There’s something truly magical about a freshly baked chicken pot pie. Growing up, this was the dish my family would gather around on chilly evenings, the aroma filling the house and making our mouths water. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today. This classic chicken pot pie combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, savory sauce, all tucked beneath a golden, flaky crust. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a special family gathering, this dish is sure to make everyone feel at home.
Why You’ll Love This Comfort Food
Chicken pot pie is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
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Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to pull off a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to create. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even the most inexperienced cook can achieve perfection.
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Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for family dinners. The familiar flavors and creamy texture appeal to all ages, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied. Plus, the interactive process of assembling the pie can be a fun family activity, getting everyone involved in the kitchen.
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Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a well-rounded meal. The combination of chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes provides a balanced array of nutrients, supporting a healthy diet without compromising on taste. The dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it a wholesome option for any meal.
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Versatile: You can customize the filling with your favorite veggies or even swap out the chicken for turkey. This flexibility means you can adapt the recipe based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Consider adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor or using sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
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Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as delightful the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. The flavors meld together even more as they sit, offering a delicious meal you can enjoy throughout the week. The pie can be sliced and reheated easily, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal when you’re short on time.
The Recipe
This chicken pot pie is not only comforting but also surprisingly easy to prepare. Here’s everything you need to know to make this family favorite.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your oven is ready to bake the pie to golden perfection. A properly preheated oven is crucial for achieving the perfect flaky crust.
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Cook the vegetables: In a medium saucepan, combine carrots, peas, potatoes, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. This step softens the vegetables, ensuring they are perfectly tender. Drain and set aside. For added flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water to boil the vegetables.
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Make the sauce: In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and thyme until well blended. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cooking until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens creates a luxurious sauce that holds the pie together. Remove from heat and set aside. To enhance the sauce’s flavor, you might add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
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Assemble the pie: Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with the chicken, drained vegetables, and sauce. The layering of ingredients ensures each slice is packed with flavor. Cover with the second crust, seal the edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy crust. If you like a shiny, golden crust, brush the top with a beaten egg before baking.
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Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. This is where the magic happens, as the crust turns crispy and the filling bubbles beneath. Cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set. This resting period helps the filling thicken further and makes slicing easier.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the vegetables and preparing the sauce. A good saucepan ensures even cooking and helps prevent scorching.
- Whisk: Ideal for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly. A whisk is crucial for avoiding lumps in the sauce, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- 9-inch pie plate: The perfect size for this recipe, ensuring even cooking. A glass or ceramic pie plate works best for even heat distribution.
- Rolling pin (if needed): Useful if you need to roll out the pie crusts to fit your pie plate. A rolling pin helps achieve an even thickness, crucial for even baking.
- Sharp knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables and trimming the pie crust. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and helps speed up the prep process.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Each component of this chicken pot pie plays a crucial role in delivering both flavor and nutrition.
- Chicken: Provides lean protein, keeping you full and satisfied. It’s also rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. Opt for organic or free-range chicken for the best flavor and quality.
- Carrots and Peas: Add a splash of color and essential vitamins like A and K. Carrots are known for their eye health benefits, while peas provide fiber and antioxidants. These vegetables also add a natural sweetness to the pie.
- Potatoes: Offer a comforting, hearty texture and are a good source of potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function. Consider using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture.
- Celery: Brings a slight crunch and is packed with antioxidants, promoting overall health and well-being. Celery also adds a subtle depth of flavor to the filling.
- Butter and Flour: These create a rich, creamy sauce that ties all the flavors together, providing the perfect base for the filling. The butter adds richness, while the flour thickens the sauce perfectly.
What to Serve With This Comfort Food
Pair your chicken pot pie with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the dish. A light vinaigrette or lemon dressing can complement the flavors beautifully, cutting through the creaminess with a refreshing zing. For dessert, consider a classic apple pie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to keep the comfort food theme going. The sweetness of the dessert pairs perfectly with the savory pie, rounding out the meal. If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, a chilled glass of chardonnay or a light ale can enhance the meal’s flavors without overpowering them.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie reheats beautifully, making it convenient for a quick meal. To reheat, cover the pie with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method helps maintain the crust’s crispness. You can also freeze the pie before baking. Simply assemble the pie, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. Freezing individual slices can also be a practical option for portion control and quick meals.
Creating a chicken pot pie from scratch is a rewarding experience that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. I hope you find as much happiness in this recipe as my family and I have over the years. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Stacked Tomato and Burrata Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Place a tomato slice onto a plate and season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Spread Burrata cheese over the tomato slice, top with torn basil leaves, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a tomato slice.