Introduction to Chicken Pie
Chicken pie is a quintessential comfort food, cherished in households for its warmth, simplicity, and delightful flavors. This dish can be made in numerous ways, each adding its own unique twist to the classic recipe. In this post, we’ll explore five simple chicken pie recipes that are perfect for your family dinners, bringing comfort and joy to your table.
1. Classic Creamy Chicken Pie
The Classic Creamy Chicken Pie is where we begin, known for its rich, creamy filling and flaky pastry:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1⁄2 cup celery, chopped
- 1⁄3 cup butter
- 1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3⁄4 cups chicken broth
- 2⁄3 cup milk
- 2 pie crusts, refrigerated or homemade
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, melt butter and cook carrots, peas, and celery until tender. Sprinkle with flour, stir, and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add chicken broth and milk, stirring until thickened.
- Add cooked chicken to the mixture, season, then pour into a pie dish lined with one crust. Cover with the second crust, crimp edges, and make a few slits on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden.
💡 Note: If you want a golden crust without overcooking the filling, try covering the edges with foil halfway through baking.
2. Rustic Herbed Chicken Pie
For a touch of rustic charm, this Herbed Chicken Pie adds freshness with herbs:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup leeks, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter, cook leeks and mushrooms until softened. Stir in flour, then gradually add stock and cream, cooking until thickened. Add herbs and chicken.
- Pour filling into a pie dish. Cover with puff pastry, trimming excess. Brush with egg wash for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden.
3. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pie
If you love cheese, this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pie is for you:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly cooked
- 1 1⁄2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1⁄2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 pie crusts
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix chicken, broccoli, cheese, soup, milk, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Line a pie dish with one crust, pour the filling in, then cover with the second crust. Pinch edges to seal and cut slits for steam to escape.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
🧀 Note: Ensure the broccoli is not overcooked before adding it to the pie, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
4. One-Pot Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping
For an easier approach, try this One-Pot Chicken Pot Pie with a biscuit topping:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 1⁄2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In an oven-safe pot, melt butter, stir in flour, then slowly add broth and milk until thick. Add mixed vegetables and chicken, then season.
- Top the mixture with uncooked biscuit dough pieces.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until biscuits are golden brown.
💡 Note: This method is perfect for lazy cooks or when you're in a hurry but still want a homemade pie experience.
5. Spiced Chicken Pot Pie
To spice things up, this Spiced Chicken Pot Pie introduces flavors from around the world:
- 2 1⁄2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1⁄2 teaspoon coriander
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1⁄2 cups chicken stock
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 2 pie crusts
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in butter until fragrant. Add spices, cook briefly. Add potatoes and carrots, cook until softened. Stir in flour, then chicken stock and cream. Simmer until thickened, then mix in chicken.
- Pour into a pie dish, top with crust, and cut slits for ventilation.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is crisp and filling bubbly.
As we wrap up this culinary journey through different chicken pie recipes, it's clear that this dish offers a canvas for creativity, versatility, and comfort. Each version brings its own set of flavors, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer the classic creamy goodness, the freshness of herbs, a cheesy delight, the convenience of a one-pot meal, or the exotic touch of spices, there's a chicken pie recipe here for every occasion. These dishes not only bring comfort to the table but also the joy of shared meals, making them ideal for family dinners. By tweaking ingredients and embracing these recipes, you can provide your loved ones with a hearty and heartwarming meal that's easy to make yet deeply satisfying.
Can I freeze Chicken Pie?
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Yes, you can freeze chicken pie. To do so, prepare the pie completely, then allow it to cool. Wrap it well or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F (175°C) until the center is hot.
How can I make a healthier version of Chicken Pie?
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Opt for low-fat milk or chicken broth instead of cream, use whole wheat flour for the crust, and include more vegetables to boost fiber and nutrient content. You can also reduce the amount of butter used in the filling or try using olive oil instead.
What can I serve with Chicken Pie?
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Chicken pie pairs well with a variety of sides like a mixed green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast. For a more substantial meal, consider a fruit or cheese platter for dessert.
