The Best Pot Pie
A hearty, comforting chicken pot pie with flaky pastry crust, filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat margarine over low heat until melted.
- Blend in flour, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in chicken broth and milk.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in cooked, cut-up chicken and vegetables; set aside.
- Line a pie dish with pastry dough, add the filling, then cover with the top pastry.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you're short on time, pre-made pastry dough can save you effort. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or even a vegetarian protein like mushrooms or lentils to cater to different diets. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the taste, and if you prefer, you can use Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Mix for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This pot pie is delicious on its own, but you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pie nicely. For a comforting dinner option, pair it with a side of mashed potatoes. It also makes a great main dish for gathering, much like Oh No, They'Re-Staying-For-Lunch Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pot pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For best results, cover with foil to prevent over-browning. You can also microwave individual portions, but the crust may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Pot Pie contains roughly 197 calories, with 6g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1651mg per serving (72% 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 make this pot pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes, as it will be cold when placed in the oven.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. For a richer flavor, you can use homemade broth or even bouillon cubes dissolved in water. This alteration can still yield a delicious pot pie.
How do I know when the pot pie is done baking?
The pot pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. You can insert a knife into the center; it should come out hot. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from the hot filling.
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).