Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that the whole family will devour? Look no further than this easy Cheddar Bay Pot Pie recipe! This twist on a classic combines the irresistible cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay biscuits with the hearty warmth of a pot pie. It's a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Let's get started on this healthy and delicious homemade meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and corn
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits (Cheddar Bay biscuits recommended)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This simple step builds the flavor base of our delicious dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes more. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked for food safety.
Step 3: Simmer the Filling
Pour in the chicken broth, peas, corn, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Pot Pie
Cut each biscuit into quarters. Arrange the biscuit pieces on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This creates a wonderfully golden crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This easy recipe is best enjoyed warm, making it a perfect quick dinner idea.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the pot pie, such as potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the biscuits.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and other cheeses.
Variations:
- Spicy Cheddar Bay Pot Pie: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.
- Vegetarian Cheddar Bay Pot Pie: Replace the chicken with 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas.
- Turkey Cheddar Bay Pot Pie: Substitute cooked turkey for the chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal option, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of cheesy biscuits and savory chicken and vegetable filling makes this a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your homemade culinary creation!