Ah, the heartwarming aroma of a freshly baked chicken pot pie wafting through the kitchen. It’s a scent that instantly brings me back to cozy family dinners, gathered around the table with laughter and chatter filling the air. This classic chicken pot pie has always been my go-to recipe for those chilly evenings when all I crave is a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. Let me share this beloved recipe with you, straight from my kitchen to yours.
Why You’ll Love This Comforting Dish
There are countless reasons to adore this chicken pot pie, and each bite offers a new delight. Here are some of the highlights:
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Family-Friendly: This chicken pot pie is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners. The creamy, savory filling and flaky crust appeal to a wide range of palates, ensuring it’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table. Even picky eaters will find something to love in this classic dish. If you have little ones, consider making mini pot pies in muffin tins for a fun, individual serving that kids adore.
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Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and tender chicken, it’s a well-rounded meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition. It provides a balanced array of proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins, making it not only a comfort food but also a health-conscious choice. The variety of vegetables ensures that you’re getting a good mix of fiber and nutrients, while the chicken provides lean protein to keep you energized.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling in advance, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. Simply store it in the fridge and assemble the pie when you’re ready to bake, cutting down on prep time. This feature is especially handy during the holiday season when schedules are tight, but the demand for homemade meals is high.
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Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies or use leftover turkey from the holidays. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to your personal preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning. You can also try adding mushrooms, corn, or even a splash of white wine to the filling for a gourmet twist.
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Soul-Warming: The golden, flaky crust paired with the creamy filling is the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s like a warm embrace on a cold day — perfectly satisfying and deeply comforting. The contrast of textures between the crisp crust and the smooth filling is what makes each bite so indulgent.
The Recipe
Here’s everything you need to know to make this delectable chicken pot pie. The recipe is straightforward, but the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 450 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 unbaked pie crusts
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the pie will cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust. Preheating the oven is a critical step that can make or break the texture of the crust, so be sure not to skip it.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the cubed chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow even cooking and browning. Using smaller batches, if necessary, can help achieve a nice sear on the chicken for added flavor.
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Prepare the Filling: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and onion powder until well blended. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy, rich filling. Keep stirring to prevent lumps and to ensure a smooth sauce.
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Mix in Vegetables: Add the cooked chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine. Ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the creamy sauce for maximum flavor. This is where the dish truly comes together, with each ingredient contributing to the overall harmony of flavors.
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Prepare the Crust: Place one pie crust in the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover with the second crust, sealing the edges and cutting away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. This step prevents the crust from becoming soggy and ensures even cooking. For an extra touch, you can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
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Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Allowing it to cool slightly helps the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve. If you find the edges of the crust browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this chicken pot pie, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
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Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking the chicken and making the filling. A good quality skillet ensures even heat distribution, which is key for browning the chicken and thickening the sauce. Non-stick or stainless steel options are both suitable; just ensure your skillet is large enough to handle all the ingredients.
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9-Inch Pie Pan: This size is ideal for holding all the delicious filling without overflow. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger pan or making two pies.
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Whisk: Useful for blending the butter and flour into a smooth roux, which is the base for your creamy sauce. A whisk with a comfortable handle will make this step more enjoyable.
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Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor. Investing in a good set of measuring tools is always worthwhile for any home cook.
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Sharp Knife: Essential for cubing the chicken and dicing the vegetables. A sharp knife makes prep work quicker and safer. Regularly sharpening your knives will save time and reduce the risk of accidents in the kitchen.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in this chicken pot pie plays a vital role in creating its deliciously comforting flavor and texture:
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Chicken: A lean protein source that keeps the dish hearty and filling. It’s versatile and complements the other ingredients perfectly, providing a satisfying base for the pie. You can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or leftover roast chicken to save time.
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Carrots and Peas: Add sweetness and a pop of color, along with essential vitamins. They enhance the dish’s nutritional value and contribute to its overall taste and texture. Fresh or frozen peas work equally well, so choose what’s most convenient for you.
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Potatoes: Provide a comforting texture and are a great source of potassium. They help to thicken the filling and add substance to the pie, making it more filling. Yukon Gold potatoes are particularly good for their creamy texture.
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Butter and Flour: Create a roux that thickens the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency. The roux is crucial for binding the ingredients together and ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful. Make sure to cook the roux long enough to eliminate any raw flour taste.
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Chicken Broth: Infuses the filling with rich, savory flavor. It serves as the liquid base of the sauce, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Homemade broth can elevate the flavor, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch.
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Milk: Adds creaminess to the filling, making it luscious and smooth. It balances the flavors and contributes to the overall richness of the pie. Whole milk provides the best texture, but you can use 2% if preferred.
What to Serve With This Savory Pie
Pair your chicken pot pie with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. The freshness of the greens complements the richness of the pie, providing a refreshing contrast. A light vinaigrette dressing on the salad can cut through the creaminess of the pot pie.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. These sides echo the comforting nature of the pie and add extra warmth to your meal.
A slice of crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up any extra sauce from your plate, ensuring none of the delicious filling goes to waste. For dessert, consider a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to finish the meal on a sweet note. The lightness of the fruit salad provides a refreshing end to the meal, while the ice cream adds a touch of indulgence.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers, simply cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors even after the initial meal. To reheat, you can place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method preserves the crispness of the crust. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quicker option, though the crust may soften slightly.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 400°F for about an hour or until heated through.
This chicken pot pie is a dish that has brought warmth and joy to my family countless times, and I hope it does the same for yours. It’s a recipe that truly embodies the essence of comfort food, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Air Fryer Sea Urchin
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Brush the mixture evenly over the cleaned sea urchins.
- Place the sea urchins in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 8 minutes at 375°F, checking for doneness. The flesh should be opaque and firm.
- Carefully remove the sea urchins from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.