Cooking chicken pot pie from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor with family and friends. This classic comfort food dish is a staple of many cuisines around the world, and with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Understanding the Basics of Chicken Pot Pie
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the basic components of a traditional chicken pot pie. This dish typically consists of a filling made with chicken, vegetables, and a rich and creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky and buttery pastry crust. The filling is usually made with a combination of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, along with some diced chicken and a can of mixed vegetables. The sauce is typically made with a mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream, along with some flour and butter to thicken it up.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to making a great chicken pot pie, the ingredients you choose are just as important as the recipe itself. Here are a few tips for selecting the best ingredients for your dish:
- Use high-quality chicken: Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs that are fresh and have no added hormones or preservatives.
- Choose the right vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery are the classic choices for chicken pot pie, but you can also add other vegetables like peas, corn, and mushrooms to suit your taste.
- Select a good pastry dough: You can either make your own pastry dough from scratch or use a store-bought variety. Look for a dough that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a flaky and buttery texture.
Homemade Pastry Dough vs. Store-Bought
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when making chicken pot pie is whether to use homemade pastry dough or a store-bought variety. Here are a few pros and cons of each option to consider:
- Homemade pastry dough:
- Pros: Allows for complete control over ingredients and texture, can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
- Cons: Requires more time and effort to make, can be tricky to get the right texture and consistency.
- Store-bought pastry dough:
- Pros: Quick and easy to use, convenient for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Cons: May contain preservatives or additives, can be more expensive than making your own dough.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Pot Pie from Scratch
Now that we’ve covered the basics and discussed the importance of choosing the right ingredients, let’s move on to the recipe itself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making chicken pot pie from scratch:
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
To make the pastry dough, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl, then add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
To make the filling, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, and carrots)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery in butter until they’re tender and lightly browned. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, then stir in the mixed vegetables, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it’s heated through, then stir in the flour and butter until the sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
To assemble the pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the pastry crust)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon milk
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Spoon the filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish, then brush the edges of the pastry dough with the beaten egg. Place the pastry dough over the filling and trim the edges to fit. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle with a little water and milk.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making chicken pot pie:
- Use a variety of vegetables: While the classic combination of onions, carrots, and celery is delicious, you can also add other vegetables like peas, corn, and mushrooms to suit your taste.
- Add some spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to your chicken pot pie.
- Try a different type of pastry dough: While traditional pastry dough is delicious, you can also try using a puff pastry or a gluten-free pastry dough to mix things up.
- Make individual pies: Instead of making one large pie, you can also make individual pies in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This is a great option for a dinner party or special occasion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making chicken pot pie:
- Overworking the pastry dough: This can cause the dough to become tough and dense, rather than flaky and buttery.
- Not cooking the filling long enough: This can cause the filling to be cold and congealed in the center of the pie.
- Not brushing the pastry crust with egg: This can cause the crust to be pale and unappetizing, rather than golden brown and delicious.
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a delicious and satisfying chicken pot pie that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Happy cooking!
What are the essential ingredients for making a chicken pot pie from scratch?
To make a delicious chicken pot pie from scratch, you will need a few essential ingredients. These include boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, frozen mixed vegetables, all-purpose flour, butter, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. You will also need chicken broth and heavy cream or milk to create a rich and creamy filling. Additionally, you will need puff pastry or pie crust to cover the pie.
It’s worth noting that you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn, or use different seasonings like thyme or rosemary. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or turkey if you have some on hand.
How do I make the filling for the chicken pot pie?
To make the filling for the chicken pot pie, start by sautéing the onions and garlic in butter until they are softened. Then, add the chicken and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Next, add the frozen mixed vegetables, chicken broth, and heavy cream or milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. Season the filling with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Once the filling is cooked, let it cool to room temperature. This is an important step, as you don’t want to add the filling to the pie crust while it’s still hot. If you do, the crust may become soggy or fall apart. By letting the filling cool, you can ensure that your pie turns out flaky and delicious.
What type of pastry is best for a chicken pot pie?
The best type of pastry for a chicken pot pie is puff pastry or pie crust. Puff pastry is a flaky, buttery pastry that is perfect for covering the pie and creating a golden-brown crust. Pie crust, on the other hand, is a more traditional choice for pot pies and can be made from scratch or store-bought. Both options work well, but puff pastry is often preferred for its ease of use and delicious flavor.
When using puff pastry, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions. You can also make your own puff pastry from scratch, but this can be a time-consuming process. If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and delicious alternative.
How do I assemble the chicken pot pie?
To assemble the chicken pot pie, start by rolling out the puff pastry or pie crust to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place the cooled filling in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Brush the edges of the pastry with a little bit of water, then place the other half of the pastry on top of the filling. Press the edges of the pastry together to seal the pie, then use a knife or pastry brush to create a decorative border.
Make sure to cut a few slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking. This will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy or exploding in the oven. You can also brush the top of the pie with a little bit of egg wash or milk to give it a golden-brown color.
How long does it take to bake a chicken pot pie?
The baking time for a chicken pot pie will depend on the size of the pie and the temperature of your oven. As a general rule, a small pie will take about 25-30 minutes to bake, while a larger pie will take about 40-45 minutes. You can bake the pie at a temperature of 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (200°C) for a crisper crust.
Make sure to check the pie regularly during baking to ensure that the crust is not becoming too brown. You can cover the edges of the pie with foil if they start to brown too quickly. When the pie is done, it should be golden brown and the filling should be hot and bubbly.
Can I make individual chicken pot pies?
Yes, you can make individual chicken pot pies using the same ingredients and instructions as the large pie. Simply divide the filling among several small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, then top each one with a piece of puff pastry or pie crust. Brush the edges of the pastry with a little bit of water, then press the edges together to seal the pie.
Baking time for individual pies will be shorter than for a large pie. As a general rule, individual pies will take about 15-20 minutes to bake at a temperature of 375°F (190°C). You can also make individual pies ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Simply thaw the frozen pies overnight in the refrigerator, then bake them in the oven until golden brown.
How do I store leftover chicken pot pie?
Leftover chicken pot pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the pie in the refrigerator, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To freeze the pie, let it cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to reheat the pie, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat the pie in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the filling.