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If you love comforting, hearty meals that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then you absolutely need to try this Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. It’s a classic dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, savory sauce all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity—you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to create a satisfying pot pie that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this recipe. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy sauce makes for a wonderfully satisfying filling, while the buttery pie crust provides that delightful, flaky exterior.
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed: This lean protein becomes tender and juicy, forming the hearty base of the filling.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: Adds sweetness and a lovely bright orange hue, balancing the savory elements beautifully.
- 1 cup frozen green peas: Brings a pop of green color and a touch of fresh, sweet flavor to the mix.
- 0.5 cup sliced celery: Offers a subtle crunch and gentle bitterness, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- 0.333 cup butter: Essential for creating a rich, velvety sauce and ensuring the crust turns golden and flaky.
- 0.333 cup chopped onion: Provides aromatic depth and natural sweetness as it softens during cooking.
- 0.333 cup all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that transforms the stock and milk into a luscious, creamy sauce.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and earthiness.
- 0.25 teaspoon celery seed: Brings an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the celery perfectly.
- 1.75 cups chicken broth: Builds a savory, comforting base for the filling’s sauce.
- 0.666 cup milk: Adds creaminess and smooths out the sauce texture.
- 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts: The flaky, buttery envelope that makes this dish utterly irresistible.
How to Make Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Having everything at hand and an oven ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the cubed chicken, carrots, peas, and celery in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, letting it cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Drain well to remove excess water, ensuring your pot pie filling won’t turn soggy.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
While the chicken and veggies cook, melt the butter over medium heat in a separate saucepan. Add the chopped onion and cook gently until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking unlocks the onion’s sweet depth, which is essential for a rich filling.
Step 4: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and celery seed into the butter and onion mixture. Stir constantly to form a roux, which will thicken your filling sauce without lumps. This step gives your sauce that silky, velvety texture you’ll love.
Step 5: Add Broth and Milk
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk to your roux. Keep stirring as you do this to avoid lumps and let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat. This creamy base is what holds all the flavors together beautifully in your pot pie.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Now for the fun part: fill the bottom pie crust with your cooked chicken and vegetable mixture. Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the filling. Carefully place the second pie crust on top, seal the edges securely, and trim any extra dough. Cut several small slits in the top crust to let steam escape while baking, keeping your crust perfectly crisp and golden.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden-brown crust and the satisfying bubbles escaping from the vents. This signals your pot pie is ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling step helps the filling set slightly, making for clean, beautiful slices that stack nicely on your plate.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Homemade Comfort
Serve your Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe warm, savoring every bite of tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and flaky crust. It’s a dish designed to comfort and delight, perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a bright, herbal note that complements the rich filling wonderfully. If you want a little extra texture, crispy fried onions on top can offer a delicious crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
Pairing your pot pie with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans helps balance the richness of the dish. A light citrus vinaigrette on the salad can add a refreshing lift that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For individual servings, try making mini pot pies using ramekins or muffin tins—perfect for parties or special occasions. You can also cut the pie into squares and serve it as a hearty potluck option, making it easy to share and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover pot pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and remains just as delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble but do not bake the pie, then wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pot pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling bubbling hot—much better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and still deliver great flavor. Just shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Do I have to use frozen peas, or can I use fresh?
Fresh peas would work wonderfully and provide a slightly sweeter taste, but frozen peas are a convenient and cost-effective alternative that still adds great color and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead of regular flour and ensure your pie crust is gluten-free as well.
Is it okay to use canned vegetables instead of fresh?
While you can, fresh or frozen vegetables usually offer a better texture and flavor. Canned veggies tend to be softer, which might result in a mushier filling.
How long can I freeze the pot pie?
You can freeze the unbaked assembled pot pie for up to 2 months. For best flavor and texture, consume it within this time frame.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm, satisfying experience that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this pot pie will become your kitchen’s little secret weapon for amazing homemade comfort food. So go ahead—grab those simple ingredients and start baking your new favorite dish today!
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