Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

The Ultimate Homestyle Delight: Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Extravaganza

Embark on a culinary journey with the epitome of comfort food – the Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie. This classic dish, boasting a golden, flaky crust and a creamy, savory filling, is the ultimate homestyle delight. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, join us in crafting a pot pie that will transport you to a world of warmth and nostalgia. From the choice of ingredients to the art of assembly, every step is a celebration of culinary expertise and homely goodness.

Ingredients

Gather the essential components for your culinary adventure:

Meat

  • 4 cups Chicken, cooked and shredded

Produce

  • 1 cup Carrots, diced
  • 1 cup Peas
  • 1 cup Corn kernels
  • 1 cup Celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Thyme, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sage, dried

Bread & Baked Goods

  • 2 Pie crusts, store-bought or homemade

Instructions

Step 1: Vegetable Symphony

  1. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add diced carrots, peas, corn, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet.
  3. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, typically for 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Roux

  1. In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter.
  2. Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown.

Step 3: Creamy Elixir

  1. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the roux.
  2. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, forming a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Seasonal Charm

  1. Add salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage to the creamy sauce.
  2. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a luscious consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Conquer

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables.
  2. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring an even coating.

Step 6: Line the Stage

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a pie dish with one of the pie crusts, ensuring the edges hang over the sides.

Step 7: Filling in the Bliss

  1. Pour the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared pie crust.
  2. Top the filling with the second pie crust, sealing the edges and trimming any excess.

Step 8: Ventilation Matters

  1. Create a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
  2. Optionally, brush the top crust with an egg wash for a golden finish.

Step 9: Baking Symphony

  1. Place the chicken pot pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
  2. Allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations

Cook Notes:

  • To save time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
  • For added depth, try incorporating a splash of white wine into the creamy sauce.

Variations:

  1. Herb-Infused Crust:
    • Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the pie crust for an extra layer of flavor.
  2. Cheddar Bliss:
    • Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top of the filling before sealing with the second crust.
  3. Potato Power:
    • Include diced potatoes in the vegetable sauté for a heartier filling.

Keto Versions and Low Carb Options

Keto Chicken Pot Pie:

  • Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the creamy sauce to reduce carb content.
  • Create a keto-friendly pie crust using almond flour or coconut flour.

Low Carb Chicken Pot Pie:

  • Replace traditional pie crust with a cauliflower crust or skip the crust altogether.
  • Use a low-carb thickening agent like xanthan gum in place of flour in the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

  • A1: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables as a convenient alternative. Ensure they are thawed before incorporating into the recipe.

Q2: Can I prepare the pot pie in advance?

  • A2: Absolutely! Assemble the pot pie and refrigerate it unbaked. Bake it when ready to serve, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Q3: Can I use a rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

  • A3: Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time and add a depth of flavor to the filling.

Q4: Can I freeze the chicken pot pie?

  • A4: Certainly! Once baked and cooled, wrap the pot pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Q5: Can I add mushrooms to the filling?

  • A5: Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms can add a delightful earthy flavor to the filling.

Dive into the world of homestyle comfort with the Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie. This timeless recipe brings together the goodness of creamy filling, tender chicken, and a flaky crust in every bite. Whether you savor it on a cozy evening or share it with friends and family, this pot pie is a testament to the joy of homemade goodness. Customize it to your liking, explore variations, and savor the satisfaction of creating a classic that stands the test of time. From our kitchen to yours, may your Chicken Pot Pie be a symbol of warmth, love, and unforgettable flavors. Happy cooking!