Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Highlighted under: Family Recipes
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all enveloped in a flaky, golden crust.
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie recipe has been a family favorite for generations. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening, combining the delicious flavors of chicken, vegetables, and herbs in a creamy sauce that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy filling that's bursting with flavor.
- Flaky, buttery crust that perfectly complements the filling.
- A hearty meal that's perfect for family gatherings.
The Perfect Comfort Food
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie is a quintessential comfort food that warms the heart and soul. With its rich blend of flavors and textures, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luxurious creamy sauce encased in a flaky crust makes every bite a delightful experience. It's not just a meal; it's a way to bring loved ones together around the dinner table.
What sets this recipe apart is its ability to adapt to your preferences. You can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or use leftover turkey for a twist on the classic. The flexibility of this dish allows you to make it your own, ensuring that it can become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up any extra ingredients you have on hand.
Cooking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor of the filling, while homemade chicken broth can elevate the overall taste. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is an excellent alternative that saves you the hassle of cooking chicken from scratch.
When preparing the crust, whether store-bought or homemade, ensure it's at room temperature before rolling it out. This helps prevent cracks and makes it easier to fit into your pie pan. Don't forget to cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape; this will prevent the crust from becoming soggy and will keep it beautifully flaky.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A light vinaigrette can complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering them. If you're feeling indulgent, consider serving it with a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay, which can enhance the creamy elements of the pie.
For a cozy presentation, serve the pot pie directly from the oven in the pie dish, allowing everyone to dig in. Alternatively, individual ramekins can be used for personal servings, making it perfect for entertaining. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crust
- 1 package (2 crusts) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pastry crust
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cream, chicken, peas, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the filling into the crust.
Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake the Pie
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the filling while cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Creamy Chicken Pot Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. To keep the crust from getting soggy, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you prefer to freeze it, ensure it’s well-wrapped and consume it within three months for the best flavor and texture.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but for the best crust texture, the oven is recommended. Just be sure to cover the pie with foil to prevent the crust from burning while the filling warms up.
Nutritional Information
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie is not only delicious but can also be a well-rounded meal. The combination of chicken and vegetables provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, due to the creamy sauce and buttery crust, it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
For those looking to lighten the recipe, consider using low-fat cream or substituting half of the cream with milk. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more peas, carrots, or even leafy greens, which can boost the nutritional value without compromising on flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables work great and save time!
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie, then refrigerate it until ready to bake.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a perfect side.
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all enveloped in a flaky, golden crust.
Created by: Wendy Ashbourne
Recipe Type: Family Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crust
- 1 package (2 crusts) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pastry crust
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cream, chicken, peas, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the filling into the crust.
Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the filling while cooking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g