Okay, so, you wanna know the *real* secret to amazing Chicken Pot Pie? It’s not some fancy ingredient or a technique that takes years to master. Nope! It’s all about that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you eat something that reminds you of home. For me, it’s my grandma’s pot pie – total comfort in a dish. I’ve been tweaking her recipe for years, and trust me, this version? This is the one. It’s got that perfect flaky crust, a creamy, flavorful filling, and it’s just… well, it’s pure magic. You know, the kind of magic that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a few minutes? Yeah, that’s what we’re aiming for. Let me show you how!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- It’s seriously the ULTIMATE comfort food! Nothing beats a warm slice on a chilly evening.
- Super flavorful filling packed with tender chicken and veggies. My secret spice blend? *Chef’s kiss*
- Easier than you think! Don’t let “pie crust” scare you – I’ve got tips to make it a breeze.
- Perfect for meal prepping. Make the filling ahead of time, and assemble later!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Seriously, everyone loves a good chicken pot pie.
- Customizable: Swap out veggies, add different herbs… make it YOURS!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients – no fancy trips to specialty stores needed.
Benefits of Making Chicken Pot Pie
Seriously, this chicken pot pie recipe is a winner. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping and totally customizable. What’s not to love? You’ll have everyone begging for seconds, trust me!
Ingredients for the Best Chicken Pot Pie
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the most amazing chicken pot pie EVER. I’ve listed everything out super clearly so there’s no guesswork. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Pie Dough: You’ll need one recipe of my Homemade pie dough – that’s enough for two crusts (top and bottom). Chilling it is key, so don’t skip that step! Store-bought works in a pinch, but homemade is where the magic happens, ya know?
- Chicken: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I usually just grab a pack from the store.
- Butter: 1/3 cup (that’s 75g) of unsalted butter. Gotta have that richness!
- Celery: 1/2 cup (about 50g) of sliced celery. I like mine pretty thin.
- Onion: 1/3 cup (around 45g) of chopped onion. Yellow or white onion works great.
- Flour: 1/3 cup (40g) of all-purpose flour. This helps thicken up the sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) of salt and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) of freshly ground black pepper. Seasoning is EVERYTHING!
- Celery Seed: 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) of celery seed. Don’t skip this! It adds a little *something something* that you can’t quite put your finger on.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (1.5g) of garlic powder. Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- Chicken Bouillon Paste: 1 teaspoon (5g), or more to taste. This is my secret weapon for extra chicken-y flavor. I use the “Better than Bouillon” brand. If you don’t have paste, you can use a cube, just make sure it dissolves completely.
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml) of milk. Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but 2% works too.
- Frozen Veggies: 8 ounces (225g) of your favorite frozen veggies. I usually go for a mix of carrots, peas, green beans, and corn.
- Egg: 1 large egg.
- Milk (for egg wash): 1 tablespoon (15ml) of milk. This is just for that shiny, golden crust!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken Pot Pie
Okay, so here’s the deal. I know sometimes you gotta make do with what you’ve got, or maybe you have dietary restrictions. No problem! Here are some swaps you can make:
- Chicken: No chicken breasts? No worries! You can use chicken thighs (they’re super flavorful!), or even leftover cooked chicken. Just shred it up and toss it in.
- Butter: If you’re dairy-free, you can use a good quality vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s one that melts well.
- Milk: For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk. The texture might be *slightly* different, but it’ll still be delicious!
- Frozen Veggies: Feel free to use whatever veggies you like! Fresh veggies work too, just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly. Mushrooms, potatoes, or even sweet potatoes would be yummy!
- Celery Seed: If you absolutely can’t find celery seed, you can leave it out. But trust me, it adds a special something!
- Gluten-Free: To make this gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust recipe. You can find some great ones online! Also, double-check that your bouillon is gluten-free.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! This chicken pot pie recipe is super versatile. Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Happy cooking!
Equipment You’ll Need to Make Chicken Pot Pie
Alright, before we dive into the actual making of the chicken pot pie, let’s make sure you’ve got all the right tools! Having the right equipment makes things SO much easier, trust me. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9-inch Pie Pan: This is a must! I prefer a glass pie pan because I can see how the bottom crust is browning, but a metal one works too. Just make sure it’s 9 inches!
- Large Saucepan: You’ll need a big ol’ saucepan to cook the chicken and make the creamy filling. Something with a nice, heavy bottom is ideal to prevent scorching.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out that beautiful pie dough! A standard rolling pin works great.
