Moravian Chicken Pies
Moravian Chicken Pies feature tender chicken baked under flaky pie shells with a creamy, savory filling, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with Pam or non-stick spray.
- Break up one pie shell and place it in the bottom of the dish.
- Crumble the cooked chicken evenly over the pie shell.
- Melt the margarine and mix it into the cream of celery soup along with 2 cups of chicken broth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the dish.
- Crumble the second pie shell on top of the filling.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water for the broth. You can also substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of chicken or mushroom soup for a different taste. If you want to add veggies, diced carrots or peas can be mixed in with the chicken before topping with the second pie shell, enhancing the dish's nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Moravian Chicken Pies hot from the oven with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or a fresh garden salad. This dish pairs beautifully with Brown Turkey Gravy for those who enjoy added sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven will help retain the pie's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Moravian Chicken Pies contains roughly 928 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 621mg per serving (27% 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 chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the pie. You might want to bake them first or boil them until cooked through, then shred or crumble them for the filling.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of butter or a plant-based butter alternative if you're looking for a dairy-free option. This will provide a similar richness to the cream of celery soup mixture.
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).