Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Savor the comforting goodness of this Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, featuring tender chunks of chicken and fresh vegetables enveloped in a flaky, golden crust. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. Easy to make from scratch, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, delivering warmth and satisfaction to every bite.
Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is a dish that many people hold dear. It brings back memories of family gatherings, cozy nights in, and the simple joys of home-cooked meals.
A Comforting Classic
Chicken Pot Pie is more than just a meal; it's a beloved comfort food that warms your heart and soul. With its origins dating back to the early days of cooking in the United Kingdom, this dish has made its way into kitchens around the world, evolving into countless variations. The combination of tender chicken and fresh vegetables enveloped in a flaky crust is simply irresistible. Homemade pot pie brings a sense of nostalgia, often reminding us of family gatherings and cozy dinners.
What makes this chicken pot pie truly special is the way it encapsulates the essence of home cooking. Each ingredient contributes to a rich tapestry of flavors, making every bite a delightful experience. The hearty filling is balanced with just the right amount of seasoning, ensuring that each spoonful is packed with deliciousness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting dish after a long day, this recipe is sure to deliver.
Cooking From Scratch
One of the best aspects of this Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is that it’s made entirely from scratch. By preparing your own filling and crust, you can control the quality of ingredients and cater to your own taste preferences. The fresh vegetables and herbs used in this recipe not only enhance the flavor but also provide essential nutrients. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal while ensuring it’s wholesome and satisfying for everyone at the table.
Creating this pot pie can also be a fun and engaging activity to share with family or friends. Involving others in the cooking process allows for a memorable experience as you work together to whip up this delightful dish. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to teach younger cooks the basics of meal preparation and the joy of homemade cooking.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Chicken Pot Pie is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family night, serving guests at a dinner party, or even planning a holiday meal, this dish fits perfectly into any menu. It can serve as an impressive centerpiece while still being down-to-earth and familiar. This balance is what makes it a timeless recipe that can be enjoyed year-round.
Additionally, the leftovers (if any!) make for a fantastic lunch the next day. The flavors often deepen overnight, making each subsequent serving even tastier. You can also easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences or include seasonal vegetables, ensuring that your pot pie is always a relevant and exciting dish to enjoy.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Prepare the filling
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the onions, carrots, celery, and cook until tender. Add the flour and stir until well combined.
Add flavors
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir in the chicken and peas, and bring the mixture to a simmer until thickened. Remove from heat.
Assemble the pot pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one of the pie crusts into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust.
Bake
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Cooking is all about creativity, and this Chicken Pot Pie recipe provides plenty of room for substitutions. If you have other vegetables on hand, such as corn, green beans, or even potatoes, feel free to incorporate them into the filling for added texture and flavor. This is a great way to make use of seasonal produce or leftover veggies in your fridge.
For those who prefer a healthier option, consider using a whole wheat pie crust or even making a gluten-free version using almond flour. You can also substitute the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case!), storing Chicken Pot Pie properly is essential to maintaining its deliciousness. Allow the pie to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze portions to enjoy later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to three months.
When it’s time to reheat, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie or individual portions on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to avoid over-browning the crust and heat for about 20–30 minutes, or until warmed through. This ensures that you enjoy that crispy crust alongside the flavorful filling, replicating that freshly-baked taste right at home.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great time-saver and will work just as well.
→ How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for the thickening agent and a gluten-free pie crust.
Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Savor the comforting goodness of this Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, featuring tender chunks of chicken and fresh vegetables enveloped in a flaky, golden crust. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. Easy to make from scratch, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, delivering warmth and satisfaction to every bite.
Created by: Lydia Barrett
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the onions, carrots, celery, and cook until tender. Add the flour and stir until well combined. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir in the chicken and peas, and bring the mixture to a simmer until thickened. Remove from heat.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one of the pie crusts into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust. Cover with the second pie crust, seal, and cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Brush with the beaten egg.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g