- Cutting Board: Gotta have a clean surface to chop your veggies and chicken!
- Sharp Knife: A good knife makes chopping a breeze (and it’s safer, too!).
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking, so make sure you’ve got a set of measuring cups and spoons handy.
- Whisk: For smoothly incorporating the flour into the sauce. No one wants lumpy gravy!
- Pastry Brush: For brushing that egg wash on top of the crust. This is what gives it that gorgeous golden shine!
- Optional: Pastry Wheel or Fork: For crimping the edges of your pie crust – totally optional, but it makes it look extra fancy!
That’s it! With these tools in hand, you’re all set to create a chicken pot pie masterpiece. Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here we go! This might seem like a lot of steps, but trust me, it’s totally doable. Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of heaven in no time! I’ve broken it down so it’s super clear. Ready? Let’s do this!
- Cook the Chicken: First things first, season your chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. Nothing fancy! Then, pop them into that big saucepan and cover them with water. Bring it to a gentle simmer – not a crazy boil, okay? – and cook until the chicken is *just* cooked through. You don’t want it dry! It usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but it depends on the thickness of your chicken. When it’s done, take the chicken out and put it on a plate to cool slightly. Don’t toss that water! We need about 1 3/4 cups of it for the filling. Just scoop it out and set it aside. You can toss the rest. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Chicken Pot Pie Filling: Now for the good stuff! Add your butter, chopped onions, and celery to the same saucepan you cooked the chicken in. Cook ’em over medium heat for a few minutes, until they’re soft and translucent. This is when your kitchen will start smelling AMAZING. Then, stir in the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, bullion paste, and celery seed. Make sure everything’s nicely combined. Now, slowly pour in that reserved chicken water and the milk, stirring constantly. Simmer it all over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens up. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Keep stirring, or it might stick to the bottom! Once the sauce is nice and thick, add in your chopped chicken and frozen vegetables. Give it all a good stir. Taste it! Does it need more salt? Pepper? Maybe a little extra bouillon? Now’s the time to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Then, let the mixture cool down a bit. You don’t want to pour hot filling into your pie crust, or it’ll get all soggy.
- Preheat the Oven: While the filling is cooling, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This is important! You want a nice, hot oven for that golden-brown crust.
- Roll Out the Bottom Pie Crust: Grab one of your chilled pie doughs (either homemade or store-bought) and put it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a big circle, about 12 inches in diameter. You want it big enough to fit into your pie pan with a little overhang. Gently place the dough into your 9-inch pie pan. Press it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim off any excess dough with a knife or kitchen shears, leaving about an inch of overhang.
- Assemble the Pot Pie: Pour that slightly cooled chicken pot pie filling into your pie crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Now, roll out your second pie dough just like you did the first one. Place it over the top of the filling. Trim off any excess dough, leaving about an inch of overhang. Now, it’s time to seal the edges! You can either crimp them with your fingers, use a fork to press them together, or use a fancy pastry wheel if you’re feeling ambitious. Whatever you do, make sure they’re sealed tight, or the filling will leak out! Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits in the top crust. This lets the steam escape while it’s baking.
- Egg Wash: Whisk together that egg and tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. Brush a *very* thin layer of this mixture over the top pie crust. This is what gives it that beautiful, golden-brown color. Don’t go too heavy on the egg wash, or it’ll run down the sides and burn.
- Bake: Pop that chicken pot pie into your preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it! If the crust starts to brown too quickly, just cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.
- Rest and Serve: This is the hardest part! You have to let the chicken pot pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. I know, it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. This allows the filling to set up a bit, so it’s not all runny. Slice it up and enjoy!
Tips for Success with Your Chicken Pot Pie
Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down. Now, let me give you a few extra tips to make sure your chicken pot pie is absolutely PERFECT:
- Preventing a Soggy Bottom Crust: This is the enemy of all pot pies! To avoid a soggy bottom, make sure your filling isn’t too hot when you pour it into the crust. You can also blind-bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps it get nice and crispy. I also like to brush the bottom crust with a little egg white before adding the filling – it creates a barrier that helps keep the moisture out.
- Ensuring Even Cooking: To make sure everything cooks evenly, cut your chicken and vegetables into uniformly sized pieces. And don’t overcrowd the saucepan when you’re cooking the filling. If you do, the veggies will steam instead of sautéing, and they won’t get as flavorful.
- Getting a Golden-Brown Crust: That egg wash is key! But don’t overdo it. A thin layer is all you need. And if your crust starts to brown too quickly, just tent it with aluminum foil.
