Marie Callender's chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food, known for its creamy filling and flaky crust. While the exact recipe from Marie Callender's restaurants is a closely guarded secret, we can create a delicious version inspired by its iconic flavors. This recipe focuses on achieving that same heartwarming, home-style taste you crave. Get ready to enjoy a pot pie that's as comforting as a warm hug!
What Makes Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie So Special?
The magic of Marie Callender's chicken pot pie lies in several key elements:
- The Filling: A rich and creamy chicken filling, often featuring tender chicken, carrots, peas, and a subtly seasoned gravy. The balance of flavors and textures is key.
- The Crust: A perfectly flaky and golden-brown crust, often a combination of butter and shortening for optimal tenderness and texture. It's not just about the taste; the crust provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling.
- The Overall Experience: The combination of the flavorful filling and the delicate crust creates a comforting and satisfying meal. It's a dish that evokes feelings of nostalgia and home-cooked goodness.
A Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Inspired by Marie Callender's
This recipe aims to capture the essence of Marie Callender's iconic dish. Feel free to adjust seasonings to your preference.
Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Crust: (You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions:
Making the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, thyme, salt, pepper, shredded chicken, and peas. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Making the Crust (from scratch):
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out half of the dough and place it in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Pour the chicken filling into the pie crust.
- Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds excellent flavor.
What kind of crust is best for this recipe?
A classic butter-based pie crust is ideal for its flakiness. However, you can use store-bought crust if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie just before baking.
What are some variations I can try?
You can add different vegetables, such as mushrooms or potatoes. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices.
How do I store leftover chicken pot pie?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
This recipe provides a delicious and comforting chicken pot pie experience, capturing the essence of the Marie Callender's classic. Enjoy!
