Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations.
This savory dish is filled with tender pieces of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked within a flaky crust. The origins of the pot pie date back to medieval times when they were commonly used to transport food on long journeys across Europe. Over time, the dish became more popular with farmers and working-class families as a way to use up leftover ingredients and create a warm and filling meal.
In the United States, chicken pot pie gained popularity in the 20th century as a convenient and delicious meal option, often found frozen in grocery stores.
Today, homemade chicken pot pie remains a staple in American households, especially during the colder months when warm and hearty meals are craved. With its comforting flavors and versatile ingredients, it’s no wonder this dish has stood the test of time.
Here is why you might love this recipe:
1. It’s warm and comforting: Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food and is perfect for a cozy night in or a chilly winter evening. The creamy filling and flaky pastry crust are sure to warm you up from the inside out.
2. It’s versatile: You can customize this recipe to your preferences, adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the filling. You can even use leftover chicken or veggies, making it an easy and delicious way to use up leftovers.
3. It’s easy to make: While it may seem daunting to make your own pastry crust, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and bake it off when you’re ready to serve, making it a great option for meal prep or a dinner party.
Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (453.6 g) chicken breasts cubed
- 1 cup (184.6 g) frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, green beans, corn
- 1/2 cup (81.2 g) onion chopped
- 1/2 cup (51.2 g) celery chopped
- 1/4 cup (57.6 g) butter
- 1/4 cup (31.7 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.2 teaspoon) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 1 3/4 cups (417.2 g) chicken broth
- 2/3 cup (165 g) milk
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the frozen vegetables, onion, and celery in butter until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until blended.
- Gradually stir in the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix with the vegetable mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Roll out the pie crust and place it over the top of the pie dish. Cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top of the crust with the beaten egg to create an egg wash.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pot pie cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Ingredients Explained
| Ingredient | Description and Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Boneless, skinless chicken cubes can be substituted with turkey, pork, or beef |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | A mix of peas, carrots, green beans, and corn. Alternatives can include fresh or canned veggies |
| Onion | Adds a sweet and savory flavor. Can be substituted with shallots or leeks |
| Celery | Provides a crunchy texture. Can be substituted with carrots or bell peppers |
| Butter | Adds richness and flavor. Can be substituted with oil or margarine |
| All-purpose flour | Used to thicken the sauce. Can be substituted with cornstarch or arrowroot powder |
| Salt | Enhances the dish’s flavor. Can be substituted with other types of salt (kosher, sea salt) |
| Black pepper | Adds a subtle spicy flavor. Can be substituted with red pepper flakes or white pepper |
| Garlic powder | Aromatic seasoning. Can be substituted with minced garlic or onion powder |
| Chicken broth | Provides the dish with a savory flavor. Can be substituted with vegetable or beef broth |
| Milk | Used to make the sauce creamy. Can be substituted with heavy cream or coconut milk |
| Pie crust (refrigerated) | Used as a topping for the chicken pot pie. Can be substituted with homemade pie crust |
| Egg (for egg wash) | Adds shine and color to the pie crust. Alternatives can include milk or cream |
This recipe for chicken pot pie contains a number of ingredients that offer health benefits. Firstly, chicken provides high-quality protein, which is essential for maintaining and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells. Chicken also contains certain nutrients such as vitamin B6 and niacin that help support healthy neurological function and metabolism.
The mixed vegetables in this recipe, including peas, carrots, green beans, and corn, provide an assortment of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. They are also high in fiber, which can promote digestive health and decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Onions and celery both contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Additionally, onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
The use of butter and all-purpose flour in this recipe should be moderated, as they are high in saturated fat and carbohydrates, respectively. However, using a homemade pie crust made with healthier flours such as whole wheat flour or almond flour can add some additional nutrients such as fiber and protein.
Sources:
– Medical News Today. “Why should you eat onions for your health?” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276714
– Harvard Health Publishing. “Vegetables and Fruits: Get Plenty Every Day.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/vegetables-and-fruits-get-plenty-every-day
Storage Tips
Here are some guidelines on how to store, freeze, and defrost the chicken pot pie:
Store:
If you have freshly made chicken pot pie, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to place it in the coldest part of your fridge to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Freeze:
To freeze a chicken pot pie, let it cool down first on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Once cooled, wrap the chicken pot pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring it is sealed tightly. Place it inside a freezer-safe container before storing it. It is best to use the chicken pot pie within 4 to 6 months.
