Savory Chicken Pot Pie Recipes for a Classic Comfort Food

Pot pies are a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. The savory flavors, tender meats, and hearty vegetables make it not only delicious but also a well-rounded and healthy meal. One of the most loved variations of this dish is chicken pot pie. It is a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or even a warm cozy night in. In this article, we will explore some of the best savory chicken pot pie recipes that will leave you and your loved ones feeling satisfied.

Chicken Pot Pie: A Culinary Classic

Chicken pot pie has been around for ages, and it’s not difficult to see why. This hearty dish combines the goodness of tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and savory gravy all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust that provides the perfect balance of texture and flavor. While this dish is typically associated with comfort food, it is a versatile and nourishing meal that can also provide plenty of nutrients.

Preparing the Filling

The choice of ingredients for the filling can often make or break this dish. Here are some basic ingredients that you will need:

Chicken: boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well in this dish.
Vegetables: onion, carrot, celery, and peas are the classic combination of veggies used in a chicken pot pie recipe.
Herbs: thyme, sage, and rosemary are the essential herbs used in the dish.
Seasonings: salt, pepper, and garlic powder are commonly used to season the filling.
Flour: flour is used to thicken the gravy that binds the filling together.
Milk: milk is used for the creamy and rich sauce in the filling.

To prepare the filling, preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by cooking the chicken in a saucepan until it turns golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they turn soft. Add in the herbs, seasonings, and flour, and stir till the mixture turns golden brown. Next, stir in the milk and simmer the mixture until it thickens. Lastly, add in the cooked chicken and the peas and let the filling simmer for a few more minutes.

Preparing the Crust

The crust is the crowning glory of this dish, and it’s essential to get it right. Here’s how to prepare a perfect crust:

Flour: You can use all-purpose flour or pastry flour.
Butter: unsalted butter works best for this recipe.
Cold water: cold water ensures that the dough holds together.
Seasonings: salt and a pinch of sugar add flavor to the crust.

To make the crust, start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add in the butter and mix with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture has pea-sized clumps. Gradually add in the cold water until the mixture starts to come together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it for about 20 minutes.

Combining the Filling and Crust

Now that you have a perfectly prepared filling and crust, the last step is to combine them so that you can bake the pie. Here’s how to do it:

Roll out the dough: roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle.
Pie dish: place the dough in a 9-inch pie dish.
Filling: pour the filling into the crust.
Second dough layer: roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips.
Top crust: place the strips on top of the filling to create a lattice pattern. Seal the edges of the crust.
Egg wash: beat an egg and brush it lightly over the top crust.
Baking:Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the pot pie for around 50 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.

Unique Chicken Pot Pie Recipes

Here are some unique chicken pot pie recipes you can try:

1. Mexican Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe gives a twist to the classic American chicken pot pie by adding a Mexican touch to it. To prepare the filling, add cilantro, corn, black beans, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. For the crust, you can use masa harina flour, which has a unique flavor that complements the spices in the filling.

2. Tomato Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe adds a touch of tangy freshness to the classic pot pie by adding tomatoes to the filling. You can use canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes that are finely chopped. For extra flavor, add basil leaves and mozzarella cheese. Top it off by adding a layer of crushed croutons on the crust before baking, which gives a pleasant crunch to the pie.

3. Curry Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe gives a spin to the classic pot pie by adding Indian flavors to it. To prepare the filling, add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander to the vegetables, and add coconut milk instead of regular milk. You can also add diced potatoes and butternut squash to the filling to make it heartier.

Conclusion

Savory chicken pot pies are a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by many. The dish is versatile and adaptable, allowing chefs to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. With this guide, you can prepare a mouth-watering chicken pot pie that can be shared with friends and family. Whether you choose to go with the classic recipe or add your twist to it, a chicken pot pie is a dish that will always remain a favorite.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of savory chicken pot pie recipes. We hope that you have found inspiration for your next meal and that you enjoyed learning about this culinary classic.