From Scratch To Comfort: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie With Flour

how to make chicken pot pie with flour

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a flaky pastry crust. To make this dish, you'll need to start by preparing the filling, which typically includes cooking chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce. Once the filling is ready, you'll need to make the pastry dough using flour, butter, and water. The dough is then rolled out and used to line a pie dish, filled with the chicken mixture, and topped with another layer of pastry. The pie is baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. This hearty meal is perfect for cold winter nights and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

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Prepare the dough: Mix flour, salt, and cold butter. Add ice water to form a dough

To prepare the dough for a chicken pot pie, begin by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the flour is evenly distributed to avoid any pockets of salt. Next, add 1 cup of cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust, as the butter will create steam and separate the layers of dough when baked.

Once the butter is well incorporated, gradually add ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to the mixture. Mix gently after each addition, being careful not to overwork the dough. The goal is to bring the dough together into a cohesive mass without developing too much gluten, which can make the crust tough. You may not need all of the water, so add it slowly and assess the dough's consistency after each tablespoon. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape when pressed.

After the dough has come together, divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a flat disc. Wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out and shape later. When you're ready to assemble the pie, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out to fit your pie dish.

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Make the filling: Combine cooked chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce made with flour

To create the filling for your chicken pot pie, begin by preparing the key components. Start with cooked chicken, ensuring it's fully shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. This will provide the protein base for your pie. Next, gather your vegetables—classics like carrots, peas, and onions work well, but feel free to experiment with other favorites like celery or bell peppers. These should be cooked until tender but still retain some crispness to add texture to the final dish.

The creamy sauce is the heart of the filling, binding everything together. To make it, you'll need to create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour. Cook this mixture for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste, then gradually add milk or cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you prefer, such as thyme or parsley. Simmer until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.

Once your sauce is ready, combine it with the chicken and vegetables in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. This filling can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the pie. When filling the pie crust, be careful not to overfill, as the filling may expand slightly during baking.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or wine to the sauce. This will enhance the savory notes and add depth to your pie. Additionally, if you prefer a golden-brown crust, brush the top with an egg wash before baking. This will give your chicken pot pie a beautiful, appetizing finish.

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Assemble the pie: Roll out the dough, place the filling inside, and cover with another dough layer

To assemble the chicken pot pie, begin by rolling out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Ensure the dough is evenly rolled to prevent any thin spots that could lead to a soggy crust. Once the dough is rolled out, carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly against the sides and bottom. Trim any excess dough from the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang.

Next, prepare the filling by combining cooked chicken, diced vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and onions), and a creamy sauce made from a roux of flour and butter, mixed with chicken broth and milk. Season the filling with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs, such as thyme or parsley. Pour the filling into the pie crust, leveling it with a spatula.

For the top crust, roll out another piece of dough slightly larger than the pie dish. Place it over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative pattern. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, which will prevent the filling from becoming too moist and the crust from becoming soggy.

Brush the top crust with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) to give it a golden-brown finish. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Seal the edges: Crimp the dough edges to seal the pie and prevent filling from leaking

To ensure your chicken pot pie remains intact and flavorful, sealing the edges is a crucial step. This involves crimping the dough edges to create a tight seal, preventing the savory filling from leaking out during baking. Begin by gently pressing the edges of the top and bottom crusts together, ensuring they align evenly. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges, creating a decorative pattern that not only looks appealing but also reinforces the seal.

For an extra-secure seal, you can apply a bit of water or egg wash to the edges of the bottom crust before adding the top crust. This acts as an adhesive, helping the two layers of dough bond together more effectively. Be careful not to over-wet the edges, as this can lead to a soggy crust. Once the edges are sealed, you can further enhance the pie's appearance by brushing the entire crust with an egg wash, which will give it a golden-brown finish when baked.

It's important to note that sealing the edges is not just about aesthetics; it also plays a significant role in the pie's structural integrity. A well-sealed pie will hold its shape better when sliced and served, ensuring that the filling remains contained and each bite is as delicious as the last. Take your time with this step, as a poorly sealed pie can result in a messy baking process and a less-than-ideal final product.

In summary, sealing the edges of your chicken pot pie is a key step in achieving a perfectly baked, visually appealing, and structurally sound dish. By carefully aligning and crimping the dough edges, applying a bit of water or egg wash for adhesion, and brushing the crust with an egg wash for a golden finish, you can ensure your pie looks and tastes its best.

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Bake the pie: Brush the top with egg wash and bake until golden brown and bubbly

To achieve a perfectly golden-brown and bubbly crust on your chicken pot pie, the final baking step is crucial. After assembling the pie, brush the top crust with an egg wash made from one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water or milk. This mixture will give the crust a rich, glossy finish and promote even browning during baking.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the pie. Place the pie on the center rack of the oven, which allows for even heat distribution and prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Bake the pie for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Keep an eye on the pie during the baking process to avoid overcooking. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the rest of the pie to continue cooking. Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set and makes the pie easier to slice and serve.

By following these steps, you'll achieve a beautifully baked chicken pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust that's sure to impress. Remember, the key to success lies in the details, so don't skip the egg wash and be mindful of the baking time and temperature. Happy baking!

Frequently asked questions

The main ingredients needed to make chicken pot pie with flour include all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, milk, butter, chicken broth, diced chicken, mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and onions), and optional herbs like thyme or parsley.

To create the pastry crust for chicken pot pie using flour, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 3/4 cup of milk, stirring until the dough forms a ball. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit the top of your pie dish.

To cook chicken pot pie with a flour-based filling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Add diced chicken, mixed vegetables, and optional herbs. Pour the filling into a 9-inch pie dish. Cover with the prepared pastry crust, crimping the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

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