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If comfort food had a superstar, it would definitely be this Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. From the flaky golden crust to the creamy, savory filling loaded with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, every bite delivers a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is straightforward yet satisfying, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with a classic favorite done from scratch. Let’s dive into how you can bring this wonderful dish to your table with simple ingredients and joyful cooking steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are not only simple but crucial to creating the delicious layers of flavor and texture that make this pot pie a timeless dish. Each element combines to contribute richness, creaminess, and that perfect balance of vegetables and protein that keeps every forkful exciting.
- Chicken breast (1 pound, cubed): Provides the hearty, tender protein base that makes the pot pie filling satisfying.
- Sliced carrots (1 cup): Adds a hint of sweetness and lovely color contrast to the filling.
- Frozen green peas (1 cup): Brings pop of bright green and fresh flavor to brighten the dish.
- Sliced celery (0.5 cup): Offers a subtle crunch and aromatic depth for balance.
- Butter (0.333 cup): Essential for richness in the sauce and gives the crust a buttery flavor.
- Chopped onion (0.333 cup): Adds a savory sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (0.333 cup): Thickens the filling, creating that luscious, velvety consistency everyone loves.
- Salt (0.5 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ties the ingredients together.
- Black pepper (0.25 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, warming kick to the filling.
- Celery seed (0.25 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle herbal aroma that deepens the savory notes.
- Chicken broth (1.75 cups): Gives the filling a rich, chicken-forward base packed with flavor.
- Milk (0.666 cup): Creates creaminess and smoothness in the sauce for that classic pot pie texture.
- Unbaked pie crusts (2, 9 inch): The flaky, buttery shell that encases all the goodness inside.
How to Make Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), so it is nice and hot by the time your pie is assembled. This ensures a golden, crisp crust right out of the oven.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
In a saucepan, combine the cubed chicken, sliced carrots, peas, and celery with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then let it cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is tender and the vegetables soften perfectly. After cooking, drain everything well to avoid any watery filling.
Step 3: Sauté Onion in Butter
While the chicken and veggies cook, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent without browning—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step creates the flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Thickening Roux
Stir in the flour, salt, black pepper, and celery seed to the butter and onions. This mixture will start to thicken your sauce, so cook it gently while stirring frequently to avoid any lumps.
Step 5: Add Broth and Milk to Form Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring constantly, ensuring the sauce stays smooth and creamy. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens to that perfect pot pie consistency. Then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Place the chicken and vegetable mixture into the bottom pie crust. Pour your luscious, thickened sauce evenly over the filling. Cover with the second crust, press the edges together to seal, trim any excess dough, and make several small slits on top so steam can escape freely during baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop your pie in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and you see the filling bubbling through the vents. This signals that your pot pie is bubbling with flavor inside.
Step 8: Let It Rest Before Serving
After removing the pie from the oven, give it a 10-minute rest. This lets the filling settle and makes slicing cleaner, ensuring each piece holds together beautifully.
Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Slice, serve warm, and bask in the comfort of a homemade classic that tastes like a hug from the inside. This Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe truly shines when shared with family and friends.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top of each slice can brighten the presentation and offer a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the creamy filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your pot pie alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty pie. A light vinaigrette or lemon dressing can complement the dish perfectly, balancing those deep savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, make individual pot pies using ramekins or small pie tins. This personal touch makes them perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, giving everyone their very own golden crusted delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pot pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered well prevents the crust from becoming soggy and preserves the flavors for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through, to keep the crust crisp and filling warm and inviting. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that flaky crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this pot pie?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great and can even save you some preparation time. Just make sure it’s cubed or shredded to blend well with the vegetables and sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose mix and use gluten-free pie crusts. This will keep the deliciousness intact while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate potatoes, mushrooms, or corn depending on your preference. They add extra texture and flavor layers to the classic filling.
What can I use instead of celery seed?
If you don’t have celery seed, you can use a pinch of celery salt or simply omit it. The filling will still be flavorful and comforting without it.
How do I make sure the bottom crust doesn’t get soggy?
Precooking the filling ingredients and draining excess liquid thoroughly, as this recipe instructs, helps prevent a soggy crust. Baking at a high temperature also ensures the bottom gets nicely crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a hearty, homestyle Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe from scratch. It’s a dish that carries a sense of warmth and tradition that never goes out of style. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this timeless classic—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (1 9-inch pie)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Pot Pie recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked inside a flaky, golden pie crust. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 0.5 cup sliced celery
Pie Filling
- 0.333 cup butter
- 0.333 cup chopped onion
- 0.333 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon celery seed
- 1.75 cups chicken broth
- 0.666 cup milk
Pie Crust
- 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pie later.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: In a saucepan, combine the cubed chicken, sliced carrots, peas, and celery. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and drain well.
- Sauté Onions: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in another saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
- Make the Roux: Stir the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and celery seed into the melted butter and onions. This forms the base for the creamy filling sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer until it thickens, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat once thickened and set aside.
- Assemble Pie: Place the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture into the bottom pie crust. Pour the thickened broth sauce evenly over the filling. Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges tightly. Trim off any excess dough and cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to let the filling set slightly for easier cutting.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy a delicious, hearty chicken pot pie made from scratch.
Notes
- Ensure all steam vents are cut on the top crust to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh or frozen peas; fresh peas might require a slightly longer boiling time.
- For crispier crust, consider brushing the top with an egg wash before baking.
- Letting the pie cool before slicing helps maintain serving portions and prevents filling from spilling out.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
