Anmama'S Chicken Pie
Anmama's Chicken Pie features tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce topped with eggs and pastry, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the whole chicken, onion, celery, and 3 bouillon cubes in a pot almost covered with water until the chicken is tender.
- Cool the chicken and remove the meat from the bones.
- Let the fat rise to the top of the stock, measure out and retain one cup of chicken fat for later use; discard the remaining fat.
- Slowly heat the chicken fat.
- Stir in the flour into the heated fat.
- Gradually add the sweet milk, stirring constantly to incorporate.
- Add chicken broth and bouillon cubes, then continue stirring with a wooden spoon until the sauce thickens.
- Place the cooked chicken pieces in the bottom of a 9 x 11-inch dish and cover with the sauce.
- Arrange sliced hard-boiled eggs on top of the sauce.
- Cover with more sauce.
- Place biscuits or pastry on top of the dish.
- Bake until bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes at 350°F.
- If using ready-made biscuits, add them during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken while it simmers. If you're short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling a whole chicken. For a lighter version, substitute half of the chicken fat with olive oil. If you prefer, you can also use ready-made pie crusts or phyllo dough in place of biscuits for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pie is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. Consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of Cathy'S Cabbage Soup for a comforting combination. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispy texture of the top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anmama'S Chicken Pie contains roughly 618 calories, with 30g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1265mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the chicken pie?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. Note that the texture may vary slightly after freezing.
What can I use instead of chicken fat?
If you don't have chicken fat, you can substitute with unsalted butter or vegetable oil. Keep in mind that using butter will add a different flavor profile to the dish. For a healthier option, consider using olive oil, which can provide a nice taste while reducing saturated fat content.
How can I make the pie crust from scratch?
To make a simple pie crust, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces. Mix until crumbly, then add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Roll out and use as directed in the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).