Almost homemade chicken pot pie recipes are a perfect solution for people who love to cook but don’t have a lot of time to spend preparing meals. These recipes allow you to use pre-made ingredients to create a delicious, comforting dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. Whether you are a busy mom or a professional who doesn't have time to cook from scratch, an almost homemade chicken pot pie recipe is an excellent choice.
What is Almost Homemade?
Almost homemade refers to recipes that use pre-made ingredients to speed up the cooking process. Instead of making everything from scratch, you use some pre-made items that can reduce the cooking time significantly. For example, in a chicken pot pie recipe, you can use pre-made pie crust, frozen vegetables, or cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken instead of roasting and shredding the chicken on your own.
Ingredients used in Almost Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipes
The following are the main ingredients that are used in an almost homemade chicken pot pie recipe:
Pie Crust
Using pre-made pie crusts is one of the key elements of an almost homemade chicken pot pie recipe. You can buy frozen pie crusts from your grocery store, and they are easy to use. Simply thaw them out, add your filling, and bake.
Cooked Chicken
Cooking your chicken from scratch can take time and effort, but using pre-cooked chicken can speed up the cooking process. Rotisserie chicken is a popular choice, and you can simply shred it and add it to the pot pie filling.
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are convenient and easy to use. They are typically pre-chopped, which saves you time in the kitchen. You can use a mix of frozen vegetables that include peas, carrots, green beans, and corn.
Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup is a key ingredient that gives the pot pie filling a creamy texture. You can use any cream of chicken soup that you like, or you can make your own.
Spices and Herbs
To add flavor to your almost homemade chicken pot pie, you should not forget to add spices and herbs. You can use parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and black pepper to season your filling.
How to Make Almost Homemade Chicken Pot Pie?
The following are steps that you can follow to make almost homemade chicken pot pie:
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
If you are using frozen pie crust, make sure to thaw it out according to the instructions on the package. Line a 9-inch pie pan with the pie crust and trim any excess dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, cooked chicken, frozen vegetables, spices, and herbs. Cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat, or until the vegetables are tender and the filling is heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Pot Pie
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and spread it out evenly. Cover the filling with the second pie crust and pinch the edges to seal them. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake the Pot Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the pot pie on a baking sheet and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Conclusion
Almost homemade chicken pot pie recipes are an excellent choice for busy people who want to prepare a delicious and comforting meal. By using pre-made ingredients like pie crust, cooked chicken, and frozen vegetables, you can speed up the cooking process significantly. With a little creativity and some simple spices and herbs, you can create a dish that your family will love. Try an almost homemade chicken pot pie recipe today and see how easy and delicious it is!
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a quick and easy family dinner. While you can make chicken pot pie completely from scratch, there are many shortcuts you can take to create an "almost homemade" version that is just as delicious. In this article, we'll provide valuable tips for making almost homemade chicken pot pie recipes that will save you time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
Tip #1: Use store-bought pie crust
One of the easiest ways to create an almost homemade chicken pot pie is to use store-bought pie crust. You can find pre-made pie crust in the refrigerator or freezer section of your grocery store. Using store-bought pie crust will save you time and ensure that your crust is perfectly flaky without any effort on your part.
Tip #2: Use rotisserie chicken
Another shortcut for almost homemade chicken pot pie is to use rotisserie chicken. Buying a cooked rotisserie chicken from your grocery store will save you time and effort in cooking and seasoning the chicken. Plus, rotisserie chicken is already perfectly cooked and flavorful, so it will add a lot of taste to your chicken pot pie.
Tip #3: Use frozen vegetables
While using fresh vegetables is always ideal, using frozen vegetables is a great shortcut that won't sacrifice flavor. Using frozen vegetables will save you time in preparation and can also be more convenient when trying to make dinner quickly. Additionally, frozen vegetables are often picked at their peak ripeness and immediately frozen, so they can be just as nutritious as fresh vegetables.
Tip #4: Use a cream soup base
Using a cream soup base, like cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup, is a great way to add flavor and creaminess to your chicken pot pie filling without having to make a roux or white sauce. Cream soups already contain seasonings and cream, so all you have to do is mix in your cooked chicken and vegetables and you're ready to pour it into your pie crust.
Tip #5: Add flavor with herbs and spices
Even if you're using shortcuts like store-bought pie crust and cream soup, you can still add a lot of flavor to your chicken pot pie by using herbs and spices. Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage can give your pot pie a savory, comforting taste. You can also add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to add a little bit of heat and depth of flavor.
Tip #6: Pre-cook the filling
One mistake many people make when making almost homemade chicken pot pie is pouring uncooked filling into the pie crust. This can result in an undercooked or soggy crust, as well as unevenly cooked filling. To avoid this, pre-cook your chicken and vegetables in a separate pan and mix in your cream soup and herbs/spices. This will ensure that everything is cooked properly and that the flavors are fully developed before pouring it into your pie crust.
Tip #7: Use a brushed egg wash
A brushed egg wash on top of your pie crust will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy texture. To make an egg wash, whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of water. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash onto the surface of your pie crust before baking.
Tip #8: Let the pie rest before slicing
After you've baked your chicken pot pie, it's important to let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. This will allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together. If you try to slice into it right away, the filling may be too runny and the crust may fall apart.
Conclusion
With these valuable tips, you can create an almost homemade chicken pot pie that is just as delicious as a completely homemade version. Using shortcuts like store-bought pie crust, rotisserie chicken, and frozen vegetables will save you time and effort, while adding herbs and spices and pre-cooking the filling will ensure that your pot pie is full of flavor. Brushing your pie crust with an egg wash and letting it rest before slicing will give it a beautiful appearance and perfectly set filling. Experiment with these tips and make your own almost homemade chicken pot pie recipe that your family will love.
