Homemade Chicken Pot Pie in a Cast Iron Skillet
Few comfort foods evoke the same level of warmth and nostalgia as a homemade chicken pot pie. But why settle for store-bought versions when you can craft a masterpiece right in your kitchen? Enter the hero of this culinary journey: the cast iron skillet.
Table of Contents
Cast Iron: The Ideal Vessel
Cast iron skillets are the workhorses of the kitchen world. Their exceptional heat retention allows for even cooking of the filling, while the heavy base prevents burning. This translates to perfectly tender chicken, fluffy vegetables, and a golden-brown, buttery crust – all within the same pan. The cast iron skillet also transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, eliminating the need for multiple dishes.
Beyond the Basics: Embracing Tradition
Who doesn’t love chicken pot pie? All you ever wanted in a traditional chicken dish is placed right into the heart of the pie and is ready to enjoy the moment it comes out of the oven. This is a relatively simple recipe to follow and makes one of the most delicious chicken potpies you will ever taste.
Pie: A Culinary Canvas
Pies have a rich and fascinating history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Their origins can be traced to early handheld pastries filled with meats or fruits. Over time, they evolved into elaborate creations with decorative crusts and a variety of fillings.
The beauty of the chicken pot pie lies in its versatility. While the core ingredients remain consistent – chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce – you can personalize it to your tastes. Consider adding different vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn. For a richer flavor profile, incorporate mushrooms or even chopped fresh herbs.
A Master Chef’s Touch for Chicken Pot Pie
Homemade chicken pot pie may be a classic dish, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be elevated. Here are some secrets from a Master Chef’s kitchen:
- The Art of the Roux: Don’t underestimate the power of a roux (a mixture of butter and flour). It thickens the sauce and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Embrace Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped thyme, parsley, or rosemary add a vibrant depth of flavor that dried herbs simply can’t replicate.
- The Perfect Crust: Whether you’re a master pie crust maker or prefer a store-bought option, ensure it’s slightly rolled out and chilled before baking. This prevents a soggy bottom crust.
homemade chicken pot pie in a cast iron skillet
Equipment
- Cast Iron Deep Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 Cups of Chicken Breast Fully Cooked and Sliced into Small Cubes
- 1 Cup of Carrots Fresh and Finely Diced
- 2 Potatoes Medium in Size, Peeled and Diced Finely
- 1 tablespoon of Flour Sifted
- ½ Cup of Milk Whole
- 1 Cup of Half and Half
- 2 Cups of Chicken Broth Low Sodium
- 1 Onion Medium in Size and Diced Finely
- 1 teaspoon of Oregano
- 1 teaspoon of Thyme
- 1 teaspoon of Salt for Taste
- 1 teaspoon of Black Pepper for Taste
- 1 Sheet of Puffy Pastry
- 1 Egg Large In Size
- Dash of Olive Oil Extra Virgin
Instructions
- Heat your olive oil in a cast iron deep skillet, and add onions. Sauté for 1 minute. Add in your carrots, potatoes, and sauté for 2 minutes. Then mix in your flour, and stir in chicken broth and spices. Mix all but the 2 Tablespoons of milk and cream in separate bowl.3 Cups of Chicken Breast, 1 Cup of Carrots, 2 Potatoes, 1 tablespoon of Flour, ½ Cup of Milk, 1 Onion, 1 teaspoon of Oregano, 1 teaspoon of Thyme, 1 teaspoon of Salt for Taste, Dash of Olive Oil, 1 teaspoon of Black Pepper for Taste
- Continue to mix, and slowly add in 6 Tablespoons of hot chicken broth into mixture in order to raise the temperature of the milk and cream.2 Cups of Chicken Broth
- Pour creamy mixture into skillet, and mix with carrots, potatoes, bring to boil.
- Cover pot, simmer for 20 minutes, cool. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Whisk egg with 2 Tablespoons milk.1 Egg
- Roll out the puff pastry on lightly floured working area. Place your sheet of puff pastry over skillet. Allow pastry to hang over the sides of the skillet. Make a few vent holes to let the steam out while cooking.1 Sheet of Puffy Pastry
- Place into your oven, and bake for 30 minutes or until pastry is a lovely golden brown color. Remove from oven, cool and serve with a light green salad to balance the richness of the potpie. Enjoy.
Try another Pai Recipe
