Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie: A Comforting Classic

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast - cubed
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1/2 cup sliced celery
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
  2. In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
  3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - used for chopping vegetables and preparing the chicken
  • Knife - for cutting the chicken and vegetables
  • Saucepan - used for boiling the chicken and vegetables
  • Spatula - for stirring and combining ingredients in the saucepan
  • Pie dish - to assemble and bake the chicken pot pie
  • Rolling pin - for rolling out the pie crust
  • Pastry brush - used to brush the top crust with egg wash
  • Oven - for baking the chicken pot pie

Recipe variations

  • Use puff pastry instead of traditional pie crust for a flakier texture.
  • Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or plant-based chicken substitute.
  • Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for an extra hearty filling.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika to enhance the flavor.
  • Add mushrooms or other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for additional variety.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour and a gluten-free pie crust.
  • Try using different types of meat such as turkey or beef instead of chicken.
  • Add grated cheese on top of the filling before baking for a cheesy twist.
  • For a lighter option, use low-fat milk or substitute some of the milk with chicken broth.

Recipe overview

This classic Chicken Pot Pie recipe is delicious, hearty, and comforting. Packed with tender chicken cubes, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, it's then wrapped up in a flaky pie crust that's baked until golden. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, or to impress guests at your next dinner party. By following these detailed step-by-step instructions, you'll have a homemade Chicken Pot Pie that looks as good as it tastes. Expect a dish that’s full of flavor and provides a satisfying, homestyle meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
    Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe. Simply skip the step of boiling the chicken with the vegetables and add the pre-cooked chicken directly to the saucepan when instructed.
  2. Can I use store-bought pie crusts?
    Yes, you can use store-bought pie crusts instead of making your own. Simply follow the instructions on the package for baking temperature and time.
  3. Can I freeze chicken pot pie?
    Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.
  4. Can I use different vegetables?
    Yes, you can customize the vegetables used in the recipe. Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
  5. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables or substitute the chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Oven - Used to bake the chicken pot pie.
  • Saucepan - Needed to cook the chicken and vegetables.
  • Pie dish - Used to hold and bake the chicken pot pie.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the pie crust.
  • Knife - Required for chopping vegetables and cubing the chicken.
  • Cutting board - Provides a surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used to mix and blend the sauce ingredients.
  • Spatula - Helpful for transferring the cooked chicken and vegetables into the pie crust.
  • Oven mitts - Required to handle the hot pie dish during baking.

Origin stories

Chicken pot pie has a rich and storied history that dates back to the Roman Empire. In those days, the pies were often made with a variety of meats, including chicken, rabbit, or pigeon, and the 'crust' was typically not eaten, serving merely as a cooking vessel. As the dish spread throughout Europe, it evolved in various ways. In the UK, it gave birth to the beloved tradition of meat pies and pasties. It wasn't until the dish made its way to America, though, that it took on the form we're familiar with today, where a flaky, edible crust is filled with a savory and hearty mix of chicken and vegetables. It's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of comfort food, changing and evolving with the times and cultures but always maintaining its essential essence of being a warm, satisfying, and nourishing meal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.