How to Make a Delicious Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is one of those classic dishes that can be both comforting and hearty on a cold evening. It's the perfect meal for when you want something warm and satisfying, whether it’s served straight out of the oven or reheated later in the week. This article will walk you through how to create this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients

Here is what you need:

• 1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, diced finely
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as peas or corn)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) of cream of chicken soup
• 1 unbaked pie crust
• Vegetable oil spray or shortening for greasing the dish

For a delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Pot Pie, you will need these ingredients. The key to making this pot pie is getting all your vegetables and meats cooked thoroughly before adding them into the pie crust.

Steps

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove from the pan and set aside once cooked.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add diced onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes or until soft. Stir in carrots and celery and cook for another two minutes. Add a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper to taste.
3. Cook Flour and Cream Soup: In a medium saucepan, mix together the flour and cream soup with chicken broth. Stir well to prevent clumping and let it come to a simmer over low heat for 15 minutes or until thickened.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return all cooked ingredients to the pot including vegetables, chicken, and mixed vegetables. Let this mixture simmer gently for about another five minutes. This allows flavors to meld together before you pour it into your pie crust.
5. Bake Pot Pie: Pour your prepared filling into an unbaked pie crust that has been lightly greased with shortening or sprayed with oil. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Cooking Time: The total preparation time for this chicken pot pie recipe is approximately 60-80 minutes. This includes both cooking the chicken and vegetables as well as baking it in your oven.

Servings: This makes enough Chicken Pot Pie to serve 4 people generously, depending on appetite levels.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all ingredients are fresh and of good quality. A pot pie made with stale or poor-quality ingredients will not taste as delicious.
• Take care when adding the filling to the crust; you want it distributed evenly but not overfilled, which can lead to a soggy top crust.
• Baking time is important. If left in too long, your pot pie may burn; if taken out too soon, it won’t be fully cooked.
• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some chopped herbs like parsley or sage on top before baking.

Conclusion

Chicken Pot Pie is a timeless favorite that every household should have in its recipe repertoire. By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a warm, comforting dish that will leave your family asking for seconds. The combination of tender chicken and rich vegetables wrapped up in a flaky crust makes this meal both delicious and satisfying. Whether you're looking to impress guests or just enjoy a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to please.