Craving a warm, comforting meal that tastes like a hug? Look no further than this incredibly easy and delicious chicken pot pie recipe! Forget those soggy-bottomed disappointments from the freezer aisle; this homemade version is bursting with flavour, tender chicken, and a flaky, golden crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and a showstopper for any family gathering. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings.
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
For the Crust:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (two crusts)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This simple step builds the flavor base of your delicious dish.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This creates a creamy, flavorful sauce for your pot pie.
Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
Stir in the cooked chicken, peas, corn, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using, stir in the heavy cream for extra richness.
Step 4: Assembling and Baking the Pot Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the chicken filling into a 9-inch pie dish. Top with one pie crust, crimping the edges to seal. You can cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, creating a beautifully browned crust. For an extra-flaky crust, brush the top with a little milk or egg wash.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pot pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pot Pie:
- Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves valuable time and effort!
- Homemade crust: For a truly impressive pot pie, try making your own pie crust from scratch. Many easy recipes are available online.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans to customize your pot pie.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on crust and added ingredients) Protein: 25-30g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy chicken pot pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a healthy meal option that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade cooking with this simple and delicious dish. Happy cooking!