Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Keyword: chicken pot pie

Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food that can warm your heart and soul with its rich flavors and creamy texture. It's the perfect dish to share with friends or family during cold winter nights or simply to enjoy on a quiet evening. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a flaky pastry into one comforting bowl of goodness.

This homemade version takes you back to the days when comfort food was king. The flavors are simple yet rich, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Plus, with its versatility, you can make variations according to your taste preferences or what ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil for sautéing
• All-purpose flour for dusting (optional)
• 2 cups refrigerated pie crust dough, thawed if frozen

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 generous portions

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish that's large enough to hold the entire pie comfortably. You can use an oven-safe casserole or a deep-dish round pan.

Begin by browning the chicken in butter or olive oil over medium heat until it is golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they soften slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Once the veggies are soft, return the cooked chicken to the pan along with any juices that may have accumulated during cooking. Stir in the flour, allowing it to coat everything evenly, before slowly incorporating the chicken broth and cream/half-and-half into the mixture. Allow this sauce to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until thickened.

Season the pot pie filling with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Once you have achieved a satisfying flavor balance, remove it from the heat and let everything cool down slightly before pouring it into the prepared baking dish.

Now comes one of the most crucial steps: making the top crust. Roll out half of the refrigerated pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface until it is large enough to cover your pot pie filling in the dish, leaving some excess hanging over the edges for an attractive appearance and added protection against leaking sauce.

Place this top layer over the chicken mixture, then carefully fold or crimp the edges of both layers together using your fingers or a fork. You can create decorative cuts or lattice patterns if you'd like to give it that extra flair.

Baking & Serving

Transfer the assembled pot pie back into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, allowing time for both the bottom pastry crust and the top layer to become golden brown. Keep an eye on it during this process to ensure it doesn’t over-brown too quickly.

Once done, allow your homemade chicken pot pie to rest in the warm oven or on a heat-safe surface for at least 10 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for an extra boost of nutrients and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, you could add some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while sautéing the vegetables.
• If desired, increase the volume of mixed frozen veggies to add more color and texture variation.
• Swap out chicken for turkey, pork, or any other lean protein that fits your dietary needs.

Enjoy this delightful dish made entirely from scratch. Not only does it taste amazing but also brings back childhood memories and provides a delicious break from fast food. Whether you're looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, homemade chicken pot pie is an excellent choice for any occasion!