METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until the onion is golden and very soft. Add the mushroom, reserving 4 slices for the pie tops, and cook for 4 minutes or until the mushroom is browned.
2. Place the flour in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Dust off any excess flour, add the chicken to the pan with the onion and cook for 4 minutes or until golden. Add the tarragon and stock and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat, add the crème fraîche and stir to combine.
   
3. Spoon into 4 x 1½-cup-capacity (375ml) ramekins. Cut the pastry into rounds to fit the tops and place onto each pie. Brush the pastry with egg. Lightly brush the reserved mushroom with extra oil and place on the pies to decorate. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the pastry is golden. Makes 4

Wine note: these cosy pies, with creamy chicken and mushrooms in a flaky pastry, call for a cool glass of balanced chardonnay. Exotic and smoky, Cloudy Bay Chardonnay is just the ticket. You’ll notice the subtle characters of roasted hazelnuts coming through.

Photography: Chris Court