Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Highlighted under: Family Kitchen
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, featuring tender chicken and vegetables enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a flaky crust.
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie is a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a velvety sauce, it's the perfect dish for cold evenings or when you're craving something hearty.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy filling that satisfies
- Flaky crust that adds the perfect crunch
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables
A Classic Comfort Food
Nothing beats a homemade chicken pot pie when it comes to comfort food. This dish is a staple in many households, cherished for its warm, hearty flavors and satisfying textures. It's a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. With its rich, creamy filling and flaky crust, this chicken pot pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
The beauty of a chicken pot pie lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt the filling to suit your taste preferences or to use up leftover vegetables. Whether you prefer green beans, corn, or even mushrooms, feel free to experiment. This adaptability not only makes the dish exciting but also ensures that it can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the season's vegetable offerings.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Chicken pot pie is an excellent dish for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. It's perfect for gatherings with friends and family, as it can be made ahead of time and simply baked before serving. Imagine the delight on your guests' faces when they dig into a warm slice of this savory pie, complete with a golden crust and a creamy filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Additionally, this dish is not just about taste; it also provides a well-rounded meal. Packed with protein from the chicken and essential nutrients from the vegetables, a slice of this pot pie can serve as a complete meal on its own. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread, and you have a wholesome dinner that will please everyone at the table.
Tips for the Perfect Pie
To achieve the ultimate chicken pot pie, start with high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh vegetables and rotisserie chicken for a time-saving yet flavorful filling. If you have the time, consider making your own pie crust from scratch to elevate the dish; however, store-bought crusts work wonderfully for a quicker preparation. No matter what you choose, the key is ensuring a rich, creamy filling that complements the flaky crust perfectly.
Another important tip is to allow your pie to cool for a few minutes after baking. This resting time helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve. If you’re looking to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the pie and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Make sure to preheat your oven while you prepare the filling.
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect pot pie.
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, sautéing until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until thickened. Add in the shredded chicken, peas, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the chicken filling into the crust. Cover with the second pie crust, sealing and crimping the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with beaten egg.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade creamy chicken pot pie!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your creamy chicken pot pie, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aromatic qualities. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also elevate the flavors, giving it a little extra kick.
Pair your pot pie with a light side salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette. This contrast between the warm, hearty pie and the refreshing salad creates a balanced meal that’s sure to satisfy both the palate and the appetite.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. For the best texture, reheating in the oven is recommended, as it helps maintain the flakiness of the crust.
You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked pot pie for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply bake it from frozen, adding additional time to ensure it cooks through evenly.
Nutritional Information
This creamy chicken pot pie is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Each serving provides a hearty dose of protein from the chicken, along with essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Depending on your choice of crust and fillings, the nutritional content may vary, but you can easily make it healthier by opting for whole grain crusts or adding more veggies.
If you're watching your calorie intake, consider using lighter alternatives for the cream and butter without sacrificing flavor. Low-fat milk or a dairy-free option can be used to create a creamy texture while reducing calories. Additionally, increasing the vegetable content can add bulk and nutrients without significantly increasing the calorie count.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, leftover turkey works great in this recipe!
→ What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add corn, green beans, or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
→ Can I freeze the pot pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pot pie for up to 2 months. Just bake it from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
→ How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, featuring tender chicken and vegetables enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a flaky crust.
Created by: Elara Kensington
Recipe Type: Family Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, sautéing until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until thickened. Add in the shredded chicken, peas, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the chicken filling into the crust. Cover with the second pie crust, sealing and crimping the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, add your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g