Popover Chicken Pie
A hearty chicken pie featuring tender fried chicken topped with a light popover crust, offering comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 8 pieces of fryer chicken (legs and thighs preferred) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons melted butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon celery seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine 1/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and paprika; mix well.
- Roll chicken pieces in the flour mixture and brown on all sides in shortening or vegetable oil.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the popover batter by mixing 1 1/2 cups milk, 4 slightly beaten eggs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 to 1 tablespoon celery seed.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish or pie pan.
- Arrange the browned chicken pieces on top of the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 40 minutes until the popover is risen and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter popover, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. If you want to add extra flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the batter. You can substitute the shortening with olive oil for a healthier option. If you prefer a different protein, try using turkey or even a vegetarian alternative like mushrooms for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the popover chicken pie warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier side, consider serving it alongside some creamy mashed potatoes or Ore-Ida Au Gratin for a comforting twist.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the popover chicken pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the texture of the popover crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Popover Chicken Pie contains roughly 1072 calories, with 12g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1449mg per serving (63% 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 boneless chicken instead of pieces with bones?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces, but be aware that the cooking time may need to be adjusted since they cook faster. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure food safety.
What can I do if my popover doesn't rise?
If your popover doesn't rise, it may be due to a few factors such as the batter not being mixed well or the oven temperature not being hot enough. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking and avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking to maintain temperature.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the popover batter just before baking to achieve the best rise and texture. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the batter covered in the refrigerator and use it within a few hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before pouring it into the baking dish.
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).