How to Make a Simple Chicken Pot Pie: Comfort Food at Its Best

With all the cold weather that we’re having this week, comfort food may help warm you up just a bit. When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes can beat the hearty and delicious chicken pot pie. This savory pie is a perfect blend of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner idea or want to impress your guests with homemade goodness, learning how to make a simple chicken pot pie is a skill worth mastering. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through the process, so let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups of cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans work well)
• 1/3 cup of butter
• 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth
• 2/3 cup of milk

For the Pastry:

• 1 package of store-bought pie crust (you can use pre-made or make your own)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, usually around 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and dried thyme to create a roux. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
• Add the cooked chicken and mixed vegetables, mixing them evenly into the creamy sauce. Let the filling simmer for a few more minutes, ensuring everything is well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat.

3. Prepare the Pastry:

• If you’re using store-bought pie crust, follow the instructions on the package for a double-crust pie. Typically, this involves placing one crust in the pie dish as the bottom layer.
• If you prefer making your own pastry, roll out the pie crust dough on a floured surface until it’s large enough to cover your pie dish.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Pour the prepared chicken and vegetable filling into the bottom pie crust.
• Cover the filling with the second pie crust if you’re using store-bought crust, or gently place your homemade crust on top.
• Trim any excess crust hanging over the edge and crimp the edges together to seal the pie.

5. Ventilation:

• To allow steam to escape, use a sharp knife to make a few small slits in the top crust. You can also create a decorative design if you like.

6. Bake:

• Place the chicken pot pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

• Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The creamy chicken pot pie is best enjoyed while it’s still warm and comforting.

Tips and Variations:

• Feel free to customize your chicken pot pie by adding other ingredients like mushrooms, celery, or herbs for extra flavor.
• You can also use leftover turkey as a substitute for chicken.
• Serve your chicken pot pie with a side salad or some cranberry sauce for a complete meal.

Now that you know how to make a simple chicken pot pie, you can savor the homemade goodness of this classic comfort dish anytime you like. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Enjoy!