Easy Chicken Pie

Easy Chicken Pie

When I think about comfort food, nothing warms my heart quite like Easy Chicken Pie. This dish evokes memories of family gatherings, where the aroma of baked chicken and flaky crust fills the air. I remember the first time I made it; my kids were so excited, hardly able to wait for it to come out of the oven! It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of togetherness, especially on chilly winter evenings. The beauty of Easy Chicken Pie lies in its simplicity and heartiness, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
70 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
450 kcal
Protein:
30 g
Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
25 g
Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Whisk

Why Try This Easy Chicken Pie

1. Comforting Flavors

The first reason I absolutely adore Easy Chicken Pie is its comforting flavors. The combination of tender, shredded chicken with a creamy filling, all encased in a buttery pie crust, creates a taste that’s both rich and satisfying. Every bite is like a warm hug, perfect after a long day.

2. Family-Friendly

This recipe is a hit with my family, making it an ideal choice for gatherings. Kids love it, and I appreciate how quickly it disappears. It’s a great way to get everyone to the table, and it’s wonderfully versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

3. Easy to Prepare

Easy Chicken Pie is indeed straightforward to make. With just a few ingredients and a minimal amount of prep work, you can have a delicious meal on the table. It’s perfect for those times when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

4. Great for Leftovers

One of the best features of this dish is that it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken. Whether it’s roasted chicken from last night’s dinner or rotisserie chicken picked up from the store, this recipe makes sure nothing goes to waste.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

This pie works beautifully for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. It’s easy to transport, making it a fantastic option for potlucks or parties. I love bringing it to gatherings, where it always impresses the guests!

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Pie

Easy Chicken Pie

When it comes to the ingredients for Easy Chicken Pie, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays its part in creating this mouthwatering dish. The foundation is the chicken, which provides protein and heartiness. The pie crust offers a flaky, buttery exterior, while the combination of flour, chicken stock, and milk brings a creamy richness that binds everything together. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast – cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces or shredded
  • 2 refrigerated pie crust
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • ⅓ cup chicken stock
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 beaten egg

How to Assemble Easy Chicken Pie

Easy Chicken Pie

Assembling Easy Chicken Pie is straightforward and fun, making it a wonderful dish to prepare with family. From rolling out the crust to layering the filling, each step is part of the experience. Let’s dive into the process!

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). This initial high temperature is crucial for getting the crust nice and crispy.
  2. Prepare your pie crust by pressing one of the refrigerated pie crusts into the bottom of a deep pie plate. Pinch the edges to create a beautiful, rustic finish.
  3. Add the shredded chicken into the pie crust evenly. This forms the hearty base of your pie, ensuring every bite is filled with tender chicken.
  4. Whisk together the flour, chicken stock, and whole milk in a bowl until smooth. This mixture will create the creamy filling that ties everything together.
  5. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. You want every piece of chicken to be coated in this creamy goodness.
  6. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This is where you can customize the flavors a bit more to your liking.
  7. Cut the butter into small pea-sized pieces and sprinkle them around the filling. The butter will melt and add richness as it bakes.
  8. Unroll the second pie crust over the filling. Pinch the edges together firmly to create a seal. This is important to keep the delicious filling from spilling out during baking.
  9. Brush the top of the crust with the beaten egg to achieve a golden brown finish.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven at 450 degrees for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and continue baking for an additional hour.
  11. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period is essential for the juices to settle, making for a less messy slice when you serve.

Things Worth Knowing

  • Ensure even cooking: Make sure your chicken is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the pie. This ensures safety and enhances flavor.
  • Cool the pie slightly: Letting the pie rest before slicing allows the filling to set, preventing it from being too runny when you serve.
  • Customize your filling: Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Save time: Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save on prep time.

Ways to Customize

Easy Chicken Pie

Every family has its own twist on classic recipes. Here are some suggestions to make your Easy Chicken Pie uniquely yours.

  • Experiment with spices: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
  • Try different vegetables: Incorporate veggies like peas, carrots, or corn for a colorful and nutritious filling.
  • Use different meats: Substitute with turkey or even a vegetarian version using lentils or mushrooms.
  • Make it saucy: For a creamier pie, add extra milk or a dash of cream to the filling.
  • Crust options: Consider using a puff pastry instead of a traditional pie crust for a lighter, flaky texture.
  • Freezing tips: Bake two pies at once and freeze one for a quick meal later.

How to Enjoy Easy Chicken Pie

Serving Easy Chicken Pie is just as delightful as making it. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

  • Pair with a salad: A fresh garden salad complements the richness of the pie, adding a refreshing crunch.
  • Perfect for lunch or dinner: This dish is versatile enough to be served for any meal, making it a wonderful option for leftovers.
  • Ideal for gatherings: Bring Easy Chicken Pie to potlucks or family gatherings; it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Reheat carefully: When reheating, cover with foil to prevent the crust from burning while ensuring the filling heats through.

FAQ

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works wonderfully in Easy Chicken Pie. In fact, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose any cooked chicken, whether it’s from a roast or a rotisserie chicken. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pie. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor.

To store leftovers of Easy Chicken Pie, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover it with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

Yes! Easy Chicken Pie freezes very well. To freeze, prepare the pie but don’t bake it. Instead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake it, just remove the wrapping and bake from frozen, possibly increasing the baking time.

This pie pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. The lightness of a salad complements the rich filling of the pie, making for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes for an extra hearty dish!

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Pie is truly a heartwarming dish that combines comfort and simplicity. With its creamy filling and flaky crust, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to try making it tonight; you won’t be disappointed!

Easy Chicken Pie

Easy Chicken Pie

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Chicken Pie combines tender chicken with a creamy filling in a flaky crust. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or festive gatherings, satisfying every palate. Try it tonight for an easy weeknight meal that everyone will love!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lbs chicken breast cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces or shredded
  • 2 refrigerated pie crust
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • ⅓ cup chicken stock
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter cut into small pieces
  • 1 beaten egg

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
  2. 2. Press one of the refrigerated pie crusts into the bottom of a deep pie plate.
  3. 3. Scatter the shredded chicken into the pie crust.
  4. 4. Whisk together the flour, chicken stock, and whole milk, then pour over the chicken.
  5. 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. 6. Cut the butter into small pieces and place around the dish.
  7. 7. Unroll the second pie crust over the top and pinch the edges to seal.
  8. 8. Brush the top of the crust with the beaten egg.
  9. 9. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375 degrees for an hour.
  10. 10. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use the type of chicken: You prefer (white or dark meat) for this recipe, but most people seem to prefer the white meat.
  • Expect a slightly watery crust: This recipe WILL be slightly watery in the crust, that is to be expected.
  • Taste better overnight: If you allow the pie to sit in the fridge overnight, it does seem to taste better, but will become more soggy on the bottom crust.
  • Great for gatherings: This is a terrific dish to take for office parties and holiday gatherings!
  • Use deep dish pans: If you are going to make this as a “take it and toss it” dish - use the “deep dish aluminum pie pan” - it does give you a little wiggle room.

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