There’s something incredibly comforting about a well-made chicken pot pie. It takes me back to chilly afternoons at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of simmering chicken and fresh vegetables would waft through the kitchen, warming us from the inside out. This classic chicken pot pie with a flaky puff pastry crust is a family favorite that I love to share. It’s hearty, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Comforting Dish
There’s a reason why chicken pot pie is often touted as the ultimate comfort food, and it’s not just about nostalgia, although that plays a big role. Here are a few compelling reasons why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table:
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Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this pie is both filling and nourishing. The combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals from the ingredients provides a balanced meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Chicken offers essential amino acids and B vitamins, while vegetables like carrots and peas are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
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Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners. The mild flavors appeal to picky eaters, while the savory depth satisfies more mature palates. The creamy sauce and flaky crust are a texture match made in heaven, making each bite a delight for everyone at the table.
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Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this recipe. It’s a great way to build confidence in the kitchen for those who are just starting to explore cooking. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to wow your family with this satisfying meal.
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Versatile: You can easily adapt the filling based on what you have in your fridge, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Swap in different vegetables or even add a bit of bacon or ham for a smoky twist. Leftover turkey from a holiday meal can also be a fantastic substitute for chicken, adding a festive flavor to the dish.
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Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors only get better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Reheated slices of this pie are perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, maintaining their deliciousness over time. It’s a dish that feels like a gift that keeps on giving, offering warmth and comfort with every serving.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and the pastry becomes perfectly crisp. Preheating is crucial for ensuring that the puff pastry rises properly, creating the flaky layers that are so desirable.
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Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. This blend of vegetables, known as a mirepoix, forms the flavor base of the dish. The aroma of the mirepoix cooking is often the first indication that something delicious is on the way.
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Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth sauce. The key is to create a sauce that is thick enough to hold the filling together without being too heavy.
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Add the Chicken and Peas: Stir in the cooked chicken and peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The chicken should be diced into bite-sized pieces for easy eating, and the peas add a sweet pop of flavor. For added depth, consider adding a teaspoon of thyme or rosemary, which complements the chicken beautifully.
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Assemble the Pie: Transfer the filling to a pie dish. Roll out the puff pastry to cover the dish, making sure it extends slightly over the edges. Trim any excess and crimp the edges to seal. This helps prevent the filling from bubbling out during baking. Brush with the beaten egg to give the pastry a beautiful golden sheen. The egg wash not only adds color but also contributes to the crispiness of the crust.
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Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed. This step allows the flavors to meld and the pastry to achieve its characteristic flakiness. The baking sheet is a lifesaver for keeping your oven clean, especially if the filling decides to bubble over.
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Cool Slightly: Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the filling set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. The wait can be tantalizing, but it’s well worth it for those clean, beautiful slices.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and making the sauce. A non-stick skillet helps to prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- Whisk: Ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce. A good whisk is your best friend when it comes to creating silky sauces and gravies.
- Pie Dish: Holds the filling and supports the pastry lid. A deep pie dish is recommended to hold all that delicious filling without risk of overflow.
- Rolling Pin: Used to roll out the puff pastry. A marble rolling pin can keep the pastry cool, which is ideal for maintaining its flaky texture.
- Baking Sheet: Catches any drips and makes transferring the pie to and from the oven easier. It acts as a safety net, saving you from potential messes.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in this chicken pot pie recipe brings something unique to the table, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional profile of the dish:
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Chicken: A lean protein that keeps you full and provides essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. Using leftover roast chicken adds extra flavor and reduces waste. Opting for free-range or organic chicken can also enhance the quality of the dish.
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Onion, Carrots, Celery: The classic mirepoix base adds depth of flavor and nutrients. Onions provide antioxidants, carrots are rich in beta-carotene, and celery offers a satisfying crunch. These vegetables work in harmony to create a robust flavor profile that forms the backbone of the dish.
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Garlic: Enhances the savory taste and offers numerous health benefits, including immune system support. Freshly minced garlic is best, as it releases more flavor and healthful compounds than pre-minced varieties.
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Flour: Thickens the sauce to create that creamy, comforting filling. It’s important to cook it briefly to remove any raw flour taste. The flour forms a roux with the butter, which is the secret to a luscious, creamy sauce.
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Puff Pastry: Adds a delightful, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Its buttery layers are a treat that elevates the pie to something special. Keeping the pastry cold until it’s ready to be used ensures maximum flakiness.
What to Serve With This Comforting Dish
Pair this chicken pot pie with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. The freshness and crunch of a salad provide a nice contrast to the creamy pie. A crisp white wine, like a Chardonnay, complements the dish wonderfully, enhancing its flavors without overpowering them. For dessert, consider serving a light fruit sorbet or a classic apple pie to continue the cozy theme. These choices balance the meal with a refreshing finish. If you prefer something warm, a cozy bread pudding or a spiced apple crumble would also make an excellent choice.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Leftover chicken pot pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method helps maintain the pastry’s texture. The pie can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. This makes it a versatile option for meal prep, ensuring you always have a comforting meal ready to go. For best results, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
As you try your hand at this classic chicken pot pie, remember that cooking is about bringing joy and nourishment to your loved ones. This recipe is more than just a meal, it’s an opportunity to create memories around the dinner table. Happy cooking!
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth and stir in the Tuscan seasoning, chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, and torn spinach. Mix well.
- Add the high protein pasta and simmer until pasta is tender but still slightly firm, around 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the heavy cream and allow the soup to heat through.
- Serve the Tuscan chicken soup immediately and enjoy its comforting flavors.