Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies

Chicken Pot Pies Recipe - Traditional American Comfort Food

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies are a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe features a creamy chicken and vegetable filling topped with flaky puff pastry.

History

Chicken pot pie has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated in England, where it was traditionally made with a pastry crust on top and bottom. The American version typically features a single crust on top, as seen in this recipe.

Ingredients

6 tsp butter
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup flour
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp white pepper
3 cup chicken broth
3 cup cooked chicken, cubed
10 oz (283 g) package of frozen peas and carrots, cooked and drained
2 cup cooked and cubed potatoes
17.3 oz (490 g) package of thawed frozen puff pastry sheets

How to prepare

Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté the onion until it becomes tender and golden.
Blend in flour, salt, and pepper; add broth and whisk well.
Cook until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly.
Add the remaining ingredients except for the puff pastry.
Divide the mixture evenly among 6 individual casserole dishes.
Set the dishes aside.
Cut the puff pastry into 6 squares to fit the tops of the dishes.
Using a mini cookie cutter, cut a steam vent in the center of each pastry square.
Place the pastry tops on the casserole dishes.
Set the dishes on a baking sheet.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) until the pastry turns golden, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Variations

Try using different types of meat, such as turkey or beef, in place of the chicken.
Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Make a vegetarian version by using tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the puff pastry until it is golden and flaky to ensure a delicious final dish.

- You can customize the vegetables in this recipe to suit your preferences. Peas, corn, and green beans are all great additions.

- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pie is to cook the filling until it is thick and bubbly before adding it to the casserole dishes. This will ensure that the filling is rich and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have puff pastry, you can use a traditional pie crust or biscuit dough as a topping for the pot pies.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the pot pies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the pies.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies in individual casserole dishes for a charming presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pot pies 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

Each serving of Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pie contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pie contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pie contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pie contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and dairy.

Summary

Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies are a classic comfort food dish that is sure to please the whole family. With a creamy chicken and vegetable filling and flaky puff pastry topping, this recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies. It was a rainy afternoon in the small town where I grew up, and I was visiting Mrs. Jenkins, an elderly widow who lived down the street. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and she had graciously invited me to her home to teach me how to make one of her specialties.

As soon as I walked into Mrs. Jenkins' cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of savory chicken broth and buttery pastry. The room was filled with the sound of sizzling vegetables and the clinking of pots and pans. Mrs. Jenkins welcomed me with a smile and handed me a worn recipe card that she had written out by hand.

"This is my secret recipe for Chicken Pot Pies," she said, her eyes twinkling with pride. "I've been making these for as long as I can remember, and they always bring comfort and joy to those who eat them."

I eagerly took the recipe card and studied it carefully, noting the ingredients and steps involved in making the dish. Mrs. Jenkins patiently guided me through each stage of the process, showing me how to chop the vegetables, cook the chicken, and assemble the pies with a tender touch.

As we worked side by side in the kitchen, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories of her own childhood and how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother. She told me about the hard times during the Great Depression when ingredients were scarce, and families had to make do with what they had on hand.

"We didn't have much back then, but we always had a pot of chicken stew simmering on the stove," Mrs. Jenkins recalled. "It was a simple yet hearty meal that filled our bellies and warmed our souls."

I listened intently to Mrs. Jenkins' stories, soaking in the wisdom and experience that came with years of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor – steaming hot Chicken Pot Pies fresh out of the oven – I knew that this recipe would become a treasured heirloom in my own family.

Over the years, I have made Mrs. Jenkins' Chicken Pot Pies countless times, each batch a tribute to her memory and the tradition of passing down recipes from one generation to the next. I have added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different seasonings and ingredients to make it truly my own.

But no matter how many times I make Chicken Pot Pies, I always think back to that rainy afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a way of life. Cooking is more than just following instructions – it is a labor of love, a way to connect with others and create lasting memories.

As I sit at my own kitchen table now, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my own family, I am grateful for the gift of Mrs. Jenkins' recipe and the lessons she taught me that day. And as we dig into our steaming hot Chicken Pot Pies, I know that we are not just enjoying a meal, but honoring a tradition that has been passed down through the generations.