Pot pies are a beloved comfort food enjoyed by many across the world. This classic dish typically consists of a savory filling, like chicken or beef, surrounded by a flaky pastry crust.
While many people choose to purchase pre-made pot pies from their local grocery store, there’s something special about making it from scratch. With this pot pie oven recipe, you’ll be able to create a homemade pot pie that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Before diving into the recipe, it’s worth understanding the science behind pot pies. Pot pies are typically baked at a high temperature, which helps to create a crisp, flaky crust. The filling is then cooked at a lower temperature to ensure all the flavors meld together.
Additionally, the filling of a pot pie should be thick enough to hold its shape, but not so thick that it becomes gluey. You’re looking for a consistency that’s somewhere in between liquid and solid.
To create the perfect pot pie, it’s important to select fresh, high-quality ingredients. The filling can be made with a variety of meats and vegetables, but it’s important to choose the ones that you enjoy the most.
Some of the most common meats for pot pie include chicken, beef, or turkey. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could try using mushrooms or tofu.
When selecting vegetables for your pot pie, consider using a combination of carrots, peas, celery, and onions. You can also add in other veggies like potatoes, corn, or green beans.
For the crust, use plenty of butter. Butter helps to create a tender, flaky crust that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And don’t skimp on the flour – it’s what binds the crust together.
Before starting to cook, it’s important to have a clean and organized work area. Make sure all surfaces and tools are wiped down and disinfected.
When prepping the ingredients, always start with the meat. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. Then move onto the vegetables, double-checking that they’re all washed and chopped to similar sizes for consistent cooking.
#Tips for the Perfect Pot Pie
Now that you’ve got your ingredients and work area prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these tips to ensure your pot pie comes out perfectly every time:
Use a pie dish with high sides to prevent the filling from bubbling over
Chill the butter before using it in the crust to keep it cold (and flaky)
Use cold water when mixing the dough; warm water can make it too sticky
Freeze the filled pie for at least 20 minutes before baking to help the crust hold its shape
#Recipe for Pot Pie Oven Recipe
Alright, let’s get started on the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the filling:
1 lb chicken breast, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the crust:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter, chilled and diced
1/2 cup cold water
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until they’re fragrant.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it’s no longer pink.
Add the carrots, celery, and peas to the pan and cook for a few minutes until softened.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir until it’s well combined.
Gradually add the chicken broth and milk to the pan, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it’s crumbly.
Slowly add the cold water to the mixture, stirring until it forms a dough.
Roll out your dough onto a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a pie dish.
Fill the pie dish with the chicken mixture and cover it with the remaining dough.
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
To ensure your pot pie is fully cooked, there are a few doneness checks you can perform. First, check that the crust is golden brown and crispy. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the pie – if it comes out clean, the filling is fully cooked.
If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the pie with foil to prevent it from burning. And if the filling is still liquidy after the pie is finished baking, you can try placing it back in the oven for a few more minutes.
Once you’ve perfected the basic pot pie oven recipe, you can start to experiment with different fillings and crusts. Here are a few variations to consider:
Seafood pot pie with shrimp or salmon
Vegetarian pot pie with tofu and a medley of veggies
Pot pie with a puff pastry crust for extra flakiness
Pot pie with a biscuit crust for a Southern twist
Turkey pot pie with Thanksgiving leftovers
#To prevent overcooking or undercooking
Keep a watchful eye on your pot pie while it’s in the oven to prevent overcooking or undercooking. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the pie with foil. And if the filling is still liquidy after the pie is finished baking, you can try placing it back in the oven for a few more minutes.
In Conclusion
Pot pies are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this pot pie oven recipe is sure to please.
By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, following these tips and tricks, and experimenting with different fillings and crusts, you’ll be able to create a pot pie that everyone will love. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!
To make a delicious pot pie in the oven, you will need the following ingredients:
To prepare the filling for your pot pie, start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until they become soft and tender. Next, add the flour and stir it into the vegetables until well combined. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and forms a creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken and frozen mixed vegetables, and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Stir everything together until well combined.
To assemble the pot pie, start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature provided by the pre-made pie crust instructions. Line a baking dish with one sheet of the pre-made pie crust, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides of the dish. Pour the prepared filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Cover the filling with the second sheet of pie crust, sealing the edges by pressing them together with a fork. Make sure to create vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Once assembled, bake the pot pie in the preheated oven according to the instructions provided on the pre-made pie crust packaging. Generally, pot pies are baked at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown, and the filling is heated through and bubbling.
After removing the pot pie from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it into individual portions and serve it while still warm. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.