Hearty Chicken Pot Pie (With a Flaky Herb Crust)

Recipe Introduction: Hearty Chicken Pot Pie

Honestly, who doesn't love a good pot pie? i'm talking about those dinner recipes that just wrap you up in a warm hug.

This isn't just any pot pie; it’s a hearty chicken pot pie with a flaky herb crust. we’re aiming for maximum comfort and flavour here, folks.

This comforting classic has been around for ages, popping up in various cultures around the world in different forms. think of it as the ultimate peasant food, elevated.

This version is a bit of a labour of love, ranking at a medium difficulty level, and taking around an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish.

But trust me, it’s so worth it. this recipe yields 6 generous servings, perfect for a family yummy meals night or a gathering with mates.

What Makes This Chicken Pot Pie Special?

I'm all about sneaking in some extra goodness, so this pot pie is packed with veggies. a boost of vitamins without sacrificing flavour.

A study on comfort food revealed that 74% of respondents choose meals that evoke feelings of nostalgia. that is amazing! speaking of good for-you, maybe you can classify this under skinnytaste recipes or weight watchers recipes dinner if you go easy on the cream.

This recipe is really special for many reasons but mainly because it is one of the cheap summer meals , perfect for a warm summer night, or any other season of the year.

Now, let's talk about that crust.

Okay, let's dive into what makes this Chicken Pot Pie tick! We're going to break down the essential bits: ingredients and equipment. I'm aiming for a proper hug in a bowl, yeah?

Ingredients & Equipment: Chicken Pot Pie Edition

Main Ingredients

Right, so, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's what you need for this glorious Chicken Pot Pie:

For that Amazing Crust:

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g) .
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . A pinch is fine!
• Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (226g) , properly cold!
• Ice water: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon (5g) , chopped.
• Fresh rosemary: 1 tablespoon (5g) , chopped.
• Large egg: 1 , beaten.

Quality check on the butter: Seriously, don't skimp here. Proper butter makes ALL the difference. Look for a good quality, European style butter if you can. It will be richer and flakier.

For the Chicken-y Goodness Filling:

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
• Large yellow onion: 1 , chopped.
• Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped.
• Celery stalks: 2 , chopped.
• Cremini mushrooms: 8 ounces (225g) , sliced.
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
• Dried rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) .
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) .
• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) .
• Chicken broth, low sodium: 4 cups (950ml) .
• Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) .
• Cooked chicken, shredded: 2 cups (300g) .
• Frozen peas: 1 cup (150g) .
• Frozen corn: 1/2 cup (75g) .
• Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup (5g) , chopped.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Chicken Tip: Rotisserie chicken from the supermarket is a total lifesaver here! Seriously!

Seasoning Notes

Spice Up Your Life:

• Thyme and Rosemary: This combo is an absolute classic for Skinnytaste Recipes and pot pies. It smells divine!
• Flavor Enhancers: I'm a big fan of a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce in the filling. Just a teensy bit.
• Aromatics: A clove of minced garlic added with the onions? YES, please! Adds a lovely depth.
• Substitution Options: No fresh herbs? Use dried. Just remember, dried is stronger! Halve the amount.

Quick swaps: If you don't have thyme, savory is a decent swap!

I love this yummy meal . It is one of my fav dinner recipes .

Equipment Needed

Okay, let's keep this simple, yeah? No need for fancy gear.

• Large bowl: For the crust.
• Pastry blender/food processor: (Optional) for making the crust. Hands work fine too!
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough, obvs.
• 9 inch pie plate: Glass, ceramic, whatever you fancy.
• Large skillet or Dutch oven: For the filling.
• Baking sheet: To catch any drips.

Household Alternatives: Don't have a rolling pin? A wine bottle will do in a pinch! No pie plate? Use an oven safe skillet. Seriously, easy summer dinner recipes should be like that.

We could even call it bang bang chicken bowl . I think this pot pie is a pretty great recipe for the Weight Watchers Recipes Dinner lineup.

There you have it. Proper, warming grub!

Alright, let's get this dinner party started! we are diving into a classic, like a warm hug on a cold day: hearty chicken pot pie.

I've gone for something comforting, yet easily adaptable think mary berry meets a relaxed weeknight. you know? comfort food at its finest! this recipe aims to be clear, approachable, and darn tasty.

Chicken Pot Pie: Prep Like a Pro

Let’s get organised! mise en place is key. basically, chop all your veggies and measure out your ingredients before you start cooking.

Honestly, it saves so much time. for the crust, make sure that butter is seriously cold think straight from-the-freezer cold for that beautiful flaky texture.

No one wants a soggy bottom!

Time Saving Tips and Safety Reminders

Want to save some precious time? buy a rotisserie chicken. this step helps create skinnytaste recipes. no shame in a shortcut! when handling the raw chicken, wash your hands, surfaces, and utensils to prevent cross contamination.

This is a tip for all dinner recipes, isn't it?

step-by-step to Pot Pie Perfection

Here's how we are gonna do it.

