Ah, the comforting aroma of a Chicken Pot Pie baking in the oven. It’s a scent that instantly takes me back to chilly Sunday afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She had this magical way of turning simple ingredients into a meal that felt like a warm hug. Now, I’m thrilled to share my version of this beloved classic with you. It’s a dish that brings my family together, and I hope it will do the same for yours. The process of making it is as soothing as the taste itself, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and heartwarming.
Why You’ll Love This Comforting Pie
Chicken Pot Pie is a dish that has stood the test of time for good reason. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this comforting classic:
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Hearty and Satisfying: This Chicken Pot Pie is packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a creamy sauce that fills you up right. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, with succulent chicken pieces mingling with the savory creaminess of the sauce and the delicate flakiness of the crust, offering pure comfort with every mouthful. The balance of the creamy filling against the crisp, buttery crust is a testament to the magic of home-cooked meals.
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Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies, will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies! Even the most reluctant vegetable eaters will savor the taste of carrots and peas nestled in the creamy filling, transforming them into delightful morsels. It’s a meal that encourages family gatherings, where everyone can share stories and laughter over a wholesome plate.
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Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the taste of a homemade flaky crust, and I promise it’s easier to make than you think. The satisfaction of making your own crust from scratch is unmatched. The buttery, golden crust will have everyone reaching for seconds. The process of kneading and rolling the dough becomes a therapeutic ritual, rewarding you with the aroma of baking that fills your home.
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Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap the chicken for turkey, especially after the holidays. Have leftover roast vegetables or some extra mushrooms in the fridge? Toss them into the mix for a new twist that keeps the recipe exciting and versatile. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to the seasons and your pantry, making it a reliable dish year-round.
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Perfect for Leftovers: This pie tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners. The flavors deepen overnight, and the convenience of having a ready-made meal just waiting to be reheated is a lifesaver on busy days. It becomes a comforting reminder of home-cooked warmth when you need it most.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 450 per serving
Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Chicken Pot Pie starts with gathering the right ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the ultimate comfort food experience. The freshness and quality of your ingredients will shine through in the final dish, rewarding you with a pie that’s rich in flavor and texture.
- Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
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6-8 tablespoons ice water
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Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions
Creating a Chicken Pot Pie from scratch is a rewarding experience. Follow these steps to bring a bit of comfort to your kitchen:
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Prepare the Pie Crust: – In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust; ensure the butter remains cold to create pockets of steam during baking that result in the desired texture. The sensation of working the butter into the flour is both tactile and satisfying. – Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and preventing shrinkage during baking. Patience here pays off with a crust that is both tender and crisp.
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Make the Filling: – Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). The high heat will ensure your crust comes out golden and crisp. – In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside. Boiling the vegetables and chicken together infuses the broth with additional flavors. This step builds the foundation of your pie’s savory profile. – In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside. The roux-based sauce should coat the back of a spoon, indicating it’s thickened enough to hold the filling together without becoming runny. This is the heart of your pot pie, bringing all elements together harmoniously.
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Assemble the Pie: – Roll out the pastry for the bottom of the pie. Place in a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with chicken mixture. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Roll out the top crust, cover, and seal edges. Make several small slits to allow steam to escape. Sealing the edges properly prevents the filling from bubbling out during baking, while the slits allow steam to escape, keeping the crust crisp. This step is where the anticipation builds, as you prepare to bake your creation.
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Bake: – Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. As it cools, the pie continues to develop its rich flavors, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Make sure your kitchen is equipped with:
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients with ease. A good set of bowls simplifies the prep work, keeping everything organized.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out that perfect crust. A smooth, even roll ensures a consistent thickness. It’s a tool that embodies the art of baking and helps achieve a professional finish.
- 9-inch pie pan: This size is ideal for accommodating the delicious filling without overflow. A well-sized pan is key to a pie that holds together beautifully.
- Saucepan: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables, as well as preparing the sauce. It’s the workhorse of this recipe, handling both the filling and the sauce.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables. A sturdy board ensures safety and efficiency while preparing ingredients.
- Sharp knife: Makes quick work of dicing vegetables and cubing chicken. A sharp knife is your best friend in the kitchen, offering precision and speed.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in this Chicken Pot Pie is thoughtfully chosen not just for flavor, but also for the nutritional benefits they provide:
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Chicken: A great source of lean protein, keeping the meal hearty and filling. It provides essential amino acids and is low in calories, making it a healthy choice. It’s the star of the dish, offering both nutrition and satisfaction.
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Carrots and Peas: Add a sweet flavor and are packed with vitamins. Carrots are rich in beta carotene, which is great for vision, while peas provide fiber and antioxidants. These vegetables not only brighten up the dish but also contribute to its nutritional profile.
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Celery: Offers a slight crunch and aromatic depth. Its high water content helps keep the filling from becoming too heavy. It adds a delicate flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the pie.
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Butter and Flour: Create a rich roux base for the creamy filling. This classic French technique adds depth and complexity to the sauce. The interplay of these ingredients results in a luxurious, velvety sauce that binds all the flavors together.
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Homemade Crust: The butter makes it flaky and delicious, better than any store-bought version. The freshness and control over ingredients ensure a superior taste and texture. This crust is the crowning glory of your pie, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
What to Serve With This Pie
Pair this Chicken Pot Pie with a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans for a complete meal. A crisp, lightly dressed salad balances the richness of the pie, while green beans add a pop of color and texture. A glass of crisp white wine or a cold glass of iced tea complements the flavors perfectly, enhancing the dining experience with its refreshing notes. These pairings accentuate the comforting essence of the dish, making for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Air Fryer Chicken Poppy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the yogurt mixture.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds over the coated chicken and press lightly to adhere.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
- Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.