Chicken Dinner Pie
A hearty chicken pot pie with flaky pastry, creamy filling, and savory vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare pastry as directed, rolling 2/3 into bottom crust and fitting into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Roll remaining pastry into a 10 x 6-inch rectangle.
- Cut rectangle into 12 strips, each 1/2-inch wide.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Blend in flour, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and stir in chicken broth and evaporated cream.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in cooked chicken and vegetables.
- Pour the filling into the pastry-lined pie pan.
- Create a lattice top with pastry strips.
- Trim edges and fold bottom crust edges over strips.
- Seal and flute the edges.
- Cover the edge with 2 to 3 inches of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown, removing foil last 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider using half-and-half instead of light cream. You can also substitute the chicken with leftover Baked Chicken Breasts (Low-Fat) or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. For added depth, throw in some sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Dinner Pie is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. For a hearty meal, serve with mashed potatoes or buttery corn. A glass of chilled white wine can also complement this dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Dinner Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, though the crust may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Dinner Pie contains roughly 734 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1295mg per serving (56% 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 use frozen vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen peas or carrots instead of canned. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the filling. This can enhance the flavor and texture of your Chicken Dinner Pie.
What can I do if I don’t have a pie crust?
If you’re out of pie crust, you can easily make a biscuit topping or use puff pastry instead. Alternatively, consider making a crustless version by baking the filling in a greased dish, which is a great option for a gluten-free meal.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and consider adding a bit of cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
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).