Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie Recipe: A Taste of Home

Comfort food at its finest, the classic chicken pot pie evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and family gatherings. This recipe focuses on creating an authentic, old-fashioned taste, prioritizing fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Forget the shortcuts; we're going back to basics for a truly satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe is the Best

This isn't just a chicken pot pie recipe; it's a journey back to simpler times, a celebration of traditional cooking methods, and a guarantee of a delicious, homemade meal. We've focused on:

• Fresh, high-quality ingredients: No processed anything here! We're using real chicken, fresh vegetables, and a homemade crust for maximum flavor.
• Classic techniques: We're not cutting corners. This recipe emphasizes the importance of properly cooking the chicken, creating a rich gravy, and baking a flaky, golden crust.
• Simple, easy-to-follow instructions: Even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality chicken pot pie with this recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Crust: (This recipe uses a classic double crust, but you can adapt it to your preference - single crust, puff pastry, etc.)

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

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Boil or poach the chicken breasts until cooked through (approximately 15-20 minutes). Shred the chicken once cooled.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
3. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, peas, and corn.

Step 4: Make the Pie Crust

1. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim the edges.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the pie crust.
2. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
3. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the pot pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting classic with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie:

• Use good quality chicken broth: The flavor of your broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the pot pie.
• Don't overcook the vegetables: You want them tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Make the crust ahead of time: You can make the pie crust a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to bake.
• Consider adding other vegetables: Mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans would be delicious additions.

This old-fashioned chicken pot pie recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! (Add relevant social media handles here if applicable.)