New England Chicken Pot Pie

New England Chicken Pot Pie Recipe - Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: New England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

New England Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty and delicious recipe features tender chicken, a creamy broth, and a flaky pie crust topping.

History

Chicken pot pie has been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, with variations of the dish dating back to medieval times. The New England version of this classic recipe typically includes a creamy broth and a pie crust topping, making it a favorite in the region.

Ingredients

1.25 lb (567 g) boneless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
12 white pearl onions
1.5 cups potatoes, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup diced carrots
1 tbsp butter
5 tbsp flour
0.5 cup light cream
1 dash cracked pepper
0.5 tsp tarragon
0.5 tsp salt
1 premade pie crust

How to prepare

1. Boil the chicken for 20–25 minutes until it is cooked through. Let it cool, then cut it into chunks and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
3. Pour the broth into a large stock pot and bring it to a simmer. Add the spices (tarragon, pepper, salt).
4. Add the onions and celery and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes and carrots. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Drain the veggies and save the broth. Put the broth into a separate pot and bring it to a simmer.
7. Add the butter and flour, whisking until it starts to thicken. Add the cream and bring it to a boil.
8. Place the chicken chunks and peas on the bottom of a 2.5 qt (2.36 liter) casserole dish. Cover them with the rest of the veggie mixture. Pour the thickened broth/cream over the top.
9. Top it with a premade pie crust. Poke holes to avoid spillage.
10. Bake it at 400°F (204°C) for 30–40 minutes.

Variations

Try adding mushrooms, leeks, or pearl barley for a different twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the chicken cool before cutting it into chunks to avoid burning yourself.

- Pre-cooking the vegetables ensures that they are tender and fully cooked in the final dish.

- Poking holes in the pie crust allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the filling from becoming too watery.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious pot pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the chicken before cutting it into chunks ensures that it is fully cooked and tender in the final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey in place of the boneless chicken breasts for a quicker version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the pot pie just before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this New England Chicken Pot Pie in individual ramekins for a charming presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this comforting dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

420 per serving

Carbohydrates

38g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy and wheat allergens

Summary

This New England Chicken Pot Pie is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for New England Chicken Pot Pie. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, creating delicious meals that always left us longing for more.

One day, as I watched her prepare dinner, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from her collection. It was for a New England Chicken Pot Pie, a hearty and comforting dish that she had learned from a friend many years ago. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I was captivated by the thought of creating something so delicious from scratch.

With her guidance, I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and following the steps outlined in the recipe. I chopped onions, carrots, and celery, simmered chicken in a savory broth, and mixed together a creamy sauce. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that this dish would be a new family favorite.

As we sat down to eat that evening, the warm and flaky crust of the pot pie melted in my mouth, and I savored each bite of tender chicken and vegetables. My grandmother smiled with pride as she watched me enjoy the meal that I had helped to create. It was a moment I would never forget, and one that sparked a love for cooking that has stayed with me ever since.

Over the years, I have made the New England Chicken Pot Pie recipe countless times, each time adding my own touches and variations to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of delicious homemade meals that bring people together.

I remember one summer when my own daughter, eager to learn the art of cooking, asked me to teach her how to make the pot pie. As we stood side by side in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and rolling out dough, I felt a sense of nostalgia for the days when I had stood in my own grandmother's kitchen, learning the same recipes that had been passed down through generations.

As we sat down to eat that evening, the familiar flavors of the New England Chicken Pot Pie filled the air, reminding me of all the memories and traditions that had been woven into this dish over the years. I watched my daughter take her first bite, her eyes lighting up with the same sense of wonder and excitement that I had felt so many years ago.

Now, as I look back on that moment, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through my family. The New England Chicken Pot Pie recipe is more than just a dish – it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal with the ones we hold dear.

So, as I continue to cook and create in my own kitchen, I carry with me the lessons and memories of my grandmother, knowing that her spirit lives on in every pot pie I make. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will feel the same sense of wonder and pride as they learn to make this beloved recipe, connecting them to their past and the love that binds us all together.