Family Style Chicken Pie
A hearty family-style chicken pie featuring tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a savory gravy, all topped with a flaky crust—perfect for comforting gatherings and Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt shortening in a large kettle and sauté diced carrots, sliced celery, and sliced onions until soft.
- Add the cut-up chicken, bay leaves, and white pepper to the kettle.
- Cover with cold water, bring to a boil over medium heat, and cover.
- Simmer until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and cut the meat from the bones, then set aside.
- Strain the broth into a large saucepan.
- Knead butter and flour together until it resembles coarse meal.
- Bring the broth to a boil and add bits of the flour mixture, stirring constantly until the broth thickens to the desired consistency.
- Add the reserved chicken, cooked sliced carrots, and peas to the thickened broth.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole or deep pie dish.
- Cover with a pastry crust, prick the crust with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden and done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before thickening. You can substitute the shortening with olive oil or butter for a different taste. If you have leftover roasted chicken, it can save you time on cooking the chicken from scratch. Make sure to season generously, as the broth will enhance the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pie pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious filling. For a comforting side, consider Glarum'S Potatoes or a light soup to complement the pie without overwhelming it.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the pie cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through, and the crust is crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Style Chicken Pie contains roughly 1029 calories, with 14g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 659mg per serving (29% 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 fresh?
Yes, using frozen peas and carrots is a great time-saver. Just add them to the filling while it's still hot; they will cook through in the oven. Make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the vegetables don't become mushy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Additionally, check your shortening and pie crust for gluten-containing ingredients. There are many pre-made gluten-free crusts available that work well for this recipe.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and assemble the pie just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious when you finally bake it.
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).