Savor the comforting blend of flavors in this Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any family dinner. With its flaky crust, tender chicken, and vibrant herbs, this pot pie is not just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings everyone together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Classic: Nothing beats the nostalgic warmth of a homemade pot pie, especially when it’s filled with savory chicken and fresh herbs.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add your personal touch to the filling.
Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Impressive Presentation: Serve it in individual ramekins or a large dish for a stunning centerpiece at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this scrumptious Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that elevate the flavors and textures of this dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of taste and aroma.
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender meat that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and celery add a pop of color and crunch to your pot pie.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley enhance the dish with vibrant, aromatic notes that brighten up the flavors.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice offers a refreshing zing that complements the richness of the chicken.
Pie Crust: Whether homemade or store-bought, a flaky crust is essential for that classic pot pie experience.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth and moisture to the filling, ensuring every bite is succulent.
Heavy Cream: For a luscious and creamy filling that brings everything together beautifully.
Butter: A touch of butter enriches the sauce and brings out the flavors of the herbs and vegetables.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Variations for Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with mushrooms and add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free delight.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a bit of heat.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill to find your favorite flavor profile.
Crust Alternatives: Try a puff pastry topping or even a biscuit topping for a delightful twist.
How to Make Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. This sets the foundation for your delicious filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt some butter and add diced carrots, celery, and peas. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the filling.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring. Cook until the mixture thickens, creating a luscious sauce that binds everything together.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Herbs
Mix in the cooked chicken, fresh herbs, and lemon juice into the sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Pour the filling into a pie dish or individual ramekins. Cover with your choice of pie crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits for steam to escape. This creates that golden, flaky crust we all love.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven and bake the pot pie until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie
Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken, making the recipe even quicker.
Chill the Dough: If making a homemade crust, chilling the dough helps achieve that perfect flaky texture.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pie to prevent spills; a little space is essential for a well-cooked crust.
Cover Edges: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Let it Rest: Allow the pot pie to cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps the filling set up nicely.
How to Serve Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves on top of the pot pie just before serving adds a beautiful touch and enhances the flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your pot pie with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal that complements the richness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual pot pies in ramekins or use a muffin tin for mini versions, perfect for parties or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready for quick reheating.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze the unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake the frozen pot pie at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating leftovers, a quick 20-25 minutes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add great flavor to your Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and crust ahead of time. Assemble the pie just before baking for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, or for a lighter option, use milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour.
Is it okay to freeze the pot pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pot pie. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables such as corn, green beans, or mushrooms to customize your filling.
Final Thoughts
I hope you get the chance to create this delightful Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie recipe in your kitchen. It’s a dish that fills the heart and warms the soul, perfect for any family gathering or cozy evening at home. Enjoy every bite and share the love with those around you!
Savor the comforting blend of flavors in this Lemon & Herb Chicken Pot Pie, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any family dinner. With its flaky crust, tender chicken, and vibrant herbs, this pot pie is not just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup peas
1 cup diced celery
Herbs
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Pie Crust
1 pie crust, either homemade or store-bought
Chicken Broth
2 cups chicken broth
Heavy Cream
1 cup heavy cream
Butter
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. This sets the foundation for your delicious filling.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt some butter and add diced carrots, celery, and peas. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the filling.
Make the Sauce: Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring. Cook until the mixture thickens, creating a luscious sauce that binds everything together.
Add Chicken and Herbs: Mix in the cooked chicken, fresh herbs, and lemon juice into the sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with goodness.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into a pie dish or individual ramekins. Cover with your choice of pie crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits for steam to escape. This creates that golden, flaky crust we all love.
Bake: Preheat your oven and bake the pot pie until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Notes
Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken, making the recipe even quicker.
Chill the Dough: If making a homemade crust, chilling the dough helps achieve that perfect flaky texture.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pie to prevent spills; a little space is essential for a well-cooked crust.
Cover Edges: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Let it Rest: Allow the pot pie to cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps the filling set up nicely.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 slice
Calories:450
Sugar:2g
Sodium:800mg
Fat:25g
Saturated Fat:12g
Unsaturated Fat:10g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:35g
Fiber:3g
Protein:25g
Cholesterol:90mg
Keywords: Lemon, Herb, Chicken, Pot Pie, Comfort Food