There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, homemade chicken pot pie. I remember my grandmother making this dish for Sunday dinners, filling the house with its savory aroma and bringing the family together around the table. It was more than just a meal; it was an experience of love and sharing. This classic chicken pot pie recipe, featuring a flaky homemade crust, is my go-to whenever I want to recreate that cozy, family-friendly atmosphere in my own kitchen. Trust me when I say, it’s like receiving a warm hug on a chilly day.
Why You’ll Love This Comforting Dish
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This chicken pot pie is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold night. The combination of a creamy, savory filling wrapped in a buttery crust provides a sense of satisfaction that is hard to match. The texture contrast between the flaky crust and the creamy filling is a delight in every bite.
- Family Favorite: It’s a dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters, making it ideal for family dinners. The classic flavors appeal to all ages, and the pie can be easily adapted to include a variety of vegetables to suit everyone’s preferences. You can even involve your kids in the preparation, making it a fun family activity.
- Homemade Goodness: The flaky homemade crust is worth the effort and adds a special touch that store-bought just can’t compete with. Making the crust from scratch not only elevates the dish but also provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. The aroma of freshly baked pie wafting through your kitchen is an added bonus.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and lean chicken, it’s a well-rounded meal in one dish. The variety of ingredients ensures a balanced profile of nutrients, offering vitamins, minerals, and protein to fuel your body. You can easily adjust the vegetable proportions based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare parts of it in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. By assembling the pie ahead of time, you can simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. This also makes it a great dish for entertaining, allowing you to spend more time with your guests.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Ingredients:
For the filling: – 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – 1 cup carrots, diced – 1 cup peas – 1 cup potatoes, diced – 1 onion, chopped – 2 cloves garlic, minced – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – 2 cups chicken broth – 1/2 cup milk – 2 tablespoons butter – Salt and pepper to taste
For the crust: – 2 cups all-purpose flour – 1 teaspoon salt – 1 cup cold butter, cubed – 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: – In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent. The key here is to ensure the onions are soft and fragrant, as this forms the flavor base of your filling. You might want to add a pinch of salt early on to draw out the moisture from the onions. – Stir in flour, cooking for a minute before gradually whisking in chicken broth and milk. Cook until thickened. The flour acts as a thickening agent, ensuring that your filling has a robust texture that holds together when sliced. Stir continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. – Add shredded chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside. The simmering allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender, creating a harmonious blend in every bite. Consider adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of thyme for an extra depth of flavor.
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Make the Crust: – In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be cold to ensure a flaky texture in the final crust. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers, but be careful not to overwork the dough. Large pieces of butter create steam pockets during baking, resulting in a flaky crust. – Gradually add ice water, stirring until dough comes together. The dough should be moist enough to hold together but not sticky. Start with the smaller amount of water and add more as needed. Test the dough by pinching some together; it should hold without crumbling. – Divide dough in half, roll out to fit a pie dish. Rolling the dough evenly is crucial for a consistent crust, and keeping it cool will help in achieving a tender, flaky result. If the dough becomes too warm, chill it for a few minutes before continuing.
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Assemble and Bake: – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven helps the crust achieve its golden color and prevents it from becoming soggy. Preheating ensures that the pie begins cooking immediately, setting the crust quickly. – Place one rolled-out dough in the pie dish, add filling, then top with the second crust. Crimp edges to seal. Crimping not only seals the pie but also adds a decorative touch. You can use a fork or your fingers for a classic edge. For a more polished look, consider braiding the edge or using a lattice top. – Cut slits on top to allow steam to escape. This step is crucial to prevent the crust from puffing up or becoming uneven during baking. You can get creative with the slits, forming patterns or designs to add visual appeal. – Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set, ensuring neat slices. The resting time also allows the flavors to further meld, enhancing the overall taste.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Rolling pin
- Pie dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
These tools are essential for creating the perfect chicken pot pie. A rolling pin helps achieve an even crust, while a whisk ensures a smooth filling. A pie dish is necessary to support the shape of your pie, and measuring tools ensure the correct balance of ingredients. Additionally, a pastry brush can be used to give the top crust a glossy finish by brushing it with egg wash.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Chicken: Provides lean protein, keeping the dish hearty and satisfying. It’s a versatile ingredient that absorbs the flavors of the other components while remaining tender. Chicken is a great source of essential amino acids and is low in fat compared to other meats.
- Carrots and Peas: Add sweetness and color, while being rich in vitamins. These vegetables bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color, making the dish visually appealing and nutritionally beneficial. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, and peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Potatoes: Offer fiber and make the filling more substantial. Potatoes provide a creamy texture and help thicken the filling naturally. They are also rich in potassium and vitamin C, contributing to a well-rounded nutritional profile.
- Onion and Garlic: Enhance flavor and add depth to the dish. They form the aromatic foundation, infusing the filling with rich, savory notes. Both are known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits.
- Butter: Essential for a flaky crust and rich filling. The fat in butter creates layers in the crust, leading to a tender, flaky texture that complements the creamy filling. Butter also imparts a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pie.
What to Serve With This Comforting Dish
This chicken pot pie pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A crisp salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pie. Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus, add additional flavor and texture. A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay complements the dish nicely, with its buttery notes enhancing the overall flavor. For dessert, a crisp apple pie from our dessert collection can round off the meal perfectly, continuing the theme of comforting, classic flavors.
Storage & Leftover Tips
To store leftovers, cover the pie with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s important to reheat in the oven to maintain the crust’s texture, as microwaving can make it soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions and reheat as needed. To freeze, wrap portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheating, check the internal temperature to ensure the filling is hot throughout.
In conclusion, this classic chicken pot pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition of warmth and comfort that brings people together. Whether you’re preparing it for your family or sharing it with friends, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home. The process of making this pie is as rewarding as the meal itself, offering a chance to create something truly special. Enjoy creating and savoring every bite of this hearty, wholesome dish!
Tropical Cheese Ball Christmas Tree with Pecans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the softened cream cheese, well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, pecans, red bell pepper, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour until it firms up and becomes easier to shape.
- Once chilled, use a teaspoon or small scoop to portion the mixture into walnut-sized balls, yielding about 20–25 mini cheese balls. Roll each one gently between your hands to form smooth spheres.
- Place the chopped pecans in a shallow bowl and roll each cheese ball in the nuts until evenly coated.
- On a large serving platter, assemble the cheese balls into a Christmas tree shape by starting with 6–7 balls at the base, then stack rows of 5, 4, 3, 2, and finish with 1 at the top.
- Decorate by placing dried cranberries as “ornaments” and add a pineapple piece or a tiny cheese star at the very top as the tree topper.
- Serve chilled with crackers, toast, or pita chips. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.