Best Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked in a flaky pie crust. This homemade version is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings for a comforting meal.

Why Make Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie is not only delicious but also a convenient way to enjoy a complete meal in a single dish. Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables, it’s a wholesome and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

How to Make Chicken Pot Pie

1. Preparation:
   • Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for baking.
2. Cooking Chicken and Vegetables:
   • In a saucepan, combine the cubed chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and drain.
3. Making the Sauce:
   • While the chicken mixture is cooking, melt butter in another saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed to form a roux. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk, reducing heat to medium-low. Simmer until thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Assembling the Pie:
   • Place the drained chicken and vegetable mixture into the bottom pie crust. Pour the hot sauce evenly over the top, ensuring everything is well coated.
5. Adding the Top Crust:
   • Cover the filling with the second pie crust. Seal the edges and trim any excess dough. Make several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. Baking:
   • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, about 30 to 35 minutes. Once baked, let the pie cool for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Serve:
   • Enjoy your Chicken Pot Pie warm, a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Pot Pie pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. It’s also delicious served with a dollop of cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Storage Info

Any leftover Chicken Pot Pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving again.

Some Techniques or Tips

• To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
• Customize the vegetables to your liking by adding diced potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans.
• For a flakier crust, brush the top crust with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) before baking.

Variation

You can make individual-sized chicken pot pies by using ramekins or small baking dishes instead of a large pie pan. This allows for easy portioning and serving, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prep. Additionally, you can experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

FAQs about Chicken Pot Pie

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust to save time. Just follow the package instructions for baking and assembly.
2. Can I make Chicken Pot Pie ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent the crust from drying out.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie?
   • Yes, you can freeze Chicken Pot Pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie as directed but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual. If freezing after baking, allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Reheat it in the oven until warmed through before serving.

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