A Chicken Pot Pie Bake offers all the comforting flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie, but with a simpler, more straightforward preparation method. This version is perfect for a cozy family dinner and can be easily adapted to include your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Chicken Pot Pie Bake.
Ingredients:
FOR THE FILLING:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
FOR THE TOPPING:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Instructions:
STEP 1: PREHEAT OVEN AND PREPARE FILLING
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and corn. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable and chicken mixture, stirring to coat. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream or milk, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
STEP 2: MAKE THE TOPPING
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, grated cheddar cheese, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix together the milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE AND BAKE
- Transfer the chicken and vegetable filling to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spoon the topping mixture over the filling, spreading it out to cover as much of the filling as possible.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
STEP 4: SERVE
- Let the Chicken Pot Pie Bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize the filling with different vegetables, such as mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers.
- For a lighter version, you can use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese in the topping.
- This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.
Enjoy your Chicken Pot Pie Bake, a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.