Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the homely goodness of a delicious homemade chicken pot pie. This classic dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, savory gravy, and flaky pastry crust that never fails to warm both the heart and the belly. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, a homemade chicken pot pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating the best homemade chicken pot pie that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Before you embark on your culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
1. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2. 1 cup carrots, diced
3. 1 cup peas
4. 1/2 cup celery, chopped
5. 1/3 cup butter
6. 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
9. 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
10. 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
11. 2/3 cup milk
12. 2 9-inch unbaked pie crusts
13. Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Ensure you have all the ingredients ready before you start preparing your chicken pot pie.
Steps
Follow these steps to create the perfect homemade chicken pot pie:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the carrots, peas, and celery to the skillet and cook until they are tender.
4. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed until well combined.
5. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and milk, allowing the mixture to thicken.
6. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well.
7. Line a pie dish with one of the pie crusts.
8. Pour the chicken mixture into the pie crust.
9. Cover the filling with the second pie crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits to allow steam to escape.
10. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
11. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Variations
While the traditional chicken pot pie is a timeless favorite, there are endless variations you can explore to suit your taste preferences. Consider trying these creative twists:
1. Add diced potatoes to the filling for extra heartiness.
2. Incorporate mushrooms for a rich umami flavor.
3. Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
4. Substitute the chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Feel free to get creative in the kitchen and customize your chicken pot pie to make it uniquely yours.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you perfect your homemade chicken pot pie:
1. Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient and flavorful filling.
2. Ensure the filling is cooled before adding it to the pie crust to prevent sogginess.
3. Brushing the crust with egg wash will give your pot pie a beautiful golden color.
4. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
By following these tips, you can elevate your chicken pot pie game and impress your diners with a delectable dish.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken pot pie is a timeless classic that never fails to delight with its comforting flavors and hearty appeal. With a few simple ingredients and some kitchen know-how, you can create a memorable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own creative spin, a homemade chicken pot pie is sure to warm both hearts and stomachs alike. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the warm embrace of a delicious chicken pot pie.
FAQs
Q: Can I make chicken pot pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pie and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze chicken pot pie?
A: Chicken pot pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Q: How do I reheat chicken pot pie?
A: To reheat a cooked chicken pot pie, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crusts?
A: While homemade pie crusts offer a superior flavor and texture, you can certainly use store-bought crusts for convenience.
Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
A classic homemade chicken pot pie with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and flaky pastry crust. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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1 cup carrots, diced
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1 cup peas
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1/2 cup celery, chopped
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1/3 cup butter
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1/3 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon celery seed
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1 3/4 cups chicken broth
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2/3 cup milk
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2 9-inch unbaked pie crusts
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Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the carrots, peas, and celery to the skillet and cook until they are tender.
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Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed until well combined.
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Slowly stir in the chicken broth and milk, allowing the mixture to thicken.
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Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well.
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Line a pie dish with one of the pie crusts.
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Pour the chicken mixture into the pie crust.
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Cover the filling with the second pie crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits to allow steam to escape.
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Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
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Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
