Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, classic dish filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky, golden pie crust. This hearty, savory pie is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, delivering a deliciously nostalgic meal that everyone will love.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Chicken Pot Pie is a cozy and classic comfort food that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s loaded with tender chunks of chicken, colorful vegetables like carrots and peas, all enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce. The pie is topped with a flaky, buttery crust that brings it all together. This homemade version of chicken pot pie will give you all the comforting flavors you love while being easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Crust

• 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thick.
4. Add Chicken and Peas: Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Pie: Pour the chicken mixture into a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully place the pie crust over the top of the filling, trimming any excess dough. Press the edges of the crust to seal and crimp them if desired. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the pot pie cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Make Ahead: The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
• Crust Options: You can use store-bought pie crust or make your own. For a lighter version, use puff pastry as the topping.
• Leftover Chicken: This recipe is great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey.

Variations

• Vegetarian Pot Pie: Substitute the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or corn, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Curry Chicken Pot Pie: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the sauce for a delicious curry twist.
• Individual Pot Pies: Make individual servings by dividing the filling into ramekins and topping each with a small piece of pie crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Freeze Chicken Pot Pie?

Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie. Assemble the pie but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover chicken pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

3. Can I Use Puff Pastry Instead of Pie Crust?

Yes, puff pastry can be used for a flakier topping. Make sure to cut a few slits for steam to escape during baking.

Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With its flaky crust, savory filling, and classic flavors, this homemade version of chicken pot pie is sure to become a favorite. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of a true classic!

Happy Cooking!