1. Make the Crust: Combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp thyme, and 1 tbsp rosemary. Cut in 1 cup cold butter. Mix in 1/2 cup ice water. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks. Cook until soft. Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms; cook until browned.
3. Spice Things Up: Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp rosemary, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add 1/4 cup flour; cook for 1 minute.
4. Sauce It Up: Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken broth. Simmer until thick. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream.
5. Add the Goodies: Stir in 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup peas, 1/2 cup corn, and 1/4 cup parsley.
6. Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 400° F (200° C ). Roll out dough. Transfer to pie plate.
7. Fill and Bake: Pour in filling. Brush crust with egg wash. Cut slits in top. Bake for 30- 45 minutes. The crust should be golden. This is an important step for making yummy meals
8. Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly before diving in.

Pro Tips for a Bangin’ Pot Pie

Wanna take your pot pie to the next level? a little sherry or white wine in the filling adds a depth of flavour! i add it together when adding the chicken broth! another tip is, don’t skip the egg wash it gives that beautiful golden shine! common mistakes? overworking the dough that's a big no-no!

this tip helps with making weight watchers recipes dinner.

make-ahead Magic

You can totally make the filling a day ahead. store it in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.

Talk about easy summer dinner recipes! if you're looking for cheap summer meals, using seasonal vegetables will help with your budgeting.

So there you have it! my take on a classic chicken pot pie. i hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. i hope you try this recipe of poke bowl ideas.

Maybe a chicken poke bowl next? or maybe this is a dairy-free meals option?

Recipe Notes: Your Pot Pie, Your Way!

So, you're about to embark on a chicken pot pie adventure? awesome! this isn't just about following a recipe. it's about making a pot pie that sings to your taste buds.

I've made a few dinner recipes in my time, and honestly, half the fun is tweaking things to make them perfect.

Plating Power & Perfect Pairings

Presentation matters, right? i mean, who doesn't love a pretty plate? think rustic chic. dollop a generous spoonful of that creamy filling onto a plate.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. fancy pants? use a sprig of thyme. for sides, honestly, keep it simple.

A light, refreshing side salad cuts through the richness. steamed green beans are another winner. and a little pot of cranberry sauce? oh my gosh, the sweetness and acidity is chef's kiss .

Storage Superpowers

Leftovers? if you're lucky enough to have any, let that yummy meals cool completely before storing. pop it in the fridge.

It will be fine for 3-4 days. freezing? you totally can! wrap individual portions really well in cling film. then stick them in freezer bags.

They’ll last for up to 2 months. reheating is easy! oven is best. reheat it at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

About 20- 30 minutes, depending on the portion size. microwave? fine in a pinch. but the crust might go a bit soggy.

Nobody wants a soggy crust!

Remixing Your Recipe

Want to shake things up? go vegetarian! swap the chicken for sautéed tofu or cannellini beans. boom! dairy-free meals ? it’s doable! use a dairy-free butter alternative in the crust.

Switch the cream for coconut cream. wanna embrace autumn vibes? throw in some roasted butternut squash with your other veggies.

It's so easy to get creative! these are perfect easy summer dinner recipes . these cheap summer meals are very popular.

Have fun with poke bowl ideas too.

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's talk numbers. each serving clocks in around 650 calories. loads of protein (35g) from the chicken. some fat (40g), so watch those portion sizes! about 40g of carbs.

It is comfort food. the good news? chicken is packed with protein, and there are veggies! skinnytaste recipes are all the rage.

Conclusion

This chicken pot pie isn't just a meal. It's a hug in a bowl. Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't stress if it doesn't look perfect! Have fun, get creative, and enjoy the process!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chicken Pot Pie ahead of time? I'm a busy bee, you know!

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure it's completely cooled before storing. When you're ready to bake, roll out the crust and assemble the pie. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the filling is cold.

How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy? Nobody likes a soggy bottom!

A soggy bottom is a pot pie tragedy! A few tricks can help. Firstly, blind bake the crust for about 15 minutes before adding the filling. You can also brush the bottom of the crust with egg wash before adding the filling to create a barrier. And make sure your filling isn't too watery before you pour it in.

What are some good substitutions for the heavy cream to make this dinner recipe a bit lighter?

If you're watching your waistline or prefer a lighter sauce, you can definitely substitute the heavy cream. Half and-half or whole milk are great options, although the sauce won't be quite as rich. Another option is to use a mixture of milk and a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce without adding too much fat.

Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie? Perfect for batch cooking!

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Pot Pie either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the pie but don't brush with egg wash. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the baking time and brushing with egg wash before baking.

Baked pies can be frozen as well, just make sure they are completely cool before wrapping and freezing.

I'm not a huge fan of thyme and rosemary. What other herbs work well in this dinner recipe?

No problem at all! Herbs are all about personal preference. For a more savory flavor, try using sage and marjoram. Parsley and chives are also great additions for a fresher taste. Experiment with your favorite herb combinations to create a pot pie that's perfect for you.

Is there anything I can do to add even MORE flavour to my Chicken Pot Pie?

Absolutely! Kick things up a notch by adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the filling while it's simmering. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add a delicious depth of flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create a truly unique pot pie!