Carefree Chicken Pot Pie

There is something about fall that makes me long for comfort foods. As the chill begins to set in anything warm and familiar holds a particular charm for me. So as I began to plan some freezer meals for after our little one arrives one of my first thoughts was Chicken Pot Pie. What could be more comforting than tender chicken and vegetables in gravy tucked away in a lovely flaky crust. What's more it only takes minutes to throw together and it is so much healthier than the store bought variety.

 

Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

2-3 chicken breasts
1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables or 1lb of your favorite veggies diced small
1 onion diced
1/4 c flour
8 oz chicken stock
2 tbsp garlic minced
1 tsp sage
1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp rosemary
Salt and Pepper to taste
Crust for 2 crust pie

Preparation:

Cook the chicken breasts as desired. I poach mine but you could also roast them or dice and saute them in a pan. If you poach them place them in pan and just cover them with water then bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes then remove from the heat and cover. Allow chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes or until completely cooked through. Drain the chicken, allow it too cool and dice into bite sized pieces.

Prepare your pie crust. You can buy a crust ready made, use a box mix, or make your own. I will not lie I buy a ready made crust. In a bowl, combine your chicken and vegetables. (If you decide to use fresh vegetables hold off on this step.) Pour this mixture into your pie crust.

In a deep skillet saute your onion in a bit of butter. Just before the onion is translucent add the flour a bit at a time until you have enough to make a good rue. Add the chicken broth whisking constantly to avoid clumping. Once you have a consistently smooth gravy going add your seasonings and bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer until it reaches the desired consistency. Remove from the heat and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Top with your second pie crust and crimp edges. Allow to cool completely before freezing.

To prepare your pot pie from the freezer, shield pie crust edges with foil then place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Remember every oven is different so check your pie often after the first 45 minutes (through the window, don't open that door!) and don't forget to take the foil off the edges in the last 15 minutes. It could take a bit longer or be spot on. Either way allow the pie to rest for 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Then just sit back and enjoy!