Master the art of chicken pot pie: a step-by-step guide to homemade delights

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting chicken pot pie. This classic dish is a staple in many homes, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a family meal. If you’re looking for the best chicken pot pie recipe homemade, you’ve come to the right place.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups (720g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup (240g) frozen peas
• 1/2 cup (120g) chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

For the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For the Filling:

1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
7. Add the chicken and peas and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
8. Stir in the parsley.

To Assemble the Pot Pie:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch (30cm) circle.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch (23cm) pie plate.
4. Trim the edges and crimp to seal.
5. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
6. Roll out the remaining dough to a 10-inch (25cm) circle.
7. Cut the dough into strips and place over the filling in a lattice pattern.
8. Trim the edges and crimp to seal.
9. Brush the crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water).
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Tips for the Perfect Pot Pie

• Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or boil your own.
• You can add other vegetables to your pot pie, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
• If you don’t have time to make your own crust, you can use a store-bought crust.
• Let the pot pie rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Variations on the Classic

• Add a creamy sauce to your pot pie by stirring in 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream to the filling.
• For a cheesy pot pie, sprinkle 1 cup (240g) of shredded cheddar cheese over the filling before baking.
• Add a crunchy topping to your pot pie by sprinkling 1/2 cup (120g) of crushed Ritz crackers over the crust before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chicken pot pie with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.
• For a complete meal, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

The Ultimate Comfort Food

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this chicken pot pie recipe homemade is sure to become a family favorite. Its warm, comforting flavors and flaky crust will make it a dish that everyone will enjoy. So next time you’re craving a taste of home, give this recipe a try.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the filling up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Q: Can I freeze chicken pot pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before freezing.

Q: How do I reheat chicken pot pie?
A: You can reheat chicken pot pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave on the defrost setting until warmed through.