Marie Callender's chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food, known for its creamy filling and flaky crust. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we can craft a delicious homemade version inspired by its iconic flavors. This recipe aims to capture the essence of that classic pot pie, focusing on a rich, savory chicken filling encased in a perfectly golden crust.
What Makes Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie So Special?
Many people rave about the creamy, flavorful filling and perfectly flaky crust. The combination of tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The crust is often described as buttery and golden brown, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft interior. The overall experience is one of home-style comfort food elevated to a higher level of deliciousness.
Ingredients for a Delicious Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (Inspired by Marie Callender's)
This recipe provides a flexible framework; feel free to adjust vegetable quantities based on your preferences.
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup frozen corn
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions: Creating Your Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery, carrots, and onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked chicken, peas, and corn.
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling and Baking the Pot Pie:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate or baking dish.
- Add Filling: Pour the chicken filling into the crust.
- Top with Crust: Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling or cut into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut Steam Vents: Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover roasted or cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Just make sure it's shredded or diced before adding it to the filling.
What kind of vegetables can I use?
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie just before baking.
Can I freeze this chicken pot pie?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding about 15 minutes to the baking time.
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying take on the classic Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy!
