Cheddar Crust Chicken Pot Pie: A Comfort Food Classic

Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Crust

Keywords: Chicken, pot pie, cheddar, crust, vegetables, comfort food, homestyle, American, baking. #chickenpotpie #comfortfood #cheddarcrust #homestylecooking

There's nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade chicken pot pie, especially when it's topped with a golden-brown, cheesy crust. This recipe delivers on all fronts—tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory filling encased in a flaky cheddar crust. It's the perfect dish for a chilly evening or a cozy family gathering. Let's dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup cubed potatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheddar Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup ice water

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
4. Add potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in peas and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the Cheddar Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese.
4. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
5. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cheddar crust to a 12-inch circle.
3. Transfer the filling to a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Place the crust over the filling, trim the edges, and crimp to seal.
5. Cut slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, corn, or green beans.
• If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with milk or half-and-half.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the filling and crust separately and assemble just before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This comforting pot pie is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Calories	Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Carbohydrates (g)
Approximately 450-500	25-30	30-35	40-45

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Crust! For more amazing recipes, check out our recipe collection!