Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

The rich flavors and comfort that come with a homemade Chicken Pot Pie make it one of the most beloved go-to meals for many households. With its creamy filling and flaky crust, this dish is a delightful treat on cold winter nights or any day when you need some cozy warmth. This recipe provides enough servings to satisfy even a large family.

Chicken pot pie has been a traditional comfort food in many cultures for years. Its appeal comes from the simple ingredients combined with the rich flavors that create something truly special. If you're looking for a satisfying meal, this Chicken Pot Pie is an excellent choice. You can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes cooking it, yielding approximately 6 servings.

For those familiar with pot pie recipes, or for new cooks eager to try it out, the following recipe will walk you through each step. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting in your kitchen, this guide will ensure that your first attempt at Chicken Pot Pie is both delicious and enjoyable.

Ingredients

List of ingredients:

• 4 cups of chopped chicken breast (cooked)
• 1 medium onion, diced finely
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 stalks celery, sliced thinly
• 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine, melted
• 1 cup of flour
• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup of heavy cream (optional but recommended for richness)
• Nonstick spray for greasing the pie dish
• Cornstarch (for thickening the filling)

Preparation:

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch round pie plate or springform pan with nonstick spray, making sure it is well-coated for easier removal of the crust later.

Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Filling: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onions until softened. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes to allow them to sweat down slightly.
2. Add flour to coat all vegetables evenly; stir vigorously to remove any lumps from the mixture. Gradually add chicken broth while continuously stirring so as not to let it stick or burn on the bottom of the pan.
3. Once everything is smooth, simmer for 2 minutes and then stir in thyme, salt, pepper, and heavy cream if using. Let this mixture cook until slightly thickened but still loose enough to pour.
4. Pour the prepared filling into your greased pie dish carefully. Arrange chopped chicken pieces evenly over it so that they are fully covered by the sauce.
5. For the top crust, roll out your chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface until large enough to cover the filling completely. Place this gently onto the pot pie and press edges firmly together. Cut slits across the top of the pastry for steam vents.

Baking & Serving

Transfer the assembled Chicken Pot Pie back into your preheated oven, where it will bake until golden brown (approximately 30-45 minutes). The timing might vary slightly depending on how hot or cold your particular oven is. Ensure you check regularly towards the end of baking to prevent overcooking.

Once done, let the pie cool for around 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows all components to meld together and ensures easier slicing without disturbing the layers within.

Tips & Variations

• To add a little more zest, consider adding some chopped green peas or bell peppers to enhance color and flavor.
• If you prefer less richness from heavy cream, whole milk can be used instead for a milder taste. However, keep in mind that it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

In conclusion, making Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is straightforward yet rewarding. It offers an opportunity to enjoy comforting flavors at home, perfect whether you're hosting friends or treating yourself after a busy week. With this versatile and delicious recipe under your belt, you'll find yourself reaching for it time and again as a staple in your cooking repertoire.