- Adding Extra Flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices! A pinch of thyme, rosemary, or sage can add a lot of depth to the flavor. And a splash of dry sherry or white wine in the filling can take it to the next level.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: If you’re making your own pie dough, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing develops the gluten, which will make the crust tough. Mix it just until everything comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is super important! It helps relax the gluten and prevents the crust from shrinking when it bakes. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, or even longer if you have time.
- Let it Cool! I know I already said this, but it’s worth repeating. Letting the pot pie cool before serving is essential! It allows the filling to set up, so it’s not a soupy mess. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making the best chicken pot pie of your life! Happy baking!
Chicken Pot Pie Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the classic chicken pot pie. Awesome! But let’s be real, sometimes you wanna mix things up, right? Here are a few fun variations to try – get creative!
- Creamy Mushroom Pot Pie: Swap out the chicken for sliced mushrooms (cremini or shiitake are my faves!). Sauté them with some garlic and thyme for extra flavor. It’s like a warm hug in a pie!
- Spicy Southwestern Pot Pie: Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies to the filling. Use a little chili powder and cumin for a kick! Top with cheddar cheese for extra yum.
- Turkey Pot Pie (the day-after-Thanksgiving special!): Use leftover cooked turkey instead of chicken. Add some cranberries to the filling for a sweet and savory twist. Seriously, this is the BEST way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers!
- Veggie-Loaded Pot Pie: Add all sorts of extra veggies! Broccoli florets, cauliflower, bell peppers… the more, the merrier! Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- Different Crust Options: Okay, so, you’re not feeling the pie crust thing? No problem! Top the filling with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a shepherd’s pie vibe. Or, use biscuits for a super easy and rustic pot pie. Seriously, biscuits on top are AMAZING.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Use these ideas as a starting point and let your imagination run wild. Who knows? You might just create your own signature pot pie!
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Alright, so you’ve got this beautiful, golden-brown chicken pot pie fresh out of the oven. Now what? Well, while it’s totally amazing on its own, sometimes it’s nice to have a little something on the side, right? Here are a few of my favorite things to serve with chicken pot pie to make it a complete meal:
- A Simple Side Salad: A light and fresh salad is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the pot pie. I love a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Something with a little acidity will cut through the creaminess perfectly.
- Steamed Green Beans: Steamed green beans with a little butter and salt are a classic pairing. They’re easy to make and add a nice pop of color to the plate.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness. Just toss it with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast it in the oven until it’s tender-crisp. Yum!
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Okay, these are seriously delicious. Just roast some carrots with a little honey and butter until they’re tender and caramelized. Sweet and savory perfection!
- A Crisp White Wine: If you’re feeling fancy, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with chicken pot pie. The acidity cuts through the richness and complements the savory flavors.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these sides. Just choose whatever sounds good to you and enjoy! The most important thing is to share your delicious chicken pot pie with the people you love.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Chicken Pot Pie
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing chicken pot pie, and maybe, *just maybe*, you have some leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so it’s just as delicious the next day (or even weeks later!).
- Refrigerator Storage: If you have leftover slices of chicken pot pie, just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You could also pop them in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Trust me, it’s just as good cold right out of the fridge, too! (Don’t judge me!).
- Freezer Storage (Before Baking): Wanna make it ahead of time and freeze it? Smart move! Assemble the whole pot pie, but don’t bake it. Wrap it *really* well in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake it straight from frozen, but you’ll need to add about 20-30 minutes to the baking time. Just keep an eye on it! Alternatively, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
- Freezer Storage (After Baking): You can also freeze baked chicken pot pie! Let it cool completely. Then, wrap individual slices (or the whole pie) *really* well in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Slices: The best way to reheat a slice of chicken pot pie is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it, but the crust might get a little soggy. If you’re microwaving, I recommend covering it loosely with a paper towel. Start with 1-2 minutes and add more time as needed.
- Reheating a Whole Pie: To reheat a whole frozen chicken pot pie (that’s already been baked), thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
Seriously, reheated chicken pot pie is almost as good as fresh. Okay, maybe not *quite* as good, but still pretty darn delicious. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pot Pie
Got questions about making chicken pot pie? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked – hopefully, this clears things up!
