Introduction
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie is a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food, packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a flaky crust. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also brings nutritious ingredients to your dinner table. Perfect for family meals, this dish combines creamy filling with a buttery crust, making it a delightful option for any day of the week.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken breast: 2 cups, cooked and shredded
Vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, onions): 2 cups, mixed
Chicken broth: 1 cup
Milk: 1/2 cup
Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
Whole wheat flour: 1/3 cup
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
Salt: to taste
Pepper: to taste
Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
Frozen pie crusts: 2 (or homemade, if preferred)
Prep Time
The preparation time for this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie is approximately 20 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables and preparing the filling.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
This delicious and healthy chicken pot pie is perfect for those seeking a comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on nutrition! Enjoy this homemade recipe as a way to bring warmth and flavor to your dining experience.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, add diced chicken, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove chicken, let it cool, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables
In the same pot, add carrots, peas, corn, celery, and onions with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Make the Sauce
Add garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens.
Combine Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken and season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until combined.
Assemble the Pot Pie
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into a pie dish. Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface and place it over the filling. Cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake the Pot Pie
Place the assembled pot pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cool Before Serving
Allow the pot pie to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the filling set.
Notes
Storage
Leftover chicken pot pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the pot pie before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Adding Flavor
For additional flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a splash of white wine to the filling mixture.
Serving Suggestion
This chicken pot pie pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Using a Pie Crust
Creating a flaky and delicious pie crust is essential for the perfect chicken pot pie. Use chilled ingredients and avoid overworking the dough for the best results.
Cooking Chicken
Ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the pie. You can poach, roast, or sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked and tender.
Vegetable Preparation
Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure they cook evenly. Sautéing them before adding to the filling helps enhance their flavors.
Making the Sauce
A rich sauce can be made using chicken broth, cream, and seasonings. Thicken it by simmering or using a roux for a perfect consistency.
Baking the Pie
Preheat the oven for even baking. Bake the pot pie until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling for the best texture.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust to save time.
What type of vegetables can I include?
You can include carrots, peas, celery, and potatoes, among others.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for thickening the sauce.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pie when ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Conclusion
The healthy chicken pot pie is a delightful and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With its comforting crust, flavorful filling, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings for comfort food but also keeps your health in check, making it a great addition to your weekly meal prep.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Pot Pie
Swap the chicken for a variety of your favorite vegetables like carrots, peas, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
Turkey Pot Pie
Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a great post-holiday meal that is both comforting and resourceful.
Seafood Pot Pie
Incorporate shrimp, crab, or fish for a unique twist on the classic chicken pot pie that will delight seafood lovers.
Gluten-Free Pot Pie
Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour for the crust and thickening the filling with cornstarch or arrowroot.
Mexican Chicken Pot Pie
Add some spice with ingredients like black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a southwestern flair.
Breakfast Pot Pie
Transform the recipe for breakfast by using eggs, sausage, and hash browns for a hearty morning meal.
Curried Chicken Pot Pie
Infuse the filling with curry powder and coconut milk for an exotic and flavorful spin that will elevate your pot pie experience.