Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe (From Scratch)
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Delight in the comforting flavors of this Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, crafted from scratch with a buttery, flaky crust and a rich filling of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table and is sure to become a beloved favorite.
This homemade chicken pot pie is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and seasonal vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, all encased in a golden, buttery crust.
The Comfort of Homemade Meals
There's something uniquely fulfilling about creating a meal from scratch, and this Homemade Chicken Pot Pie embodies that comfort beautifully. The buttery, flaky crust, combined with a rich filling of tender chicken and fresh vegetables, delivers a sense of warmth that is hard to replicate with pre-made options. Whether it's a weekday dinner or a special occasion, making this pot pie fills your home with delightful aromas that invite everyone to gather around the table.
Cooking from scratch not only allows you to control the quality of the ingredients, but it also enables you to customize the flavors to suit your family's preferences. Imagine substituting your favorite vegetables or adding a touch of herbs to elevate the overall taste. Each pie can be a unique expression of your culinary creativity while still providing the comforting, satisfying experience that everyone loves.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Your Pot Pie
To achieve that perfect flaky crust, ensure your butter is truly cold before mixing. This temperature difference helps create those desirable layers that make for a wonderfully textured crust. Additionally, handling the dough as little as possible will prevent it from becoming tough, so work quickly and gently.
When preparing your filling, choose a mix of colorful vegetables not only for their flavors but also for their nutritional benefits. Carrots, peas, and celery provide vibrant color and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious. Don’t forget to taste your filling as you go; adjustments with salt and spices can make all the difference!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, complement it with a simple salad or a side of steamed greens for a complete meal. A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy goodness of the pie. Toss together mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for an easy side dish that can elevate your dinner.
For a comforting touch, consider pairing the pot pie with a glass of chilled white wine or a warm herbal tea. These beverages not only enhance the meal but also add to the overall dining experience, making your dinner feel even more special. Present the pie in the pan you baked it in, and watch as everyone eagerly serves themselves a generous slice.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before you begin:
For the crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
Make sure everything is fresh and ready!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfect chicken pot pie:
Make the crust
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Prepare the filling
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, peas, and celery, and cook until tender. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in the chicken.
Assemble the pie
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out half of the dough to fit a pie pan. Add the filling and cover with the remaining rolled-out dough. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your homemade chicken pot pie!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers after enjoying your Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, storing them properly is key to maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. Allow the pie to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can safely be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When it comes time to reheat, the oven is your best friend for preserving that flaky crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the pot pie for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave individual slices, but be mindful that this may result in a softer crust.
Variations to Try
One of the wonderful aspects of homemade chicken pot pie is its versatility. Feel free to switch out the chicken for other proteins like turkey or even a meat-free option such as tofu or tempeh. A variety of vegetables can also be used, such as corn, green beans, or mushrooms, depending on what's in season or what you have on hand.
For spice lovers, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the filling. This added heat can enhance the flavors and provide a new twist on the classic recipe, exciting your taste buds and keeping the meal interesting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought pie crusts?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crusts to save time.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe (From Scratch)
Delight in the comforting flavors of this Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, crafted from scratch with a buttery, flaky crust and a rich filling of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table and is sure to become a beloved favorite.
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, peas, and celery, and cook until tender. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in the chicken.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out half of the dough to fit a pie pan. Add the filling and cover with the remaining rolled-out dough. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g