Chicken Pot Pie
Indulge in the warmth of homemade chicken pot pie with a golden brown crust enveloping a creamy. flavoful filling.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
There’s something timeless and comforting about a homemade chicken pot pie – a dish that combines a flaky, golden crust with a rich and creamy filling. If you’re looking to bring warmth to your kitchen and delight your taste buds, this classic chicken pot pie recipe is the perfect choice. Using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be treating yourself and your loved ones to a delicious, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.
Chicken Pot Pie is actually so easy to make and can be made with leftover chicken or tukrey. It’s great to prep ahead of time and even place in the freezer to be eaten later.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped carrots •
- 1.5 cups small diced russet potatoes •
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 1 celery stem, chopped
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2 1/2-3 cups chopped cooked chicken (use my instant pot chicken method in the recipe below)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1 premade pie crust
- Egg wash
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp of butter. Add chopped carrots and diced potatoes. Cook for about 8 minutes or until slightly softened.
3. Add diced onions and chopped celery to the pan along with 3 more tbsp of butter. Cook covered for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Introduce the chopped cooked chicken and frozen peas to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir to combine. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate any raw taste of the cornstarch.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, dried thyme, and parsley. Stir the mixture continuously until it thickens, creating a creamy filling. 7. Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into a pie pan, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Roll out the premade pie crust and cover the filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
9. Optionally, brush the crust with an egg wash for a golden finish.
10. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
As the aroma of your freshly baked chicken pot pie wafts through the kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. This classic recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both accessible for the home cook and undeniably delicious for everyone at the table. So, gather your loved ones, savor the comforting flavors, and relish in the joy of sharing a homemade meal that warms both the body and the so
Tips on preparing
1. Prep Ingredients in Advance:
Before you start cooking, ensure all your ingredients are chopped, diced, and measured. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
2. Uniform Cutting:
Aim for uniform-sized pieces when chopping vegetables and chicken. This ensures even cooking and a balanced texture in every bite.
3. Don’t Rush the Veggies:
Take your time sautéing the carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your pot pie, and allowing the veggies to soften slightly enhances their taste.
4. Quality Chicken Broth:
If possible, use a high-quality chicken broth or make your own for a richer flavor profile. It can make a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish.
5. Season Thoughtfully: Taste your filling before assembling the pie to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking. Adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed to suit your preferences.
6. Thickening Consistency: When adding cornstarch, make sure it’s well-mixed to avoid lumps. You want a smooth and consistent thickening of the filling.
7. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with herbs. Adding a pinch of rosemary or a bay leaf to the filling can introduce additional layers of flavor.
8. Let It Rest: Allow the pot pie to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve without being too runny.
9. Creative Crust Designs: Have fun with the pie crust! You can create a traditional lattice design, use cookie cutters for decorative shapes, or simply go for the classic full crust.
10. Serve with Sides: Consider serving your chicken pot pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Remember, cooking is an art, and these tips are just suggestions. Feel free to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences and get creative in the kitchen!
Can I make this ahead of time and store in the freezer?
Yes. this recipe can be made in bulk and stored in the freezer. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey from thanksgiving and even makes great gifts or a meal to bring to a loved one in time of need!
My make ahead and freeze method:
1. Cooling:
Allow the shredded chicken to cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming and maintains better texture.
2. Portioning:
Divide the shredded chicken into portion sizes that you would typically use for recipes. This makes it easier to thaw only the amount you need.
3. Airtight Containers or Bags:
Place the shredded chicken in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
4. Labeling:
Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This ensures you can keep track of how long the chicken has been in the freezer and easily identify it.
5. Flat Freezing (Optional):
If you’re using freezer bags, consider laying them flat to freeze. This allows for easy stacking and saves space in the freezer.
6. Freeze Quickly:
Place the containers or bags in the freezer and ensure they are arranged in a way that allows for quick freezing. This helps maintain the quality of the chicken.
7. Thawing:
When you’re ready to use the chicken, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before. Slow, gradual thawing in the refrigerator is the safest method.
8. Reheat Safely:
When reheating, use a stovetop, microwave, or oven. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s safe to eat.
By following these steps, you can conveniently store your Instant Pot shredded chicken in the freezer and have it ready for a quick and delicious addition to future meals, like your chicken pot pie!
Instant Pot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs 1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Allow it to heat up.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add a small amount of oil to the Instant Pot. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. This adds flavor to the dish.
4. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits. This prevents the “burn” notice and enhances the taste.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5-10 minutes. Then, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
7. Chop the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot, let cool for 15 mins and chop it. If using chicken breasts, make sure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Now, you have tender, flavorful chopped chicken ready to be used in your chicken pot pie filling! Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences before incorporating it into the pot pie recipe.
