How To Store Chicken Pot Pie

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Introduction

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a golden crust. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any meal, whether it’s a cozy dinner on a cold winter night or a hearty lunch with friends.

While enjoying a warm and freshly baked chicken pot pie is certainly a treat, there may be times when you have leftovers or want to prepare the dish ahead of time. In such cases, it’s important to know how to store chicken pot pie properly to maintain its freshness and flavor.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of storing chicken pot pie effectively. From the ingredients and preparation to the assembly and baking, we will provide you with all the information you need to ensure that your chicken pot pie remains delicious even after being stored.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to store your chicken pot pie without compromising on taste and quality, let’s get started!

Ingredients

Before diving into the process of storing chicken pot pie, let’s go over the ingredients you will need to make this delectable dish:

• 1 ½ pounds of cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pre-made pie crusts
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

These ingredients can be easily sourced from your local grocery store. Feel free to adjust the quantities and add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize the flavors of your chicken pot pie.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to preparing the chicken pot pie!

Preparing the Chicken Pot Pie

Preparing the chicken pot pie filling is the first step in creating a delicious and satisfying dish. Follow these steps to make the perfect pot pie filling:

1. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until they become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
3. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables, and stir well to coat them evenly. This will help thicken the sauce.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Add the shredded or cubed cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients, and let the filling simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, and let the filling cool down completely before proceeding to assemble the pot pie.

While the filling cools, you can start preparing the pie crusts if they’re not pre-made. Roll out the crusts and line a pie dish with one of them, saving the other crust for the top of the pot pie.

Now that the filling is ready and the pie crust is prepped, it’s time to assemble the pot pie. Let’s move on to the next section!

Store chicken pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will last for up to 3 months.

Assembling the Pot Pie

Assembling the chicken pot pie is an exciting step that brings all the delicious components together. Follow these steps to properly assemble your pot pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the pot pie.
2. Take the cooled pot pie filling and carefully pour it into the pie dish lined with the bottom crust.
3. Gently place the second pie crust on top of the filling, pinching the edges of the crusts together to seal the pie.
4. Using a sharp knife, make a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. You can also create decorative designs if desired.
5. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color as it bakes.

With the pot pie assembled and ready to go, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Let’s move on to the next section!

Baking the Pot Pie

Baking the chicken pot pie is the final step in creating a mouthwatering dish that will fill your home with comforting aromas. Follow these steps to bake your pot pie to perfection:

1. Place the assembled pot pie onto a baking sheet to catch any potential spills or drips.
2. Transfer the baking sheet with the pot pie into the preheated oven, and let it bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.
3. Keep a close eye on the pot pie as it bakes, adjusting the oven temperature if necessary to maintain an even heat distribution.

Tip: If you notice that the top crust is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the filling finishes cooking.

Once your chicken pot pie is beautifully golden and aromatic, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Now, it’s time to move on to the final step of storing the pot pie.

Cooling and Storing

After your chicken pot pie has finished baking, it’s important to allow it to cool down properly before storing it to maintain its texture and flavor. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Once you’ve taken the pot pie out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This will give the filling time to set and the crust time to firm up.
2. After the pot pie has cooled, you can then decide how you want to store it. There are two common methods for storing chicken pot pie: refrigerating it or freezing it.
3. If you plan to consume the pot pie within the next few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place the cooled pot pie in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any contamination or spoilage. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
4. If you want to store the pot pie for a longer period, freezing is the best option. To freeze, wrap the completely cooled pot pie in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. When you’re ready to enjoy your stored pot pie, thaw the frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until it’s heated through.

Remember, always check the quality and freshness of your stored pot pie before consuming it. If you notice any signs of spoilage or an off smell, it’s best to discard it.

With these steps, you can now confidently prepare, bake, and store chicken pot pie, ensuring that you have a delicious and satisfying meal whenever you desire. Enjoy!