This easy chicken pot pie recipe with cream of chicken soup offers a simplified and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish. Chicken pot pie, known for its rich, creamy filling and flaky pastry crust, is a beloved staple in American cuisine.
The origins of chicken pot pie can be traced back to mediaeval England, where it was originally a meat pie with a thick crust. Over time, the dish has evolved, becoming a cherished part of the American culinary landscape, celebrated for its heartwarming flavours and versatility.
Key Points
- Easy-to-follow recipe using cream of chicken soup as a simplifying ingredient
- Suitable for novice cooks and busy families
- Comfort food with a rich, creamy filling and flaky crust
- Versatile recipe with optional add-ins and variations
- Step-by-step instructions with helpful tips
Ingredients Overview
The key ingredients for this easy chicken pot pie recipe include chicken, mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn), cream of chicken soup, and a pie crust.
For the chicken, it's recommended to use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, as they cook evenly and shred easily, providing the perfect texture for the filling.
The use of cream of chicken soup simplifies the recipe, acting as a thickening agent and adding a creamy consistency without the need for a roux. Additionally, the recipe provides a list of optional add-ins, such as mushrooms, celery, and herbs like thyme and parsley, to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools
To prepare this easy chicken pot pie recipe, you'll need a few essential kitchen tools, including:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Pie dish
These tools will help streamline the preparation and assembly process, ensuring a smooth and efficient cooking experience.
Preparing the Chicken
The first step in making this easy chicken pot pie is to cook the chicken. You can either boil or bake the chicken until it's fully cooked, and then shred it into bite-sized pieces for an even distribution throughout the pie.
Preparing the Vegetables
Next, you'll need to dice the vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and corn, into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the chicken and sauce.
Assembling the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, vegetables, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until the ingredients are well combined, ensuring that every piece is coated in the creamy mixture.
Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs to taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed to achieve a balanced flavour profile.
Preparing the Pie Crust
When it comes to the pie crust, you have the option of using a store-bought or homemade version. Store-bought crusts are a convenient and time-saving choice, while homemade crusts can offer a more personal touch and superior flavour.
Regardless of your preference, it's important to ensure that the crust is cold before rolling it out to prevent shrinking and promote a flaky texture.
Assembling the Pie
To assemble the pie, line a pie dish with the bottom crust, pressing it gently into the corners. Pour the filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Place the top crust over the filling, crimping the edges to seal. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the filling is bubbling. If you're unsure if the pie is fully cooked, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once the pie is out of the oven, allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
Serve the easy chicken pot pie with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations of Chicken Pot Pie
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted. To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free cream soup and use a dairy-free pie crust. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables and use a vegetable-based cream soup.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken pot pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer-term storage, the pie can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil, then freeze for up to three months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To prevent a soggy crust, it's important to ensure that the top crust is properly sealed to the bottom crust, and to avoid overfilling the pie, which can cause the filling to leak out.
FAQs
How to prevent a soggy crust?
To prevent a soggy crust, ensure that the crust is properly sealed, avoid overfilling the pie, and bake the pie at the recommended temperature and time.
How to make the pie ahead of time?
To make the pie ahead of time, prepare the filling and crust separately. Assemble the pie and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Adjust the baking time if the pie is frozen.
How to adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
To adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions, use gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients as needed. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.
Conclusion
This easy chicken pot pie recipe with cream of chicken soup offers a simplified and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish.
By incorporating cream of chicken soup, the recipe streamlines the process, making it an accessible option for novice cooks and busy families.
With its rich, creamy filling and flaky crust, this chicken pot pie is sure to become a family favourite. Encourage readers to try the recipe and share their experiences, and mention the versatility and potential for customization to suit various dietary needs.
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