Greetings to all foodies out there! If you love comfort food and the idea of sinking your teeth into a creamy, hearty pie, then you have come to the right place. Today, we will be sharing with you the step-by-step guide on how to make a chicken pot pie that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Steps how to make a chicken pot pie
Step 1: Making the Pie Crust
The foundation of every pie is the crust, and the same goes for a chicken pot pie. To start, combine 2 and 1/2 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Cut 1 cup of unsalted butter into cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into disks. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
While the dough is chilling, it’s time to prepare the filling. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken and stir to combine.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
For the sauce, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices of your preference.
Step 4: Combining the Filling and Sauce
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Roll Out the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Take one dough disk out of the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Roll until the dough is around a quarter of an inch thick. Roll the dough onto the rolling pin and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
Step 6: Assembling the Pie
Pour the chicken filling into the pie dish and smooth out the top. Roll out the second dough disk and place it on top of the filling. Trim the edges and crimp to seal. Use a sharp knife to make several slits on top of the crust.
Step 7: Egg Wash
Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the mixture over the top of the crust. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color after baking.
Step 8: Baking
Bake the chicken pot pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 9: Rest Time
Let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and create a less messy and more satisfying eating experience.
Step 10: Serving Tips
Garnish your chicken pot pie with some fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley before serving. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Step 11: Storage Tips
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Step 12: Enjoy!
Now that you have gone through all the steps to make this delicious chicken pot pie, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Explanation how to make a chicken pot pie
Chicken pot pie is a classic American dish that is perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you’re craving some comfort food. The key to a great chicken pot pie is in the crust and the filling. The crust should be flaky and buttery, while the filling should be creamy, hearty, and flavorful.
To achieve a perfect crust, it’s important to use cold butter and cold water. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly and keeps the dough from becoming too tough. You should also refrigerate the dough before using it to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
For the filling, use shredded cooked chicken and a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, and peas. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor. The sauce is a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream, which creates a rich and creamy filling for the pie.
When assembling the pie, make sure to pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture and stir well. This ensures that each bite has a good balance of chicken, vegetables, and sauce. Brushing the egg wash on the crust before baking gives it a glossy sheen and a beautiful golden-brown color.
Remember to let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and create a more satisfying eating experience. A slice of warm chicken pot pie with a flaky crust and creamy filling is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Tips and Tricks how to Make a Chicken Pot Pie
1. Use store-bought crust –
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch.
2. Pre-Cook Vegetables –
Pre-cook hard vegetables like carrots and celery before adding them to the filling to ensure they are cooked through.
3. Leftover Chicken –
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal.
4. Thicken Sauce –
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the sauce to thicken it up.
5. Different Seasonings –
Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor to the filling, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage.
6. Add Cheese –
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top of the filling before adding the top crust for a cheesy twist.
7. Cut Vegetables in Similar Sizes –
Cut the vegetables into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
8. Use Rotisserie Chicken –
Save time by using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.
9. Avoid Over Filling –
Do not overfill the pie, leave some space for the filling to expand while it cooks.
10. Customize –
Make this recipe your own by adding your favorite vegetables or seasoning.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Making a Chicken Pot Pie
Advantages:
1. Delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for cold weather.
2. Versatile recipe that can be modified to include different vegetables, herbs, and seasonings based on personal taste preferences.
3. Economical meal that can be made using cheaper cuts of meat.
4. Leftovers can be stored and eaten later as a quick and easy meal option.
5. Can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed, making it a great option for entertaining.
6. High protein content from the chicken and other ingredients.
7. Can be a fun activity to do with friends or family, and a great way to teach kids how to cook.
8. Requires only common kitchen utensils and a baking dish to prepare.
9. Can be a healthy meal option if the ingredients are carefully chosen and portioned.
10. Delicious leftovers can be used for sandwiches or as a filling for other dishes.
Disadvantages:
1. Can be time-consuming and requires preparation of multiple ingredients.
2. May require special equipment, such as a pastry blender or rolling pin for making the crust.
3. High calorie content from the butter and flour used in the crust and the addition of cream or milk to the filling.
4. Can be difficult to get a perfectly flaky crust or evenly cooked filling.
5. May require some experience in making pastry dough and the technical steps involved in working with it.
6. Can be messy with flour and ingredients spread around the kitchen, requiring clean-up time.
7. May not be as flavorful if the ingredients are not seasoned appropriately.
8. Can be difficult to customize for individual dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegan diets.
9. May require trial and error to get the recipe just right for individual tastes.
10. Requires a good balance of ingredients to keep the filling from becoming too dry or too runny.
FAQ
1. What is a chicken pot pie?
A chicken pot pie is a savory pastry dish made with a creamy filling of chicken, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in a warm flaky crust.
2. What ingredients do I need to make a chicken pot pie?
You will need ingredients such as cooked chicken, vegetables (carrots, peas, onion), spices (salt, pepper, thyme), chicken broth, all-purpose flour, and butter among others.
3. Can I use store-bought pie crusts?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crusts for convenience, or you can make your own pie crust from scratch.
4. How do I make the pie crust?
To make your own pie crust, you will need all-purpose flour, cold butter, salt, and cold water. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Drizzle the cold water and mix until the dough forms, chill the dough before rolling it out.
5. How do I make the filling?
To make the filling, sauté the vegetables in butter until soft, stir in flour and spices, then slowly add the chicken broth until the mixture thickens. Add cooked chicken and stir until evenly coated.
6. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use other meats such as beef, turkey, and even seafood for a different variation.
7. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the pot pie.
8. Can I freeze the pot pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pot pie before baking it. Wrap the assembled pie in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake the frozen pot pie at 375°F for about 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
9. What can I serve with chicken pot pie?
Chicken pot pie goes well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
10. Can I make individual pot pies instead of one large pie?
Yes, you can make individual pot pies by using ramekins or small pie dishes and dividing the crust and filling into smaller portions.
11. How long does it take to bake a chicken pot pie?
It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake a chicken pot pie, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.
12. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
13. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent the crust from getting soggy, brush the bottom of the crust with a beaten egg before adding the filling. Also, make sure the filling is thick and not watery, as this can cause the crust to get soggy.
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed anytime of the year. Whether you are an experienced home cook or a beginner, you can easily make this hearty dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a chicken pot pie that will delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones.
Conclusion how to make a chicken pot pie
Firstly, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. The main ingredients for the filling are chicken breast, frozen mixed vegetables, onion, garlic, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasoning. For the crust, you will need flour, butter, salt, and ice water. Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start preparing your chicken pot pie.
You will need to start by cooking the chicken breast. You can either grill or bake the chicken until it is cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into pieces and set it aside. In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft and translucent. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook them until they are heated through. Then, add the flour and stir until it is well combined with the vegetables.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the shredded chicken into the pan and stir until the filling is well combined. Let the filling cool down while you prepare the crust.
To make the crust, combine flour, butter and salt in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add ice water to the mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough into a circle that fits your pie dish.
Pour the chicken filling into the pie dish and cover it with the rolled out dough. Trim off any excess dough and crimp the edges with a fork. Make a few slits on the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. Bake the chicken pot pie in a preheated oven on 375 F (190 C) for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Closing how to make a chicken pot pie
Congratulations! You have successfully made a delicious chicken pot pie from scratch. This recipe may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you will be able to make this tasty dish in no time. Experiment with different seasonings and fillings to find your perfect chicken pot pie recipe. Enjoy your meal and thank you for reading this article!
Until next time,
The Kitchen Enthusiast