Chicken Gravy Pie: A Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined

Chicken gravy pie – the name alone conjures up images of warm, comforting food, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy Sunday dinner. This recipe takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with simple techniques and fresh ingredients, resulting in a dish that's both delicious and impressive. We'll cover everything from the perfect pie crust to a rich and savory chicken gravy, ensuring your Chicken Gravy Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The Secret to a Flaky Pie Crust

A great chicken gravy pie starts with a fantastic crust. Forget store-bought; making your own is easier than you think and yields far superior results. This recipe focuses on a simple, buttery crust that's both flaky and tender.

Ingredients for the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
• ½ cup ice water

Instructions for the Pie Crust:

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
5. Roll and Bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half the dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Transfer to the dish, trim the edges, and crimp. Repeat with the remaining dough for the top crust.

The Heart of the Matter: Rich and Savory Chicken Gravy

The gravy is the star of the show in a chicken gravy pie. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a gravy that's both flavorful and luxuriously creamy.

Ingredients for the Chicken Gravy:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions for the Chicken Gravy:

1. Make a Roux: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly (this is called a roux).
2. Add Broth Gradually: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Season and Simmer: Stir in the salt, pepper, and thyme. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
4. Stir in Chicken and Cream: Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream (if using). Heat through.

Assembling Your Chicken Gravy Pie

Now for the exciting part – bringing it all together!

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill the Crust: Pour the chicken gravy into the bottom pie crust.
3. Top it Off: Place the top crust over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal, and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Gravy Pie:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your pie will taste.
• Don't overwork the pie dough: Overworking the dough will result in a tough crust.
• Make sure the gravy is thick enough: If the gravy is too thin, it will make the pie soggy.
• Let the pie cool slightly before slicing: This will prevent the filling from spilling out.

This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying chicken gravy pie experience. Remember to adjust seasonings to your taste preference and experiment with adding different herbs and spices. Enjoy!