Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe: A Comforting Classic

In this article, we will explore a delightful recipe for homemade chicken pot pie – a dish that promises comfort and warmth on chilly evenings. This classic staple is perfect for those who love the hearty flavors of traditional pot pies. Follow our step-by-step guide to prepare a delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Servings: 8 generous portions

Ingredients

To prepare the perfect pot pie, gather these ingredients:

• 3 lbs of bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cups of frozen peas (or fresh if available)
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• Foil pastry for topping (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Start by preparing the filling. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

1. Cook chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them in a large skillet over medium heat until they are fully cooked through. Set aside on a plate once done.
2. Simmer vegetables: In the same skillet used for browning chicken, add 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until soft, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Mix flour and broth: Sprinkle in the flour to thicken the mixture slightly. Add chicken broth gradually while stirring continuously to avoid lumps forming.
4. Combine ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Stir in peas, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch more salt if desired. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until everything melds together nicely.
5. Bake base layer: Pour half of this mixture into an ungreased baking dish or pie pan ensuring there is enough space left above the pastry lid later on. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes so it starts to thicken up nicely before adding the egg wash.
6. Prepare topping: While your filling bakes, roll out your store-bought or homemade piecrust and cut into circles slightly larger than your dish diameter. Brush edges with beaten egg mixture which helps in creating a golden crust during baking.
7. Add final touches: Carefully place the pastry circle on top of the partially cooked chicken pie filling ensuring it fits snugly but not too tight against sides or bottom of dish. You may want to trim excess dough around edge if necessary.
8. Bake fully: Place back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, indicating that your pie has reached optimal temperature inside.
9. Rest & serve: Allow it sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing to ensure flavors are well integrated within each bite. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or fresh green salad on side if desired!

Tips For Success

Here are some tips to make sure you get the best results:

• Select high-quality ingredients; this will significantly impact overall taste.
• Making your own pastry from scratch ensures better texture compared to store-bought options sometimes.
• Ensure all poultry is cooked thoroughly especially if using raw chicken pieces which could potentially harbor bacteria harmful when undercooked.

Cutting Calories Without Losing Flavor

If you're looking for ways to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing the taste, here are a few adjustments:

• Use lower fat alternatives such as whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose white flour used in crust.
• Switch out some of your vegetable content like substituting potatoes for half amount of carrots or reducing portion size slightly while maintaining nutritional value.
• Increase usage of leaner cuts of meat, e.g., skinless breasts instead of thighs if you prefer lighter options.

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p>Celebrate winter nights with this comforting homemade chicken pot pie recipe. With proper preparation and care, you can savor the rich flavors while knowing exactly what goes into every bite!