Classic Chicken Pot Pie: A Flaky Crust and Savory Filling

Hey there, foodies! Today, I’m going to talk to you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: Classic Chicken Pot Pie. There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked pot pie, with its flaky golden crust and savory filling. It’s the perfect meal for a cold winter night or a rainy day.

Now, I’ll be honest, making a chicken pot pie from scratch can be a bit time-consuming. But trust me when I say it’s worth the effort. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cutting into a homemade pot pie and seeing all the delicious filling spilling out.

Let’s start with the crust. A good pot pie crust should be flaky and buttery, with just the right amount of crunch. I like to use a simple recipe that combines flour, salt, butter, and ice water. You’ll want to make sure the butter is cold when you start, so it doesn’t melt too quickly and ruin the texture of the crust. I usually chill my dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out and placing it in my pie dish.

Chicken Pot Pie
Photo by Klaus Nielsen

Now, on to the filling. For a classic chicken pot pie, you’ll need chicken (duh), vegetables, and a creamy sauce. I like to use a mix of carrots, peas, and potatoes, but you can really use any vegetables you like. The key is to make sure they’re cooked through before you add them to the pie, so they don’t end up undercooked or mushy in the final product.

For the sauce, I start by making a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in chicken broth and milk to create a creamy base. I add in some herbs and spices to give it a little extra flavor, then mix in the cooked chicken and vegetables. Once everything is combined, I pour the mixture into my crust and top it off with another layer of dough.

Then it’s off to the oven! I usually bake my pot pie for about 45 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. It’s important to let the pie cool for a few minutes before cutting into it, so the filling has a chance to set.

And there you have it, folks. Classic Chicken Pot Pie: a flaky crust and savory filling that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day. Give it a try and let me know what you think!