As the days get shorter and the nights a little colder, settle down with a slice of warm, flaky pie baked to perfection with a hearty filling that boasts of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a slightly creamy broth.
HUMBLE PIE
Let me state clearly before we begin, that my mother is a fantastic cook. These are the same words uttered by my mother as she reminisces her own mother’s cooking. It seems to be a common scenario- each generation touts the former as the best. (Godspeed the next generation).
It’s crazy for me to think, because often I’ve said, if I had to have one final meal on earth it would be my mom’s Eggplant Parmesan, but many times throughout the years she has lamented that it doesn’t come close to her mother's.
Fast forward to now, and I, as a young twenty-something year old, can completely empathize with that feeling. I marvel at my mother’s self-taught ability to cook and bake (despite my reputation for being the baker in the house, everything I know my mother taught me). She has this ‘sixth sense’ when it comes to cooking. She knows exactly how much to add to a dish without measuring, and can think up all these different flavor combinations and spice mixtures. Needless to say, she is more of a risk-taker in the kitchen than I am.
Regardless of this admittance, we still clash at times in the kitchen. Sometimes, we’ll even have a competition. Recently, we had a pie crust competition.
I critiqued and speculated that my mother's crust would be dry and hard, but she just smiled confidently and kept going her merry way. I should clarify she was making an apple pie, and as ‘the baker’ of the house, I thought her dough needed to be softer.
Long story short, that night while everyone was enjoying a slice of apple pie, I was served a warm slice of humble pie. For the record, it was delicious and the crust turned out perfect. I may have had two slices...
The following day, I decided to humor myself and make a pie as well. The problem was, we already had an apple pie. So I opted for a savory pie instead. Enter today’s recipe.
A PIE FOR ALL SEASONS
Few things are as comforting as Chicken Pot Pie. A buttery, flakey pie crust is baked until golden and bubbly with a creamy, hearty center. What’s not to love really?
For the crust, I used both butter and shortening for ultra flaky layers. As for the filling, I didn’t go quite as heavy on the cream side. I made a roux to thicken the filling, but rather than the traditional heavy cream, I went for half and half. The result was more of a creamy broth than a thick, goopy sauce.
The star of the show here is really the thyme. I strongly encourage you use fresh thyme for this recipe. It makes all the difference.
The pie keeps up to four days in the refrigerator, if it lasts that long. And yes, it is delicious hot or cold. I served it hot, and enjoyed it again later in the midnight hour. I told myself it was for research…just to make sure the crust kept its texture. It does.
Chicken Pot Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 chicken pot pie 1x
Ingredients
Classic Flaky Crust:
- 2 1/2 AP flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water
Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons AP flour
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 Portobello or button mushrooms, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup stock or bone broth
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup blanched string beans, chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk melted butter and flour. Set aside.
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, saute onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Once the onions are clear, add the mushrooms, thyme, and parsley. Once the mushrooms have cooked down, add the roux and pour the bone broth (or stock) a little as you go. Add the half and half and keep stirring until thickened. Finally, add the chicken and string beans. Toss and season again if needed with salt and pepper.
- Remove from the heat and proceed with the pastry shell.
Classic Flaky Crust:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a food processor, combine flour, salt, butter, and shortening. Pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly. Add ¼ cup of ice water and pulse again until a soft dough begins to form. You may need to add more water if the dough is still sandy. Add one tablespoon at a time as needed.
- Form the dough into a disk and wrap in clingfilm. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and divide it half. Roll out one half into ¼-inch thickness and fit into a pie plate.
- Roll out the other half of pie dough into ¼-inch thickness. Fill the pie shell with the chicken and vegetable mixture, then cover with the other half of pie dough. Crimp the edges and slice a vent at the top to release the steam as the pie bakes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the entire pie with the egg wash. Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F. then reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. until browned and bubbly, about 30-35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 slices of pie
So you see, my mother and I have our own styles of cooking and our own preferences, yet somehow it works and compliments one another in the most unexpected way.
On that note, I leave you with today’s recipe and the promise of a very delicious apple pie recipe coming soon. Until then, enjoy with love.
If You Enjoyed Today’s Recipe…
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DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, That is a beautiful chicken pot pie! Great presentation... The only change we'd prefer is more 'gravy' with the filling. Just a personal preference. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
angiesrecipes says
That's a perfect pie! So warming and tasty.. I need to make one soon too.
Rosie says
My favorite winter dish is braised lamb shanks with mashed potato!
Sara Zielinski says
My favorite winter dish is chicken pot pie.
Calvin Fung says
Lasagne is that counts. 😀 I like chicken pot pie too.
shelly peterson says
I like chili and cornbread.
Susan Christy says
Chili and cinnamon rolls.
Tracie Cooper says
I love squash casserole!
Lesly F says
I love chicken pot pie and green bean casserole
Michelle J. says
I love chicken casserole!
Tara L says
My favorite winter dish is vodka al la penne. So good.
Teresa says
I love chili and cinnamon rolls. Yummy 😋
Christi says
I do love a great pot pie but scalloped potatoes or black bean-salsa soup is pretty high on my list.
Linda Kish says
McCormick Seasoning is the brand that I buy all of the time. They have the best flavor.
I like lasagna.
Kate D. says
Chili and soup
Lisa says
I love lentil soup.
LaCinda Brooks says
My favorite winter dish is any kind of soup or stew.
Mya Murphy says
chicken and rice casserole.. Chili.. I love hearty stews.. And soup!!
