Homemade Chicken Pot Pie--Make Ahead and Freezable!
A healthier homemade version of the classic comfort food, chicken pot pie. This recipe includes instructions for making and baking right away or making ahead and freezing and baking later. This recipe makes 2 whole pies. Make one to enjoy now and freeze another for later!
A healthier homemade version of the classic comfort food, chicken pot pie. This recipe includes instructions for making and baking right away or making ahead and freezing and baking later. This recipe makes 2 whole pies. Make one to enjoy now and freeze another for later!
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup milk (i personally use skim or 1% milk and it's s
- 2 cups chicken (cooked chopped)
- 4 unbaked pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- Carbohydrate 1.94913578404516 g
- Cholesterol 125.167708341929 mg
- Fat 26.9709414655908 g
- Fiber 0.523465046956036 g
- Protein 28.8002589444379 g
- Saturated Fat 9.04860503010202 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (184g)
- Sodium 146.509048901571 mg
- Sugar 1.42567073708912 g
- Trans Fat 2.24107375423577 g
- Calories 372 calories
Step-by-step
- Sauté the onion, celery, and carrot in butter in a big skillet over medium heat until tender.
- Add flour; stir until smooth.
- Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken broth and milk; cook, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in chicken, peas, salt, and pepper.
- Cool before pouring into pie crusts.
- FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS: At this point you may freeze the filling in a labeled freezer-safe container/bag. To prepare from frozen, read instructions below. Or you may also assemble the whole pie and freeze whole. To do that, prepare crusts. Roll them out and place the bottom crusts in the pie plates and set aside the top crusts until ready to cover. Pour filling mixture into bottom crusts and cover with top crusts. Fold edges under and crimp. Poke slits in the top.
- TO PREPARE POT PIE FROM FRESH: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare crusts. Roll them out and place the bottom crusts in the pie plates and set aside the top crusts until ready to cover. Pour filling mixture into bottom crusts and cover with top crusts. Fold edges under and crimp. Poke slits in the top. Bake assembled pie uncovered, for 30-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
- TO PREPARE POT PIE FROM FROZEN: Thaw filling in refrigerator. You might need to stir or mush the filling together to combine well and reincorporate. Assemble as described above and bake accordingly. OR you may bake the whole pie from frozen. To do so, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, then cover with foil and bake 30 more minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade chicken pot pie. It’s a dish that evokes memories of cozy evenings, family gatherings, and that feeling of being utterly nurtured. For me, it’s more than just a meal; it's a symbol of home, a tangible representation of care and love. The flaky crust, the creamy, savory filling bursting with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables – it's a symphony of flavors and textures that always hits the spot. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, even easier than you might think!
This particular recipe has become my absolute favorite. I’ve tweaked it over the years, perfecting the balance of flavors and ensuring it's a healthier take on this classic comfort food. The key is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The taste difference is truly remarkable. I also love that this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or even a special occasion. The make-ahead and freeze option is a lifesaver, especially during busy periods. I often make a double batch, enjoying one pie immediately and freezing the other for a future quick and easy meal.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Flavor Balance: The combination of savory chicken, sweet carrots and peas, and the rich creamy sauce is perfectly balanced, neither too heavy nor too light.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: The ability to freeze the filling or the entire assembled pie means a delicious meal is always within reach, even on the busiest of days.
- Healthier Twist: By using ingredients like skim milk and adjusting portion sizes, you can make this classic comfort food a bit healthier.
- Homemade Goodness: There's simply nothing that compares to the taste and satisfaction of making this classic dish from scratch. The love poured into each step is evident in every bite.
I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of home-cooked meals. There’s something profoundly satisfying about preparing food for yourself and loved ones, and the process of cooking itself often feels meditative. This chicken pot pie recipe is not just about the food; it’s about the experience, the connection to tradition, and the joy of creating something delicious and comforting from simple ingredients.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a journey of culinary discovery, resulting in a dish that will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your own culinary repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to bring a little bit of home-cooked happiness to your table.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or corn.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or sage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Different Crust: Use puff pastry for a richer, flakier crust.
- Leftovers: Leftover chicken pot pie reheats beautifully and is just as delicious the next day.
Sharing is Caring: I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me. If you make it, I'd love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media using [your social media hashtag]. Happy cooking!
