Dive into the cozy world of comfort food with this Skillet Chicken Pot Pie – a dish that combines homestyle cooking with the convenience needed for a busy weeknight. This recipe is a true delight, featuring tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a colorful medley of veggies, all wrapped up in a creamy mushroom sauce and crowned with a flaky, golden pastry crust. It’s a meal that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

A Comforting Classic Reinvented

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie has always been a staple of comfort cuisine, but this skillet version elevates it to new heights. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare. The cast-iron skillet not only simplifies the cooking process but also adds a rustic charm to the dish, making it a standout at any family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (10½ ounce) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 large egg, for egg wash

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your pot pie bakes evenly and the crust turns perfectly golden.
2. Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent. This step lays the foundation of flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chopped chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, infusing it with the aromatics.
4. Add Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the frozen peas, carrots, and diced potatoes, cooking for a few minutes. Then, mix in the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth, creating a rich, creamy base. Stir in the parsley for a fresh flavor boost.
5. Prepare the Crust: Lay the puff pastry sheet over the skillet, tucking in the edges. Brush the pastry with an egg wash and cut a few slits in the center for steam to escape. This ensures a crisp, flaky crust.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown.
7. Serve Warm: Let the pot pie cool slightly, then slice and serve warm, reveling in the comforting goodness.

Special Equipment

• 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for both cooking and serving, it provides even heat distribution and adds a rustic touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?

Absolutely! Cream of chicken or celery soup can be great alternatives.

 

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for additional veggies like mushrooms or cauliflower and use cream of vegetable soup.

 

Can I make this pot pie in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and add the pastry just before baking.

 

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Concluding Thoughts

“Skillet Chicken Pot Pie: A Warm Embrace of Homestyle Cooking”

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie is a heartwarming dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food while adding a touch of modern convenience. This culinary delight, deeply rooted in traditional American cuisine, has evolved from its early versions, which date back to the Roman Empire where meat pies were a common meal. However, the chicken pot pie as we know it today has its origins in early American cooking, where it was a practical and filling meal, often made with leftover meats and vegetables. The pot pie became particularly popular in the 19th century, symbolizing home-cooked, nourishing food that could feed a whole family.

This Skillet Chicken Pot Pie version of the classic Skillet Chicken Pot Pie simplifies the preparation process without sacrificing the rich flavors and hearty textures that define this dish. By using a cast-iron skillet, the recipe pays homage to traditional cooking methods while ensuring even heat distribution and a rustic presentation. The combination of tender chicken, robust potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, creates a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and satisfying. Topped with a flaky, golden puff pastry crust, the dish transforms into a beautiful centerpiece for any family gathering.

Each bite of this Skillet Chicken Pot Pie is not just a taste of delicious food, but a reminder of the simple pleasures of homestyle cooking. It’s a dish that warms the heart and soothes the soul, perfect for those evenings when the comfort of a familiar, lovingly prepared meal is what one craves the most. This pot pie stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of classic recipes, reimagined to fit the fast-paced lifestyle of the modern home cook.