Defrost:
When ready to consume, you can defrost the chicken pot pie in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave, but make sure it is heated all the way through and piping hot before consuming. If reheated in the microwave, cut it into smaller portions before heating.
Overall, the taste and quality of the chicken pot pie may decrease after freezing, so it is best to consume it within the recommended time frame.
Budgeting Tips
1. Buy chicken in bulk: Look for deals on boneless, skinless chicken breasts and buy in bulk to save money. You can also buy whole chickens and cut them up yourself.
2. Use fresh vegetables: Instead of using frozen mixed vegetables, use fresh vegetables that are in season and on sale. You can also grow your own vegetables to save money.
3. Shop sales: Look for sales on ingredients like onions, celery, flour, and eggs. Stock up when these items are on sale to save money in the long run.
4. Make your own pie crust: Instead of buying a refrigerated pie crust, make your own using flour, butter, and water. This is cheaper and will also taste better.
5. Use homemade chicken broth: Save leftover chicken bones and scraps to make your own chicken broth. This is much cheaper than buying it at the store.
6. Buy store brand ingredients: Look for store brand versions of ingredients like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. These are often just as good as name brand versions but cost less.
7. Portion control: When serving the pot pie, portion out the servings carefully to avoid wasting any leftovers. This will help stretch the meal further and save money in the long run.
Time Saving TIps
Here are some tips to make the Chicken Pot Pie recipe quickly:
1. Use pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your chicken from scratch.
2. Skip the homemade crust and use ready-made pie crusts or puff pastry sheets to save time.
3. Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh for convenience.
4. Make the filling in advance, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pot pie.
5. Use a store-bought cream of chicken soup instead of making it at home.
6. Use a double boiler or microwave to quickly thaw and heat the frozen veggies, then add the chicken, mushroom, spices and cream soup.
7. Use a baking dish that has less surface area, it will take less time to bake.
8. Serve the pot pie in the baking dish you used to bake it, rather than serving it on a plate, for a quicker and easier clean up.
Recipe Variations
Here are some popular variations for chicken pot pie recipe:
1. Vegetarian Pot Pie- This variation of pot pie omits chicken and is filled with a medley of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, peas, and corn.
2. Mexican Chicken Pot Pie- It incorporates southwest flavors like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika with traditional ingredients of chicken pot pie. This variation is often served with a side of salsa or sour cream.
3. Gluten-Free Pot Pie- The traditional flour-based pastry is replaced with a gluten-free pie crust to make it friendly to gluten-intolerant individuals.
4. Sweet Potato Chicken Pot Pie- Instead of using traditional potatoes, this variation uses sweet potatoes, which give the dish a sweet taste and add an extra layer of flavor to the savory chicken mixture.
5. Mini Pot Pies- This dish involves making the pot pies as individual servings in a muffin tin or ramekins, which makes them perfect for catering or serving at parties.
6. Seafood Pot Pie- This recipe is a twist on the traditional chicken pot pie and incorporates seafood like shrimp, crab, or lobster into the pot pie filling.
7. Paleo Pot Pie- Similar to gluten-free pot pie, this variation uses ingredients that are considered healthy in a paleo diet, such as replacing flour with almond flour and using coconut milk instead of cream.
What To Serve With
Here are some great side dishes to serve with chicken pot pie:
1. Garden Salad: A fresh and crisp salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roast some vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash for a healthy and delicious side dish.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful chicken pot pie.
4. Biscuits: Serve the chicken pot pie with homemade biscuits for a classic and comforting meal.
5. Green Beans: Fresh green beans cooked with garlic and butter are a simple and flavorful side dish.
6. Cornbread: Serve some sweet and savory cornbread alongside the chicken pot pie for a tasty contrast.
7. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli seasoned with salt and pepper is a healthy and delicious side dish.
8. Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food pairs perfectly with chicken pot pie for a hearty and satisfying meal.
9. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar make a delicious and healthy side dish.
10. Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese is a classic and refreshing side dish.
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