Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This delightful dish combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables, enveloped in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this chicken pot pie is sure to impress everyone at the table with its rich flavors and hearty filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious meal ready in just one hour.
- Flavor-Packed: The blend of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy sauce creates a dish bursting with flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe suits every occasion.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this classic comfort food that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- saucepan
- mixing bowl
- pie dish
- cutting board
- knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: Essential for cooking the chicken and vegetables evenly while preparing the creamy sauce.
- Pie Dish: A good quality pie dish ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cubed
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- ½ cup sliced celery
For the Sauce
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- ⅔ cup milk
For the Crust
- 2 (9-inch) unbaked pie crusts
How to Make Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Vegetables
Combine the cubed chicken, sliced carrots, frozen peas, and sliced celery in a saucepan. Cover them with water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 15 minutes. Drain the mixture and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare Sauce
In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed until well mixed.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Gradually stir in the chicken broth followed by the milk. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until thickened (around 5-10 minutes). Remove from heat when ready.
Step 5: Assemble Pie
Place the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture into the bottom pie crust. Pour the hot broth mixture over everything evenly.
Step 6: Add Top Crust
Cover with the second pie crust. Seal edges by pressing down firmly on them. Trim any excess crust off. Make several small slits in the top for steam to escape during baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown and filling is bubbly. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie!
How to Serve Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie
Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting meal that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A light and refreshing garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers complements the richness of the pot pie.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad provide a delicious contrast to the warm filling.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread adds an aromatic touch and is perfect for dipping into the savory filling.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are great for soaking up any leftover gravy from your plate.
Include a Drink
- Iced Tea: A classic Southern beverage, sweet iced tea pairs perfectly with Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie.
- Lemonade: Fresh lemonade offers a zesty balance to the hearty flavors of the dish.
How to Perfect Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie
To ensure your Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the pot pie.
- Pre-cook your chicken: Cooking your chicken beforehand ensures it’s tender and flavorful when baked in the pie.
- Don’t skip the slits: Cutting slits in the top crust allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess in your crust.
- Let it cool before serving: Allowing the pie to cool for about 10 minutes helps set the filling, making it easier to slice and serve.
Best Side Dishes for Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie
When serving Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Steamed Vegetables: Fresh steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting addition that pairs well with chicken pot pie.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a tangy contrast that balances the rich pie filling.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes or carrots roasted until caramelized provide sweetness alongside savory flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic side that brings additional sweetness to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing end after enjoying your hearty main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the pre-cooking of chicken and vegetables: Not cooking these ingredients before adding them to the pie can result in an undercooked filling. Always boil them for about 15 minutes first.
- Ignoring the importance of a flaky crust: A tough crust can ruin your pie. Make sure to handle the dough gently and keep it cold until baking.
- Overfilling the pie: Adding too much filling can cause it to overflow while baking. Use just enough to fill the pie crust comfortably without spilling over.
- Not sealing the edges properly: Leaving gaps between the crusts will allow filling to leak out. Ensure you seal the edges well for a perfect finish.
- Failing to let it cool before serving: Cutting into the pie too soon can make it messy. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes for better slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie
- Wrap your pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and heat until warm, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie.
What is Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie?
Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie is a hearty dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky pie crust.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great in this recipe and saves time during preparation.
How do I customize my Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like corn or mushrooms. You can also use different spices for added flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie?
Yes! Replace chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delicious flavors!
Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie, a classic dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce encased in a flaky pie crust. This delightful recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings and is sure to be a hit at your table. With its rich flavors and heartiness, it promises satisfaction in every bite. Quick to prepare, this chicken pot pie makes weeknight meals feel special while still being easy enough for a novice cook to tackle. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch, and enjoy the nostalgia of this beloved Southern comfort food.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (cubed)
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- ½ cup sliced celery
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 2 (9-inch) unbaked pie crusts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery; cover with water and boil for about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add onion and cook until soft. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed.
- Gradually add chicken broth and milk; simmer until thickened.
- Place the chicken mixture in the bottom pie crust; pour sauce over it.
- Cover with the second pie crust, seal edges, make slits on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly; cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (175g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
