Chicken pot pie is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. With its flaky, buttery crust and creamy, flavorful filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This classic recipe will guide you through making the perfect chicken pot pie from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water:
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Form the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create a Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
- Add Broth and Milk:
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk or cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Peas:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
- Add Filling:
- Pour the cooled filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Top with Dough:
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Bake:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool:
- Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Chicken Options: You can use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or corn to the filling for added variety.
Variations
Turkey Pot Pie
- Ingredients: Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey.
- Instructions: Follow the same steps, replacing chicken with turkey.
Vegetarian Pot Pie
- Ingredients: Use vegetable broth and add more vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and corn instead of chicken.
- Instructions: Follow the same steps, omitting the chicken.
Gluten-Free Pot Pie
- Ingredients: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and the filling thickener.
- Instructions: Follow the same steps, ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze chicken pot pie? A: Yes, chicken pot pie can be frozen. Assemble the pie and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Bake from frozen, adding additional baking time as needed.
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust? A: Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust for convenience. Follow the package instructions for preparation.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers? A: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pie when ready to serve.
This classic chicken pot pie is a comforting and delicious dish that brings warmth to any table. With its flaky crust and creamy filling, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, you’ll find this pot pie to be a hit. Enjoy!
