If you’re searching for a cozy meal that warms both the heart and the belly, look no further than this double crust chicken pot pie. Bursting with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce all encased in a flaky golden crust, this dish is a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delightful flavors but also in its versatility. You can adapt it to include your favorite veggies or even swap the chicken for turkey or veggies for a vegetarian version. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a holiday gathering, this double crust chicken pot pie will be sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. In just under an hour, you can create a homemade masterpiece that rivals even your grandmother’s best recipes. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this mouthwatering dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Fresh Carrots: Use about two medium carrots; they add sweetness and texture to the filling
- Frozen Peas: A cup of frozen peas adds color and nutrients without extra prep work
- Potatoes: One large potato diced into small cubes enhances heartiness in the filling
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while keeping it flavorful
For the Sauce:
- Butter: About four tablespoons of butter create a rich base for the sauce
- All-Purpose Flour: Use half a cup to thicken the sauce
- Milk: Two cups of milk give the sauce its creaminess
For the Crust:
- Pie Crusts: You will need two ready-made pie crusts; one for the bottom and another for topping
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, prepare your baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add about two tablespoons of oil. Season your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the hot skillet. Cook each side for around six minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare Vegetables
Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, chop your carrots and potatoes into small cubes while leaving your frozen peas aside.
Step 4: Create Sauce Base
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt four tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in half a cup of all-purpose flour until smooth. Slowly pour in two cups of milk while stirring continuously until thickened.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Cube your cooked chicken and add it back into your skillet along with diced potatoes, carrots, peas, and about one cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Mix everything together until well-coated.
Step 6: Assemble & Bake
Spoon your filling into the prepared baking dish lined with one pie crust. Cover it with another pie crust and cut slits on top to allow steam to escape. Bake in preheated oven for about thirty-five minutes or until golden brown on top.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Creamier Sauce: For an ultra-creamy sauce, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese before mixing in other ingredients
- Freezing Tips: To save time later on, prepare several pies ahead of time; they freeze well before baking
How to Serve Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie
This Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance. Cook the chicken, vegetables, and sauce, then let them cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Prepare the pie crusts ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to use.
- Storing: Store any leftover Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for about three to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for approximately 25-30 minutes if refrigerated or about 45 minutes if frozen, until heated through.
Suggestions for Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie
Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
One common mistake when making a double crust chicken pot pie is overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken turns dry and tough, which can ruin the overall texture of your dish. To avoid this, cook your chicken just until it’s no longer pink inside. You can sauté or poach it gently before adding it to the pie filling. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven, so aim for slightly undercooked chicken before mixing it with other ingredients. This ensures that every bite remains juicy and flavorful.
Selecting the Wrong Vegetables
Choosing the wrong vegetables can affect both the taste and texture of your double crust chicken pot pie. Avoid vegetables that release too much water, such as cucumbers or zucchini. Instead, opt for classic choices like carrots, peas, and celery. These vegetables not only hold their structure but also absorb flavors beautifully during cooking. Consider sautéing them lightly before adding them to your filling, enhancing their flavors and ensuring they contribute to a delicious savory pie.
Ignoring Seasoning
Failing to season your filling properly can lead to a bland double crust chicken pot pie. Chicken and vegetables need flavor to shine through. Always taste your filling before assembling the pie and adjust seasoning accordingly. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary to elevate the flavors. A little bit of cream or chicken broth can also enhance richness without overwhelming the dish’s overall profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices that suit your palate.
Skipping the Blind Bake
Many home cooks skip blind baking their pie crusts, which can result in a soggy bottom—something nobody wants in their double crust chicken pot pie. Blind baking involves pre-baking the bottom crust before adding the filling. This step helps create a barrier against moisture from the filling, ensuring a crispier texture once baked fully with the top crust on. Simply place parchment paper over your unbaked crust filled with weights for 10-15 minutes at 375°F before proceeding with assembling your pie.
FAQs
What is a Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie?
A double crust chicken pot pie features a flaky pastry on both the top and bottom layers encasing a rich filling of cooked chicken and assorted vegetables typically enveloped in a creamy sauce. This comforting dish combines tender meat with various flavors while providing an appealing golden-brown crispy exterior once baked. The concept originated from traditional English recipes and has evolved into popular fare across many households today.
How do I make my Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie extra creamy?
To achieve an extra creamy consistency in your double crust chicken pot pie, incorporate heavy cream or crème fraîche into your sauce mixture along with chicken broth. This addition will enrich flavor while creating that beloved creamy texture everyone enjoys in pot pies. You may also consider adding a roux made from flour and butter to thicken up your sauce further while enhancing its luxurious feel.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover turkey in place of chicken is not only acceptable but also encourages resourceful cooking practices while reducing food waste after holidays or family gatherings. Simply substitute an equal amount of shredded turkey meat for chicken in any double crust chicken pot pie recipe you wish to follow. The flavor profile will remain delightful while offering a unique twist on this classic comfort food.
How do I store leftovers from my Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie?
Storing leftovers from your double crust chicken pot pie requires proper techniques to maintain freshness and flavor over time. Allow any remaining portions to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container for refrigeration. Ideally consume within three days for optimal taste; reheating can be done in an oven at 350°F until warmed through—this keeps the crust crispy compared to microwaving which might render it soggy.
Conclusion
In summary, crafting an exquisite double crust chicken pot pie requires attention to detail throughout each step of preparation—from selecting quality ingredients to ensuring proper seasoning and baking techniques. Avoid common pitfalls like overcooking meats or neglecting to blind bake your crusts for a successful outcome every time you bake this comforting dish at home. Experimenting with flavors allows you to personalize it further according to family preferences while keeping tradition alive within each bite served hot from the oven! Remember these key points as you embark on making this beloved recipe that warms hearts and homes alike!
Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie. Featuring a flaky, golden crust that envelops tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Ready in under an hour, it’s incredibly versatile—customize it with your favorite veggies or swap chicken for turkey or a vegetarian option. Serve warm alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 large potato, cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 ready-made pie crusts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook seasoned chicken in oil until golden brown, then chop into cubes.
- Cube carrots and potato while cooking the chicken.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour; gradually add milk to create the sauce.
- Combine cooked chicken, vegetables, and broth in the sauce, mixing well.
- Spoon filling into one pie crust in the baking dish, cover with the second crust, cut slits for steam escape, and bake for approximately 35 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
