Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Why it’s great for your cooking channel: Chicken Pot Pie is a timeless classic that showcases a variety of cooking techniques, from making a roux for the sauce to creating a perfect pie crust. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Demonstrating this recipe on your cooking channel can appeal to viewers looking for hearty, homemade meals and provide them with valuable culinary skills.
Description: Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, savory pie filled with a rich mixture of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Serving size: Serves 6
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening or butter
- 6-8 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Add the cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough into the pie dish and trim the edges.
- Pour the chicken filling into the prepared crust.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim, seal, and flute the edges. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake the Pie:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Serve:
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Chicken Pot Pie!
Final Thoughts: Chicken Pot Pie is a fantastic recipe to feature on your cooking channel because it combines comfort food with a touch of culinary sophistication. Viewers will appreciate the detailed steps and tips for making both the filling and the crust from scratch. This recipe not only promises a delicious meal but also offers an engaging cooking experience that’s sure to captivate and inspire your audience.
