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How to Make Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the milk, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue cooking and stirring for another 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add the Chicken and Peas: Once the gravy has thickened, add the cooked chicken and peas to the pan. Stir to combine, making sure everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one of the pie crusts and line the bottom of a pie dish (9-inch is standard). Make sure the crust hangs slightly over the edges.
- Add the Filling: Spoon the chicken and vegetable filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the Second Crust: Place the second pie crust over the top of the filling. Trim any excess crust, leaving about an inch of overhang, and crimp the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to press the edges together or pinch them with your fingers.
- Vent the Top: Using a sharp knife, cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. For an extra touch, you can brush the top crust with a beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
Step 4: Let It Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the filling to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of homemade chicken pot pie!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Pot Pie
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, use leftover rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. It’s a great way to save time and still get a flavorful filling.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies to your pot pie, such as corn, green beans, or mushrooms. The more vegetables, the more colorful and nutritious the dish!
- Make It in Advance: You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just assemble and cook the pie. You can also freeze the unbaked pie for up to three months—just bake it straight from the freezer, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Homemade Crust: While store-bought pie crust is convenient, making your own can take the dish to the next level. A buttery, flaky homemade crust complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Pair this hearty chicken pot pie with a light side salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing works perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies to your meal, roasted brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots are great sides.
- Crispy Bread: Serve with some crusty garlic bread or a soft dinner roll to mop up the delicious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade chicken pot pie. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flaky crust is a match made in comfort food heaven. This recipe brings that classic dish into your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday meal, or just craving something cozy, this homemade chicken pot pie will surely become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.
With its hearty filling and golden crust, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. Enjoy!
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