There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade chicken pot pie. It reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of a bubbling, savory pie filled the kitchen. This dish is like a warm hug in a pie dish, perfect for chilly evenings when you need a little extra comfort food magic.
Why You’ll Love This Comfort Food Classic
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Hearty and Satisfying: This chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken and a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. The balance of flavors and textures makes each bite a delightful experience, combining the savory taste of chicken with the subtle sweetness of peas and carrots. The sauce itself is a luscious blend that coats every piece, ensuring that each mouthful is as satisfying as the last.
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Family-Friendly: A dish that pleases both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. The familiar ingredients and comforting flavors make it a universally loved dish, perfect for gathering everyone around the table. Even picky eaters will find something to love, whether it’s the buttery crust or the creamy filling bursting with flavor.
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Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the filling in advance, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. By preparing the filling ahead of time, you’ll only need to assemble and bake the pie when you’re ready, allowing more time to relax after a long day. This make-ahead potential also means you can entertain with ease, focusing on your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
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Versatile Ingredients: Use up leftover chicken or customize with your favorite vegetables. This flexibility means you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs, such as swapping in mushrooms for extra umami or adding bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor. For those who prefer a spicier kick, a dash of cayenne or a sprinkle of chili flakes can be added to the filling.
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Perfectly Flaky Crust: The homemade pastry crust is buttery and flaky, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. The crust is essential to a good pot pie, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, savory filling. Whether you opt for a puff pastry top or a more traditional pie crust, the result is a golden, inviting cover that seals in all the deliciousness.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 sheets of puff pastry or homemade pie crust
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery, sautéing until soft. This step is crucial for developing the base flavor, as the onions and celery release their aromatic oils, infusing the butter with rich aromas. The gentle cooking ensures the vegetables become tender without browning, maintaining their sweet and delicate flavors.
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Create the Sauce: Stir in flour, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring until the sauce thickens. Make sure to whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. The key is to add the liquids gradually, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated into the roux before adding more, resulting in a sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and vegetables.
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Add Ingredients: Mix in the cooked chicken, peas and carrots, potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let simmer for 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together, with the thyme adding a subtle earthy note that enhances the overall taste. The simmering process also ensures the potatoes are partially cooked, allowing them to finish cooking in the oven for a perfectly tender bite.
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Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pastry and line a pie dish. Pour the chicken mixture into the crust, then cover with the second sheet of pastry. Seal and crimp the edges. Ensuring a tight seal helps keep the filling moist and prevents it from bubbling over the edges. For an attractive finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash made from a beaten egg and a splash of milk, which gives the pie a beautiful golden sheen.
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Bake to Perfection: Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The slits are essential for venting, which helps maintain the crust’s crispness. The visual cue of a bubbling filling ensures that the pie is heated through, with the crust providing a crisp, flaky counterpoint to the creamy interior.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking the filling to perfection, ensuring even heat distribution. A heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent the sauce from burning, allowing for gentle simmering without constant attention.
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Whisk: Helps create a smooth sauce without lumps, ensuring the filling is creamy and well-blended. A balloon whisk is particularly effective for incorporating air, making the sauce light and fluffy.
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Rolling pin: For rolling out the pastry, ensuring it’s thin and even for a perfectly flaky crust. A marble rolling pin can help keep the dough cool, making it easier to handle and less likely to stick.
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Pie dish: Provides the shape and structure necessary for the pie, ensuring it cooks evenly. A ceramic or glass dish can help the crust bake evenly, giving you a consistent, golden result.
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Baking sheet (to catch any overflow): Protects your oven from potential spills, making cleanup easier and preventing burnt filling from sticking to your oven floor. This simple step can save time and hassle, especially when entertaining.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
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Chicken: Provides protein and a hearty base for the pie, making it satisfying and nutritious. Chicken is also a lean source of protein, contributing to a balanced meal. Opt for organic or free-range chicken for added flavor and ethical considerations.
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Peas and Carrots: Add sweetness and color, along with vital nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to a healthy diet. If using fresh vegetables, blanch them briefly to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
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Potatoes: Offer a creamy texture and make the dish more filling, providing carbohydrates that offer energy and satisfaction. Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for their buttery flavor and ability to hold their shape during cooking.
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Onions and Celery: Build a flavorful base with their aromatic qualities, enhancing the depth of flavor in the dish and adding a layer of complexity. These vegetables are foundational in many savory dishes and contribute to the overall umami profile.
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Butter and Flour: Create a roux that thickens the sauce to perfection, resulting in a creamy, rich filling that binds the ingredients together. The butter adds richness, while the flour provides structure, resulting in a sauce that is both luxurious and stable.
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Thyme: Adds an earthy aroma that complements the savory elements, subtly enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile. Fresh thyme can be used for a more pronounced herbal note, adding a touch of elegance and freshness.
What to Serve With This Comfort Food Classic
A fresh green salad pairs beautifully with chicken pot pie, balancing its richness with crisp, refreshing flavors. Consider a simple vinaigrette for your salad to cut through the pie’s creaminess. Choose greens like arugula or spinach for their peppery and robust flavors, which contrast nicely with the pie. For a cozy meal, try serving it alongside a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob. These sides enhance the meal’s comforting qualities, offering a variety of textures and flavors. For a lighter option, steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon can provide a bright, zesty counterpoint.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will help maintain the crust’s crispness. You can also freeze the pie before baking for up to 2 months; just be sure to add 15-20 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen. If freezing, consider assembling the pie in a disposable foil pan for easy storage and reheating. For best results, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking.
Cooking at home can be a joyful experience, and this chicken pot pie is a testament to that. I hope it brings warmth and delight to your table, just as it has to mine. For more comforting recipes, don’t forget to check out other favorites on {BLOG_DOMAIN}, like our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or Homemade Mac and Cheese. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Tigernut
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the tigernuts under cold water and drain them well.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the tigernuts with olive oil, sea salt, and paprika (if using) until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
- Place the seasoned tigernuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking, until they are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.