Homemade Chicken Potpie

Homemade Chicken Potpie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a creamy, savory sauce, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. This classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners, offering a rich and satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and delicious. The filling is made with a combination of chicken, carrots, peas, and celery, all cooked in a luscious, flavorful gravy that’s seasoned with thyme and black pepper. Topped with a buttery pie crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven, each bite of this potpie offers a taste of home-cooked goodness. Whether served on a cold winter night or as a warm and cozy meal anytime of the year, Homemade Chicken Potpie is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tbsp ice water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Make the Filling:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Add the shredded chicken, peas, dried thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Potpie:
   • Pour the chicken and vegetable filling into a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish. Roll out the chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface to fit over the top of the dish. Carefully place the dough over the filling, crimping the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake the Potpie:
   • Place the potpie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the potpie to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Homemade Chicken Potpie is a delicious and comforting meal that combines the best of classic flavors with a home-cooked touch. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this potpie offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.