will be visiting Thessaloniki at the end of this week and would like to know the name of Sofia’s taverna. Also, if you can, I would like to receive your “don’t miss ” places to eat in Salonica and in the surrounding areas. I am very excited about this culinary experience. BTW, can Greek cheeses be brought back to US? Thanks!
Pilar
this is the perfect way to use up leftovers – chicken and mushrooms go so well together
Looks like this would be a great party dish. Happy new year, Peter.
Almost looks like tuna! What about a tunaopita next time? ;) I didn’t know Greece had a Top Chef and I’m also relieved to know even you smuggled back metsovone! I would think they’d have it in Greek town where you live. As soon as I step on Greek soil this summer I’m finding me some metsovone!
A wonderful recipe to welcome 2011!
Happy new year :)
I wish I had seen this a couple of days ago! It sounds and looks splendid~ A French lady brought a pita pie for our New Year’s party but it was not this! LOVE the smoked cheese in it and the paprika flavors.
That pie looks irresistible! What droolworthy flavors. Chicken and smoked cheese go so well together, mmhhh!
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Rosa
Καλή Χρονιά!!! με Υγεία κι Αγάπη!!!
This is a heartwarming way to begin a New Year Peter with dishes that evoke good memories and comfort. Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year – Panayioti! Can’t wait to make this – it looks so good!
That looks amazing Peter!
What an absolutely delicious combo Peter! Beats a pot pie hands down! I love everything about it including the smoked cheese and that delicious side sauce. All the best for 2011!
Another delicious Greek pie offering! Yum. Irresistible. Love the idea of smoked cheese and the excellent paprika mornay sauce. Happy New Year. Will enjoy reading your blog again this year, thank you.
ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΛΗ ΧΡΟΝΙΑ Πητερ!!!!
να χαίρεσαι την οικογενειά σου και να είσαι πάντα καλά και να μας κερνάς τις όμορφες λιχουδιές σου !!!
Sitting with my morning coffee and all I crave for breakfast is Sofia’s Kotopita :) Delicious, delectable and oh so suitable for entertaining. I have already printed out your recipe and plan to make it this week. I am a big fan of Greek fare and was wondering if you have a recipe for Pasticchio? Mine is rather lacking.
Judy
Hi Judy and welcome (thank you for the comment). Here’s my Pastitsio recipe:
https://kalofagas.ca/2008/02/03/pastitsio-deconstructed-%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AF%CF%84%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BF/
Happy New Year Peter!
Kotopita is one of my favourite pies -any version of it!
Many, many wishes for 2011!
Peter, thank you much for your quick response & recipe for Pastitsio. After comparing it to mine, it is clear that my version is lacking on many fronts, being misspelled as “Pasticchio” its first sin. Bay leaves, crushed tomatoes, white wine, and yes even oregano (don’t beat me). All missing. Your Bechamel is sinful and the addition of nutmeg was an “aha” moment for me.
Now to source Bucatini pasta, Kefalotyri and Viahotyri cheese in this small town. I plan to drive to Toronto in the near future. Could you perhaps recommend a shop where I might purchase these ingredients?
Many thanks.
Judy
Happy New Year Peter! This looks incredible! I happen to have some leftover chicken in the fridge right now!
I love pot pies, but have never had one like this Peter! Wow! Love it!
What a wonderful way to ring in the new year with this pie! Chicken and smoked cheese wrapped in yummy phyllo sounds just divine.
Hope you enjoyed some wonderful holidays. Happy new year!
Oh, what a fantastic looking pie!
Hands down, a lot more interesting than the conventional chicken pot pie!
A super and very Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2011 to you, dear Peter! I’m sure it will be!
This is one fabulous pie and absolutely beautiful to look at! I love the flavors of the filling and this is a meal my family would love. A great party dish too! I think i’ll bookmark it!
All the best and a Happy New Year! xo
Ooooh this looks indeedy delicious! Please can you pass me a slice (or two) lol
Seriously this pie looks GOOD! Happy 2011 Peter :)
This is such a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey – even elegant enough for a dinner party.
First of all Happy New Year! Secondly what a great recipe. I don’t watch Top Chef, but this pie is “all the money” as we say…
I have never seen such a moist chicken pie filling before! Bookmarked.
Happy New Year Peter!
I’ve always heard a lot of kotopita (and of course the American chicken pot pie) but have never ventured to make any form of it. This looks great! I really love that shot of the whole baked pie … in all its golden flaky glory!
Talk about the ultimate pot pie — oh, my. A good thing to use the phyllo that has been languishing in my freezer! And guess what? I always wondered how those perfect squares were cut, never realizing it was done before baking. DUH!
The Paprika Sauce calls for onions, but the amount of onions is not indicated in the ingredients list. Can you let me know how much onion for the sauce? I’m making this dish tomorrow for Greek Easter on Sunday (May 5th 2013)
Thanks,
Jan
One more discrepancy in the recipe: The paprika sauce calls for a clove of garlic, but the instructions do not say when to add it. I added with the onion, figuring that was the logical place. Also, when I got an answer to my above inquiry of the amount of onion to add to the sauce. The e-mail I received said to add 1/4 cup, but when the recipe was revised online, it said 1/3 cup of onions. I added 1/3 cup. Yes, I am a picky person, but thought you would want to know. Right now I’m waiting for my butter to clarify, then I’m going to put the dish together and bake it. I’m getting a little impatient and may just do my best with that clarified butter. I’ve been working on this now for about 3 hours. SO… if you’re planning on doing this, make sure you leave plenty of time. Thank goodness for my husband/sous chef, who has diligently helped me throughout the process. And good thing I love to cook! :-)
Just perfect for my out of town friends …
Quick question… I do not have a large pan like yours. I plan to use my 9×13 lasagna glass dish. Should I use one or two 9×13 for the quantities above? Hard to estimate by looking at your large round pan. Love your blog!
Cristina, if the square inch/area is similar, a rectanglular one is fine. Same principle for folding the phyllo. You’ll love it!
Peter – this delicious-looking recipe was in my inbox this morning, and I thought I’d make it tonight. One question – the dish you use to make it in – are you using a 12″ skillet, or some other dish/pan? I’ve got all the ingredients, so wish me luck!
Love your Greek blog – always full of yummy ideas and wonderful photos — thanks.
Cat, I used a large, round deep baking pan…around the size of a big pizza or you can use a large deep rectangular roasting pan.
Perfect: thanks, Peter!
We made this for New Years 2020 – Delicious!! Including the paprika sauce. Kotopita and Vasilopita are the traditional foods for us and this was a great find. Thank you!
Scrolling through for another fun family recipe for a blustery weekend…