Easy Creamy Chicken Pie Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
This easy creamy chicken pie recipe delivers all the comforting goodness of a classic chicken pot pie without the fuss. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite. We'll focus on maximizing flavor while minimizing time in the kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous dinner.
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For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup frozen corn
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For the Biscuit Topping (Optional, but highly recommended!):
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency. Let's get cooking!
1. Preparing the Chicken Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and thyme. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the flour mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the heavy cream, peas, and corn. Reduce heat and simmer for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.
2. Making the Biscuit Topping (Optional):
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the top of the chicken filling.
3. Baking the Creamy Chicken Pie:
- Pour the chicken filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- If using the biscuit topping, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If omitting the biscuits, bake for 15-20 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans.
- Make it a casserole: Skip the biscuit topping and simply bake the chicken filling in a casserole dish.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy chicken pie is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!
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