How to Make Classic Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a warm, comforting dish that has been loved by many for generations. It’s perfect for dinner on a chilly evening or when you’re craving a classic homemade meal. Best of all, making chicken pot pie isn’t as hard as you might think! In this blog, we’ll walk you step by step through how to make a delicious, classic chicken pot pie using simple ingredients and easy techniques. Let’s get cooking!
What Is Chicken Pot Pie?
Chicken pot pie is a savory pie filled with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. The filling is surrounded by flaky, golden crust, which makes it both hearty and satisfying. You can make it in a large pie dish or as individual pies—it’s up to you! This recipe is a classic, meaning it uses basic ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
For the crust:
– 2 pre-made pie crusts (you can also use homemade if you prefer!)
For the filling:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup diced potatoes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% is best)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Start by preparing the vegetables. If you’re using fresh carrots, celery, and potatoes, dice them into small pieces. Add the diced vegetables to a pot of boiling water and cook them for 5–7 minutes, or until tender. If you’re using frozen peas in the recipe, you don’t need to boil them—they’ll cook when added to the filling later. Once the fresh vegetables are tender, remove them from the heat, drain the water, and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
The filling is the heart of the chicken pot pie and where all the creamy flavor comes from. To make the filling:
1. In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
2. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture will start to thicken into a creamy sauce.
3. Add salt, pepper, and dried thyme (optional) to season the sauce.
4. Once the sauce is smooth and thick, stir in the cooked chicken and vegetables. Mix well so everything is coated evenly with the sauce. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust
If you’re using pre-made pie crusts, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Roll out one pie crust and place it into a round pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. This will be the base of your pot pie. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges.
Step 4: Assemble the Pot Pie
Pour the filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Make sure you don’t overfill—you want the filling to stay inside the pie while it bakes. Place the second pie crust over the top of the filling to serve as the lid. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie. You can crimp the edges using a fork for a decorative touch. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a few small slits into the top crust. These slits allow steam to escape while the pie cooks, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your assembled chicken pot pie into the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes—if the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve
Once your chicken pot pie is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Cooling allows the filling to thicken and makes it easier to slice. Serve the pot pie warm, and enjoy its comforting creamy filling enveloped in buttery crust. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or bread on the side.
Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re pressed for time, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy option. Simply shred it and add it to your filling.
- Customize the filling: Don’t like peas or carrots? Swap them out for corn, green beans, or mushrooms! Chicken pot pie is versatile, so you can put your favorite veggies in the mix.
- Homemade crust: If you have the time, making your crust from scratch adds an extra layer of deliciousness. You can find simple pie crust recipes online.
Final Thoughts
Making classic chicken pot pie is easier than it looks, and it’s always worth the effort. The combination of flaky crust, creamy filling, and tender chicken is a taste of home in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Now that you know how to make chicken pot pie, it’s time to give it a try! Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake up some warm, hearty goodness. Happy cooking!