Christina A. says
I really love Butternut Squash Soup!
Carol Moore says
My favorite winter dish is Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apple Cider Sauce.
Melissa Smith says
There are literally so many, but I really do love a good shepard's pie!
Rebecca Orr says
My favorite is pot roast.
Jennylyn Gross says
beef stew
Polly Hall says
Home Made Creamy Potato Soup
Amanda B. says
Chili with Sweet Potato Corn Muffins!
Janice Cooper says
My favorite winter dish is turkey chili
sandra says
sweet potato casserole, although that's good any time of year
Sherry B Russell says
I like the classic green bean casserole.
Natalie says
My favorite winter dish is apple and onion stuffing!
Pauline Milner says
I love baked ham with maple syrup and scalloped potatoes. It always tastes better on a cold winter day. Thanks for the super giveaway opportunity.
monique s says
Beef stew is my favorite dish
Kristen says
I love baked yams.
Shannon citrino says
Great looking pie!
Colette S says
I love my 11 bean soup.
Kristin says
Hmmm...I guess turkey. Sweet potatoes are a close second though!
Barrie says
I like a good hearty beef stew! Great for cold winter evenings!
Debbie Yoder says
We love homemade chili! This pot pie looks wonderful also.my Mom used to make it for us!
jessica s says
tomato soup and grilled cheese
rita leonard says
Chicken pot pie and a good beef stew are my favorite winter dishes
Anita Kennett says
I love any kind of stue,there is so many😊
connie danielson says
Mine is turkey and the 2nd one is sweet potatoes
Melody J says
Hambugaer Soup
Tim says
I like split pea soup. Based on appearance, it wouldn't be the first choice of anyone. It looks like the gruel they feed prisoners in every movie, but it is delicious.
Kathleen says
My favorite winter dish is White Chicken Chili from the Centsable Nutrition Cookbook. I make it with turkey more often though.
Amber Kolb says
I love a hearty roast with lots of veggies! It really hits the spot.
Nancy says
Gourmet French onion soup
Jenny Scheldberg says
The gingerbread cookies recipe looks so good.
Kelly Kimmell says
My favorite winter dish is a beef pot roast.
Angela S Hendricks says
I really love squash casserole! It's so good! Your chicken pot pie looks amazing.
Connie Blasing says
A good, simple homemade chili like my mama used to make. Haven't had a good chili since 2006.
Nerlande says
My favorite winter dish is baked candied yams
Cheryl B says
I am a big chicken and handmade noodle soup fan.
jeremy mclaughlin says
Favorite is chili.
Michelle Damon says
Although I’ve never been brave enough to attempt making my own crust, my husband has become hooked on my chicken pot pie since I first made it last winter. Next time, I’m going to try making the sauce for the filling the way you do in your recipe. Sounds much tastier in that we’ll actually be able to taste all the flavors instead of the heavy cream filling. Thank you!
Elena says
My favorite is beet soup Borscht
lindsey says
Hashbrown casserole is mine!
Sherry Proch says
Meat and potatoes stew. Pumpkin pie to round it out! Comfort food
Rita A says
butternut squash soup is a must during the winter.
bn100 says
pumpkin soup
Debbie P says
My favorite winter dish is Harvest Potatoes.
Terri Shaw says
I love stews and rich soups in the winter.
Karen P. says
My favorite winter dish is soup! I love making soup in the crockpot; some of my favorites are vegetable, spicy three bean, tomato basil, and butternut squash. Soup is perfect to combat the cold weather and it makes the house smell amazing.
latoya says
I love chicken noodle soup and green bean casserole for winter dishes.
jennifer says
My favorite winter dish is a nice warm apple pie, I have been enjoying trying different crust designs on top. I also love making fudge, just has to not be raining lol.
Marian says
I absolutely love lasagna, it's one of my faves. Cheesecake isn't a meal but it's a definite winter must have.
carol clark says
well its coconut pie and some dressing
Bethany C says
Yummy! Looks amazing
Cathy French says
Homemade cranberry sauce is my all time favorite fall/winter dish.
Sonya says
My favorite winter dish is a warm bowel of butternut squash soup.
Diana Corlett says
My fave winter dish is tomato basil soup with three cheese grilled cheese sandwich!
tammy ta says
My favourite winter dish is homemade hamburger soup.
Ali Celestino says
Chilli beans tortilla chips and shredded cheese!
Kimmy Ripley says
Stick-to-your-ribs CHICKEN N DUMPS!
Donna says
My favorite winter dish is sweet potato casserole!
Melanie Borhi says
Beef stew
Shellie Clark says
My favorite winter dish is chili
Nicole Harvey says
Chili is always my "go to" food during winter
Melissa Storms says
I love homemade chicken noodle soup with a loaf of honey whole wheat bread during the cold months.
Shannon Goldschmidt says
My favorite winter dish is my homemade chilli that is slow cooked for 8 hours. Everyone has always loved it.
susan atkins says
My favorite winter dish is chili-with mccormick spices
Janice Dean says
My favorite comfort food in Winter is Beef Stew!
aaron r says
The chicken casserole is really good but so many great and wholesome good recipes that I'd love to have more of.
Jade says
This is perfect for the Holiday season!
Jade says
I love pumpkin pie!
paula s says
I love chili for cold weather.
Susan Smith says
I love chili and chicken noodle soup.
Jennifer R says
I only trust McCormick spices for my cooking, especially holiday baking. For my gingerbread men I make every year I will only use McCormick warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the best flavor.
Christina Moore says
I love chicken pie