This classic Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food. With a flaky homemade crust, a creamy filling loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and herbs, it’s a warm and satisfying meal for any occasion. Perfect for family dinners, special gatherings, or as a delicious weeknight meal, this chicken pot pie will surely become a family favorite.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 40 minutes
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Cooking Time: 60 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
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Servings: 6–8
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Calories per Serving: Approximately 400 kcal
Full List of Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
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3½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup + 1 tablespoon (245g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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½ teaspoon salt
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6–8 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
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1½ pounds (675g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
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½ cup (115g) butter
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2 onions, chopped
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3–4 garlic cloves, crushed
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2 carrots, diced
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½ cup (60g) flour
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¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
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1¾ cups (420ml) chicken stock
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1 cup (160g) frozen peas
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1 tablespoon thyme
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
For Assembly:
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crust
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In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture forms fine crumbs.
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Gradually add cold water (1 tablespoon at a time) and process until the dough begins to form. Avoid overmixing.
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Divide the dough into two portions (40/60 ratio). Shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Prepare the Filling
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In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and diced carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
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Stir in the crushed garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
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Add the flour and stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
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Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
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Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir well and cook for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Pie
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Roll out the larger portion of dough into an 11–12 inch (30 cm) circle.
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Place the dough in an 8–9 inch (20–23 cm) pie pan, pressing gently to fit.
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Fill the crust with the chilled chicken mixture.
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Brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg.
5. Top the Pie
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Roll out the smaller portion of dough into a 10–11 inch (25–28 cm) circle.
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Place it over the filling, trim any excess, and crimp the edges to seal.
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Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
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Brush the top with egg wash.
6. Bake the Pie
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Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
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After 30 minutes, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield if they brown too quickly.
7. Cool and Serve
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Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
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With a Crisp Green Salad: Serve with a light, fresh salad for a balanced meal.
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With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables complement the rich, savory flavors of the pie.
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With Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Bread: Add mashed potatoes or garlic bread for an extra comfort food touch.
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With Cranberry Sauce or Chutney: For a festive twist, serve with cranberry sauce or chutney on the side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 400
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Fat: 22g
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Protein: 23g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugars: 6g
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Sodium: 800mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food that has its origins in British cuisine and has since become a classic dish in many Western countries. It’s a filling and hearty meal that has been passed down for generations, loved for its combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky pie crust.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Classic Comfort Food: This chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions.
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Delicious and Flavorful: The creamy filling, tender chicken, and flaky crust make this dish irresistible.
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Perfect for Family Meals: With hearty servings and satisfying ingredients, this pie is ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying with family.
Health Benefits
While chicken pot pie is typically indulgent, it provides protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the butter and crust. It’s a balanced meal when served with a salad or other vegetables.
Serving Tips
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For Leftovers: Chicken pot pie tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
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For Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months. To bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time from frozen.
Cooking Tips
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the pie dough helps maintain the flakiness of the crust, so don’t skip this step.
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Use a Pie Shield: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, use a pie crust shield or aluminum foil to protect them.
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Make it Ahead: You can prepare the pie in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer before baking.
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, tofu, or other hearty vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
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Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling for a bit of heat.
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Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to change the flavor profile of the filling.
Conclusion
This Chicken Pot Pie recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. The combination of creamy filling, tender chicken, and flaky crust makes it a timeless favorite for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering, this pie will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
3. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust to save time, but homemade crust adds a great flaky texture.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even beef for a different twist on this classic dish.
5. Can I skip the heavy cream?
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I make this pie smaller?
Yes, you can adjust the ingredients to make a smaller pie or individual pot pies.
8. Can I use other vegetables in the filling?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms to the filling for more variety.
9. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust and filling.
10. How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the top crust.