Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Highlighted under: Home Ideas
Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, perfect for any cozy meal.
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie is a family favorite, combining tender chicken and vegetables in a rich, savory sauce, all encased in a flaky pie crust. It's the ultimate comfort food!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy filling that's bursting with flavor
- Flaky, golden crust that perfectly complements the filling
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
The Comfort of Homemade Meals
There's something truly special about a homemade chicken pot pie. It brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. The creamy filling, combined with the flaky crust, creates a dish that is not only filling but also heartwarming. Preparing this meal from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, making it a healthier option compared to store-bought alternatives.
In addition to its comforting nature, chicken pot pie is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge. This flexibility makes it a fantastic choice for meal prep or last-minute dinners, ensuring that you can always create a delicious meal with what you have on hand.
Tips for the Perfect Pie
To achieve a perfectly flaky crust, be sure to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the crust can lead to toughness instead of the desired flakiness. When rolling out the dough, sprinkle a little flour on your surface to prevent sticking, and avoid using too much flour, as this can alter the texture of the crust.
Another great tip is to let your filling cool slightly before assembling the pie. If the filling is too hot, it can cause the bottom crust to become soggy. Allowing it to cool helps maintain the crust's integrity, resulting in a delicious contrast between the creamy filling and the crisp crust.
Serving Suggestions
While a chicken pot pie is a complete meal on its own, serving it alongside a fresh green salad can elevate your dining experience. A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie. Alternatively, roasted vegetables can make a great side dish, adding both color and nutrition to your plate.
For a cozy night in, consider pairing your pot pie with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine can cut through the creaminess of the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal. Don't forget dessert; a slice of apple pie or a warm chocolate cake can make for a perfect ending.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Steps
Prepare the Filling
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the carrots and potatoes; cook for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooked chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Pour the chicken filling into the crust.
Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with beaten egg.
Bake the Pie
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, storing your chicken pot pie is easy! Allow it to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it before baking. Wrap it well in plastic and foil, and it can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes. For a quicker option, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Customizing Your Filling
One of the best aspects of chicken pot pie is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different proteins like turkey or even a vegetarian option using mushrooms and lentils. You can also play around with the vegetables; try adding corn, green beans, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Herbs and spices can also change the flavor profile significantly. Consider adding rosemary or basil for a fresh twist, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a pot pie that perfectly suits your taste buds and dietary needs.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this recipe.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
→ Can I freeze the pot pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pot pie for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.
→ What can I serve with chicken pot pie?
A simple side salad or steamed vegetables pairs well with chicken pot pie.
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, perfect for any cozy meal.
Created by: Adriana Whitaker
Recipe Type: Home Ideas
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the carrots and potatoes; cook for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooked chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Pour the chicken filling into the crust.
Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 20g