Recipe to Make Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie: the very name conjures images of warm kitchens, bubbling pots, and the comforting aroma of savory goodness. It’s a dish that transcends generations, a classic comfort food enjoyed by families for decades. But beyond the nostalgia, there’s a reason chicken pot pie remains a favorite – it’s simply delicious.

This blog post is your one-stop guide to creating the perfect homemade chicken pot pie. We’ll delve into everything you need to know, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to helpful tips and variations. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your soul.

Why Make Chicken Pot Pie From Scratch?

While store-bought pot pies offer a convenient option, there’s something truly special about making your own. Here are just a few reasons to embrace the homemade approach:

Superior Flavor: You control the quality of ingredients, ensuring fresh vegetables, succulent chicken, and a rich, flavorful sauce.
Customization: You can tailor the recipe to your preferences. Don’t like peas? Leave them out! Craving extra veggies? Add some chopped mushrooms or potatoes.
Sense of Accomplishment: There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in creating a delicious and comforting meal from scratch.
Family Fun: Get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Kids can help with tasks like measuring ingredients, stirring the filling, and decorating the pie crust.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Pot Pie

The beauty of chicken pot pie lies in its simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the traditional choice. However, you can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
Vegetables: The classic trio of carrots, peas, and celery forms the base. Feel free to experiment with other veggies like corn, green beans, or chopped mushrooms.
Aromatic Base: Chopped onions provide a foundation of flavor.
Roux: This mixture of butter and flour thickens the sauce and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and celery seed are essential. You can also add dried thyme, poultry seasoning, or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
Liquids: Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, while milk adds creaminess.
Pie Crust: Two unbaked pie crusts are the traditional way to go. You can make your own using our recommended Butter Flaky Pie Crust recipe, or opt for store-bought crusts for convenience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Glory

Now, let’s get down to the fun part – creating your masterpiece! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

Prep Time: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and gather all your ingredients.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Combine cubed chicken, carrots, peas, and celery in a saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Drain the mixture and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: While the chicken simmers, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Create the Roux: Stir the flour into the softened onions, cooking for an additional minute. This roux will thicken the sauce and add richness.
Season and Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Season with salt, pepper, celery seed, and any other desired herbs or spices. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
Assemble the Pie: Place the cooked chicken and vegetables in a greased pie dish. Pour the hot sauce mixture over the top.
Top Crust Magic: Unroll your top pie crust and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal and create a decorative border. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush the top crust with milk or egg wash for a beautiful golden brown finish. Bake the pie for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Cooling and Serving: Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken pot pie warm, with a side salad or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks for Chicken Pot Pie Perfection

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some helpful tips to elevate your homemade chicken pot pie game:

Thicken Your Roux: For an extra-thick and decadent sauce, cook the roux for a minute or two longer after adding the flour. This allows the flour to cook out and creates a richer texture.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Simmering the chicken for 15 minutes should be sufficient. Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy.
Leftover Love: Leftover cooked chicken can be a great time-saver. Shred or chop it and use it in place of cooking fresh chicken breasts. Leftover roasted vegetables can also be incorporated for a unique twist.
Pre-cook Tough Vegetables: If you’re using vegetables that take longer to cook, like corn or green beans, pre-cook them briefly before adding them to the filling. This ensures they’ll be tender by the time the pie finishes baking.
Blind Bake the Bottom Crust (Optional): For a flaky and evenly cooked bottom crust, pre-bake it for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C) before adding the filling. Line the pie crust with parchment paper and pie weights (or dried beans) to prevent the crust from puffing up. Remove the weights and par-baked crust from the oven and let it cool slightly before filling.
Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the top crust with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a splash of water) before baking for a beautiful golden brown color and a glossy sheen.
Vent Strategically: Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Rotate the Pie for Even Browning: For even browning, rotate the pie 180 degrees halfway through baking.
Let it Rest: Once the pie is out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in right away! Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes. This allows the filling to set and prevents a runny mess.

Variations on a Classic: Chicken Pot Pie Adventures

The beauty of chicken pot pie lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature dish:

Supreme Greens: Swap out the peas for a medley of chopped spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for a vibrant and healthy twist.
Hearty Additions: If you’re looking for a more substantial pie, consider adding cooked chopped potatoes or shredded leftover ham.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Herb Heaven: For a fragrant twist, incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the filling.
Seafood Sensation: Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp, scallops, or a combination of your favorite seafood for a delightful alternative.
Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken and create a vegetarian version with a variety of vegetables, lentils, or chickpeas.
Individual Portions: For a fun presentation and portion control, use ramekins or muffin tins to create individual pot pies.

Chicken Pot Pie Pairings: The Perfect Sidekicks

Chicken pot pie is a hearty and satisfying dish on its own. However, if you’re looking to complete the meal, here are some perfect pairings:

Classic Comfort: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing and light accompaniment.
Creamy Dream: Mashed potatoes offer a creamy and comforting side dish that complements the savory pie filling.
Roasted Delight: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli add a healthy and colorful dimension to the meal.
Dinner Roll Magic: Warm dinner rolls provide a perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

The Final Slice: Savor the Comfort of Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

There’s something truly special about a homemade chicken pot pie. It’s a dish that nourishes the body and soul, evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. So, gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and embark on this culinary journey. With a little planning and these helpful tips, you’ll be creating restaurant-worthy chicken pot pies in no time.

Now, go forth and bake! Let the delicious aroma of homemade comfort food fill your kitchen and create lasting memories around the dinner table.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

412	Calories
24g	Fat
30g	Carbs
18g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 412
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g	31%
Saturated Fat 9g	46%
Cholesterol 55mg	18%
Sodium 517mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate 30g	11%
Dietary Fiber 3g	12%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 18g	37%
Vitamin C 6mg	6%
Calcium 53mg	4%
Iron 2mg	13%
Potassium 320mg	7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.