Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food With its savory gravy, tender chicken, and vegetables nestled under a golden, flaky crust, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out But what exactly makes this classic pie so crave-worthy? In this article, we’ll explore the key ingredients that go into a chicken pot pie, from the foundation of the filling to the crowning glory of the crust.
The Hearty Filling: Chicken, Veggies, and Creamy Gravy
The filling of a chicken pot pie provides the bulk of the flavor and satisfaction. Let’s break down the components that create this savory medley.
Succulent Chicken
Tender, bite-sized chunks of chicken are the star ingredient and protein base of the filling. Using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts allows the meat to stay juicy during baking. For extra flavor, the chicken can be poached or roasted in chicken broth before adding it to the filling.
Colorful Vegetables
The supporting cast of vegetables adds textures and bright colors to complement the chicken Carrots, peas, celery, and onions are traditional choices Diced small, the vegetables cook evenly and meld with the creamy gravy. Beyond the classics, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or other veggies can be added.
Creamy, Comforting Gravy
A creamy sauce binds the chicken and vegetables together, providing a rich, comforting backdrop. The gravy starts with a roux made from butter and flour cooked into a paste. Chicken broth and milk are whisked in to create a smooth, velvety texture. Heavy cream or half-and-half add even more richness. Seasonings like garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper add layers of savory flavor.
The Crown Jewel: The Golden Crust
What elevates chicken pot pie from stew to royal status? The pastry crust, of course! Flaky, golden brown, and buttery, the crust provides the satisfying finish.
Flavors and Textures
Homemade pie dough is ideal for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The crust can also be store-bought for convenience. Even leftover pie dough or puff pastry work wonderfully to encase the filling with a contrasting crisp texture.
Beautiful Browning
Before baking, the crust is brushed with egg wash to promote browning and a glossy sheen. Venting the top with small slits prevents a soggy crust by allowing steam to escape. The reward is a picture-perfect, golden-brown crust.
Variations on a Classic
While traditional chicken pot pies follow similar recipes, there are endless ways to put your own spin on this comfort food.
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Mix up the protein with turkey or even vegetarian substitutions.
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Get creative with more unique vegetables like parsnips, brussels sprouts, or butternut squash.
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Add cheese, bacon, or herbs into the filling or as a crust topping.
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Make individual pot pies for fun servings.
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Swap out traditional pie crust for biscuit dough, mashed potato topping, or other creative options.
No matter what you choose to include in your chicken pot pie, the result will be a soul-warming dish made with love. As it bubbles away in the oven, your home will fill with the irresistible aromas of comfort and nostalgia. However you customize it, chicken pot pie always delivers on flavor, texture, and heartwarming satisfaction. Dig your fork into that first steamy, gravy-laden bite, and savor the delicious taste of homemade goodness.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie
Step 1: melt the butter over medium high heat in a large Dutch Oven. Once melted, add the onion, celery and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes or until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 60 seconds.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle the flour over the veggies to make a roux. Cook out the flour for about 1-2 minutes until it starts to turn golden.
Step 3: Combine the chicken stock, milk and sherry in a small bowl. Once combined, slowly add the mixture to the vegetables, stirring to incorporate. Let the mixture come to a simmer until it thickens, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Step 4: Once thickened, add in the shredded chicken, peas, and herbs and stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Sprinkle the panko into the bottom of a 9×13 dish to evenly coat the bottom.
Step 6: Pour the filling on top of the panko and let sit for 10 minutes to slightly cool.
Step 7: While the mixture is cooking, use a rolling pin to roll out the sheet of puff pastry into an 11 x 15-inch rectangle, you want it just slightly larger that the surface area of your baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to make an egg wash.
Step 8: Carefully lay the sheet of puff pastry on top of the baking dish and brush the surface of the pastry with the egg wash. Tuck any excess dough into the sides of the baking dish to create a crust and crimp the edges. Sprinkle some Maldon salt on top of the puff pastry / egg wash and then carefully cut a few small slits in the surface to allow any air to escape.
Can the Chicken Pot Pie Filling be Frozen?
Yes, it can! Simply prepare the filling as instructed and allow it to cool while uncovered for 30 minutes. Once cooled off, transfer to a container or plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
FAQ
What are the ingredients for chicken pie?
A classic chicken pie includes ingredients for both the filling and the crust. For the filling, you’ll typically need chicken (cooked and shredded or diced), vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, and seasonings like salt, pepper, thyme, and sometimes rosemary or other herbs.
What else to put in chicken pot pie?
- 6 carrots, chopped.
- 6 stalks celery, chopped.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans, thawed.
- 1 cup corn kernels.
- 1 yellow onion, diced.
- 1 cup quartered red potatoes.
- 3 cups chicken broth.
What to put in a chicken pie?
- 2 shallots, or 1 small white onion, diced.
- 1 leek, finely sliced.
- 2 carrots, diced.
- 2 sticks of celery, sliced.
- 1 garlic clove, crushed.
- 1 knob of butter.
- 10 2/3 oz of chicken, cooked (this is a nice way of using up leftover chicken from a roast)
- 2/3 pint of crème fraîche.
What are the ingredients in a banquet chicken pot pie?
Filling: Water, Cooked Chicken Roll (Chicken, Water, Salt, Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride), Carrots, Ground Chicken, Potatoes (Potatoes, Calcium Chloride), Modified Corn Starch, Peas, Less Than 2% Of: Chicken Flavor (Chicken Stock, Salt, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Flavoring, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Chicken Fat, …