Perfect Cream of Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Table of Contents
There’s something truly comforting about the warm, golden crust of a chicken pot pie. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a reminder of home, family gatherings, and the love that goes into preparing a meal. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a cozy weekend dinner, nothing compares to the savory, creamy filling tucked inside a flaky crust. If you’re craving this classic dish, look no further – this Cream of Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Cream of Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare a creamy, delicious chicken pot pie with ease. From selecting the right ingredients to baking the perfect pie, we’ll walk you through each step, offering expert tips and nutritional insights along the way. By the end, you’ll have a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Cream of Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
This recipe is more than just a standard chicken pot pie. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re short on time or hosting a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a perfect choice. The use of simple pantry ingredients ensures that you don’t have to go searching for exotic items, and the step-by-step process makes preparation effortless.
Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Convenience: With easy-to-find ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, Creamy Filling: Thanks to the combination of cream of chicken soup and heavy cream, the filling is rich, flavorful, and indulgent.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences, whether it’s adding different vegetables or trying a homemade pie crust.
Ingredients
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to create your creamy chicken pot pie.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitutions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken (shredded) | 2 cups | Use rotisserie chicken for convenience |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Homemade or store-bought works well |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 ½ cups | Fresh vegetables can also be used |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Adjust for desired consistency |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Milk or half-and-half can be used |
| Puff pastry or pie crust | 1 sheet | Use a store-bought or homemade option |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Adds richness and flavor |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | Optional, but enhances the flavor |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Adds depth to the flavor |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust to your taste preference |
Direction: Cream of Chicken Pot Pie
1: Preparing the Filling
Start by heating butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing them until they become fragrant and soft. This usually takes about 3 minutes.
Once the onions and garlic are ready, stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the frozen mixed vegetables. Allow the chicken and vegetables to warm up together for another 3 to 4 minutes. Then, it’s time to create the creamy base.
Pour in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring everything until it’s fully combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5-7 minutes until the filling has thickened and become creamy. At this point, season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary for flavor.
2: Assembling the Pot Pie
Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your pie dish by rolling out your puff pastry or pie crust. Gently place the dough over a greased 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it fits snugly. If you’re using puff pastry, press down the edges to seal it properly. Now it’s time to add the creamy chicken filling to the dish.
Pour the mixture you just made into the pie dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure a smooth, level surface. Once the filling is in place, it’s time to cover it. Place the second sheet of puff pastry or pie crust over the filling, making sure the edges are sealed well. For an extra touch, you can use a fork to crimp the edges, giving your pot pie a decorative finish. Finally, brush the top with an egg wash (a mixture of a beaten egg and a splash of water) to help the crust achieve a golden, shiny finish when baked.
3: Baking to Perfection
Now that your pot pie is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns a rich, golden brown and the filling starts to bubble up around the edges.
Once it’s done, carefully remove the pot pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve without making a mess. After it has cooled slightly, your delicious homemade cream of chicken pot pie is ready to be enjoyed!
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Pot Pie
To make sure your pot pie turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to help elevate the dish:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save you valuable minutes and still provide great flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the pie in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed. This is perfect for meal prep or a busy evening.
- Get Creative with Vegetables: Feel free to swap the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites. Add mushrooms, peas, carrots, or even corn to create your ideal filling.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. You can freeze one pie for later, making it a convenient meal for another time.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This chicken pot pie pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the richness of the pot pie.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted carrots, zucchini, or green beans can balance the richness of the pie.
- Green Salad: A crisp, tangy salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty pie.
For drinks, a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea will round out the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any leftover pie, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispness of the crust.
- Freezing: If you want to make a pie ahead of time, you can freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Just bake it directly from the freezer for 40-45 minutes or until golden.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
If you’re keeping track of your nutrition, here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fats | 22g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | ~850mg |
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Enjoy Your Homemade Comfort Food!
With this recipe in your arsenal, you’re ready to make a comforting and indulgent chicken pot pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to bring smiles around the table. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process and making something that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Don’t forget to get creative with your fillings and share your delicious results with family and friends!
