Description
This Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry recipe features a creamy chicken and vegetable filling topped with golden, flaky puff pastry pieces. The filling includes a medley of carrots, onions, celery, broccoli, and peas in a rich thyme-infused sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. The puff pastry is baked separately and then paired with the hot chicken filling for a comforting and elegant dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 3-4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (skin discarded)
- 2 cups carrots, chopped (1/4 inch)
- 1 cup onion, chopped (1/4 inch)
- 1 cup celery, chopped (1/4 inch)
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 2 cups frozen peas
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
- 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or any dairy on hand)
Puff Pastry Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry, slightly thawed, cut into 2 to 3 inch squares or shapes
- 1 egg yolk (for pastry wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken, discarding the skin, and set it aside for the filling.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ stick of the butter and add the chopped onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the celery and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
- Make the Roux: Add the remaining butter to the pan and melt completely, then stir in the flour, salt, and thyme to form a thick paste. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to fully incorporate, followed gradually by the chicken broth. Continue whisking and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Filling: Stir in the shredded chicken, broccoli, and frozen peas, mixing thoroughly until evenly combined. Remove the pan from heat.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Bring puff pastry to room temperature, then cut into 2 to 3 inch squares or desired shapes using a cookie cutter. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg yolk in a small bowl and brush over both sides of each puff pastry piece for a golden finish.
- Bake Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Bake the puff pastry according to package instructions, about 15-20 minutes, until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Spoon the hot chicken filling into bowls and top each portion with baked puff pastry pieces. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to fully thaw the puff pastry before cutting and baking to ensure proper puffing.
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables if broccoli and peas are unavailable.
- For a vegetarian alternative, omit chicken and use vegetable broth with additional mushrooms or tofu.
- Use low-fat milk or dairy alternatives to reduce fat content.
- Leftover filling can be stored separately and reheated before serving with freshly baked pastry.
