Description

Chicken pot pie is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy, savory filling topped with a flaky pie crust. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike. Whether you use store-bought pie crusts or make your own, this recipe promises a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 cup potato, diced
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrot, diced
1/3 cup melted margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups chicken, cooked and chopped
2 pie crusts (either store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes in melted margarine for about 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to combine. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Gradually add the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
Add Seasoning and Chicken:
- Stir in the salt and pepper, then add the chopped chicken. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a shallow 2-quart casserole dish. Top with the pie crusts, ensuring they cover the filling completely.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
Enjoy:
- Let the pot pie cool slightly before serving. Enjoy a comforting slice of homemade chicken pot pie!

Notes

Serving Tips:

Let It Cool: Allow the chicken pot pie to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Pair with Sides: Serve the pot pie with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top for a burst of color and a touch of freshness.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, allow the pot pie to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings on high for 2-3 minutes, though the crust may not stay as crispy.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw the pot pie in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Following these tips will help you keep your chicken pot pie fresh and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dish for days to come!