Chicken pot pie is a timeless comfort food, loved by many across the world. With its hearty filling of chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, it’s the perfect dish to serve to family or guests. This recipe is an easy version that uses cream of chicken soup to save time, making it quick and simple to prepare. Whether you’re in the US, UK, or Malaysia, this dish will hit the spot!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount (US) | Amount (Metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken (diced) | 2 cups | 475 g |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | 300 g |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 1/2 cups | 225 g |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | 120 ml |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | To taste |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 small | 1 small (about 100 g) |
| Frozen or refrigerated pie crusts | 2 (9-inch) | 2 (23 cm) |
| Butter (optional) | 2 tablespoons | 30 g |
| Garlic powder (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures your pie will bake evenly and the crust will be golden brown.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (30 g) of butter over medium heat (optional, but it adds richness to the filling).
- Add 1 small chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Next, add 475 g of cooked, diced chicken to the pan. If you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey, that works perfectly.
- Add 225 g of frozen mixed vegetables, such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans. These vegetables don’t need to be thawed beforehand.
- Pour in the 300 g can of cream of chicken soup and 120 ml of milk. Stir everything together until it’s well-mixed and smooth. The soup and milk will create a creamy base for the pie filling.
- Season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional, but it adds extra flavor). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out one of the pie crusts (23 cm) and line the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish.
- Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the pie crust. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Place the second pie crust over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers or using a fork to crimp the edges.
- Make 3-4 small slits in the top crust with a knife to allow steam to escape as the pie bakes. This prevents the crust from getting soggy.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown. You may want to cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil after 15 minutes of baking to prevent them from over-browning.
- Once baked, let the pie sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a little, making it easier to slice.
Interesting Info
- The Role of Cream of Chicken Soup: Cream of chicken soup is a great shortcut in this recipe. It gives the filling a creamy texture and rich flavor without the need to make a béchamel sauce. It also adds a familiar, comforting taste to the dish, making it a family favorite.
- The Evolution of Chicken Pot Pie: While chicken pot pie is a beloved American dish, variations of savory pies can be found across many cultures. In the UK, they have pies like chicken and mushroom, while in Australia, they enjoy a meat pie with similar fillings. The creamy, comforting nature of chicken pot pie is universally loved and adapted to local tastes.
- Freezing Your Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken pot pie is freezer-friendly. You can assemble the pie ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, place the pie straight from the freezer into the oven, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
- Can I prepare this chicken pot pie in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake it for 30-35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- What other vegetables can I use in the filling?
- You can swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for fresh veggies such as peas, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, or corn. Just cook them first before adding them to the mixture.
- Can I make my own pie crust instead of buying pre-made ones?
- Absolutely! Homemade pie crust will add an extra layer of flavor and flakiness. You can find many simple pie crust recipes online that require just a few ingredients: flour, butter, and water.
- What kind of chicken should I use?
- You can use any cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken from a previous meal, or even poached chicken. If using uncooked chicken, dice it and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
- Is there a way to make the recipe healthier?
- Yes, you can use a low-fat cream of chicken soup or make your own creamy filling with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative. You can also use a whole-wheat pie crust for added fiber.
Substitute Options
- Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can substitute it with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also try using cooked beef or lamb if you prefer a different flavor.
- Vegetables: Use fresh vegetables such as peas, carrots, potatoes, or corn. If you like, add a handful of spinach, leeks, or celery to mix things up.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: If you want a lighter version, try using cream of mushroom soup or make your own creamy sauce using milk, butter, and flour. You can also use dairy-free cream soups for a non-dairy version.
- Pie Crust: For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pie crust or make your own with gluten-free flour. Alternatively, you can use puff pastry for a lighter, flakier crust.
Tips for Success
- Golden, Flaky Crust: For a beautifully golden crust, brush the top with a little bit of melted butter or an egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water). This will give the crust a shiny finish.
- More Flavor: Feel free to add more seasonings to the filling, such as thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of nutmeg, to give the pie a unique twist. Fresh herbs are also a great addition for added flavor.
- Potato Variations: If you like a more substantial filling, you can add some boiled and diced potatoes to the filling. It will give the pie extra heartiness and make it even more filling.
Chicken pot pie is a perfect comfort food for all occasions, from cozy family dinners to holiday meals. With this simple recipe, you can have a delicious, creamy chicken pot pie on your table in no time. Enjoy!
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