- Can I make this chicken pot pie ahead of time? Absolutely! That’s one of the things I love most about it. You can make the filling a day or two in advance, store it in the fridge, and then assemble the pie when you’re ready to bake. You can even assemble the whole unbaked pie and keep it in the fridge for a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe? Of course! Homemade pie crust is amazing, but sometimes you just don’t have the time, right? Store-bought crust works perfectly fine. Just make sure to get a good quality one. I like the refrigerated kind that you roll out yourself – it tastes a lot better than the pre-made shells, in my opinion.
- How do I prevent the chicken pot pie crust from burning? Nobody wants a burnt crust! If you notice the crust is browning too quickly while it’s baking, just loosely cover it with a piece of aluminum foil. This will protect it from the heat and prevent it from burning. Also, make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Can I add different vegetables to my chicken pot pie? Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to add whatever veggies you like. Mushrooms, potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower… the possibilities are endless! Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- What’s the best way to thicken the chicken pot pie filling? The flour in this recipe is what thickens the filling. Make sure you whisk it in really well to avoid lumps! If your filling still isn’t thick enough, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the filling while it’s simmering. Let it cook for a few more minutes, and it should thicken right up.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Chicken Pot Pie
Okay, so, let’s talk nutrition! I know, I know, it’s chicken pot pie – not exactly health food, right? But hey, everything in moderation! Just keep in mind that the nutritional information below is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (like, the brand of butter or the type of veggies) and the size of your slices. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?
I’m not a nutritionist (just a gal who loves to cook!), so this is just a rough idea. But here’s what you’re probably looking at per slice (assuming you get about 8 servings out of the pie):
- Calories: Around 450-500 (hey, it’s a hearty meal!)
- Fat: Probably around 25-30 grams (that buttery crust, ya know?)
- Carbohydrates: Maybe 40-45 grams (from the crust and veggies)
- Protein: Around 20-25 grams (thanks, chicken!)
So, yeah, it’s not exactly a light salad. But it’s packed with protein and veggies, and it’s SO satisfying. Just enjoy a slice and don’t worry too much about the numbers, okay? Life’s too short to skip chicken pot pie!
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is an estimate only and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. It should not be considered a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
Rate This Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Okay, friends, I poured my heart and soul into this chicken pot pie recipe, and now I wanna know what YOU think! Did you try it? Did your family love it? Was it the best pot pie you’ve ever had (I hope so!)?
Seriously, your feedback means the world to me. Click on the stars below to rate the recipe, and leave a comment to tell me all about your experience. Did you make any fun variations? Did you have any issues? Did you add a secret ingredient that took it over the top?
I read every single comment, and I love hearing from you. So, don’t be shy! Let me know what you think, and help other home cooks discover this amazing chicken pot pie recipe. Happy baking!
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Grandma’s 1 Secret Chicken Pot Pie Recipe That’s Divine
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and comforting classic dish featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, encased in a flaky pie crust.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe Homemade pie dough, chilled (2 crusts)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup butter (75 g)
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced (50 g)
- 1/3 cup onion, chopped (45 g)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (40 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (0.5 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (0.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (1.5 g)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste, or more to taste (5 g)
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 8 ounces frozen veggies (mix of carrots, peas, green beans, and corn) (225 g)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk (15 ml)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to a large saucepan and cover it with water. Bring it to a simmer and cook until it is just barely cooked through then remove the chicken to a plate. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before chopping into bite-size pieces. Reserve about 1 3/4 cups of the water in a measuring cup, and discard the rest.
- Chicken Pot Pie Filling: Add onions, celery and butter to the saucepan and cook for a few minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, bullion paste and celery seed. Slowly stir in the reserved water and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Add chopped chicken and frozen vegetables. Taste and season with more salt, pepper, bouillon or garlic powder if needed. Allow mixture to cool so that it is not hot when poured into the pie crust.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Roll out bottom pie crust: Remove one pie dough from the fridge and place on lightly floured counter. Use a rolling pin to roll dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Place in 9 inch pie pan.
- Assemble: Add cooled chicken pot pie filling. Roll out second pie crust and place over the top of the filling. Seal edges of the two crusts together and crimp them, if desired. Use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the top pie crust to allow steam to escape.
- Egg wash: Whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon milk and brush a very thin layer over the top pie crust before baking.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. If you find the pie crust is browning too quickly, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
- Rest and serve: Allow chicken pot pie to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving, to allow it to set up.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: The chicken filling and pie crust can be made a day or two in advance, stored separately in the fridge, or the whole chicken pot pie could be assembled one day in advance before baking.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze chicken pot pie before or after baking. Cover well with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator then bake as directed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg