Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Food Ideas
Indulge in this classic comfort food with a creamy filling and flaky crust.
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie is a family favorite, filled with tender chicken and vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. It's perfect for cozy evenings at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy filling that's bursting with flavor
- Flaky crust that adds the perfect crunch
- Comfort food that warms the soul
The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals
There's something incredibly comforting about a warm, homemade chicken pot pie. It's a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. The combination of tender chicken and fresh vegetables enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each bite brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it a perfect dish for chilly nights or when you need a little pick-me-up.
This creamy chicken pot pie is not just food; it’s a hug in a dish. The flaky crust offers a delightful contrast to the smooth filling, ensuring every mouthful is satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone feeling content.
Customizing Your Pot Pie
One of the best aspects of this chicken pot pie recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the filling according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. For example, swap out the peas for corn or add in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor. You can also use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken if you're in a pinch, making this dish a fantastic way to minimize food waste.
If you're looking to add a bit of extra nutrition, consider incorporating leafy greens like spinach or kale. Not only will they enhance the flavor profile, but they will also boost the dish's health benefits, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being.
Perfect Pairings
To complement your creamy chicken pot pie, consider serving it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the pie, offering a refreshing balance. Alternatively, roasted broccoli or green beans can add a nice crunch and additional nutrients to your meal.
For those who enjoy a little indulgence, a glass of Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine can be a delightful pairing. The wine’s acidity will enhance the flavors of the chicken and cream, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare your Creamy Chicken Pot Pie:
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Ensure all ingredients are prepared before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect Creamy Chicken Pot Pie:
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add carrots, peas, and potatoes, and cook until tender. Stir in shredded chicken.
Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust and cover with the second crust. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top for steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Chicken Pot Pie!
Cooking Tips for Success
When preparing your filling, ensure that your vegetables are cut into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking. This not only enhances the dish's presentation but also ensures that every ingredient is cooked to perfection. Don't rush the sautéing process; allowing the onions and garlic to develop their flavors will make a significant difference in the overall taste of your pot pie.
If you're new to making pie crusts, using refrigerated options can save time and effort. However, if you're feeling adventurous, homemade crust can elevate your dish further. Just remember, the key to a flaky crust is cold ingredients and minimal handling to avoid overworking the dough.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover chicken pot pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from becoming soggy, consider storing the filling and crust separately if you know you'll have leftovers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crust's crispiness while ensuring the filling is warmed evenly.
If you're looking to prepare the pie ahead of time, you can assemble it without baking and freeze it for later. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you're ready to bake it, there's no need to thaw; just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it's cooked through.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works great in this recipe.
→ What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like corn or green beans.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance, then bake it when you're ready.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Indulge in this classic comfort food with a creamy filling and flaky crust.
Created by: Dorothy Finch
Recipe Type: Traditional Comfort Food Ideas
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add carrots, peas, and potatoes, and cook until tender. Stir in shredded chicken.
Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust and cover with the second crust. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top for steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 15g