01 -
First things first, let's get those veggies ready for your easy homemade pot pie. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around, letting them soften up for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender, not browned, so keep an eye on them. The kitchen should start smelling amazing right about now – that's the good stuff beginning!
02 -
Now for the next layer of flavor. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over your softened veggies. Stir it continuously for about 1-2 minutes, letting it cook into a paste. This is your roux, and it’s what will thicken your easy homemade pot pie filling. It's okay if it looks a little clumpy; that's normal. This step helps cook out the raw flour taste, which is super important for a smooth, delicious sauce. Don't rush this part!
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Slowly, gradually, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly as you go. Then, pour in 1 1/2 cups of whole milk, still whisking. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken and smooth out; it might take a few minutes. You'll see it transform into a lovely, creamy sauce right before your eyes – it’s honestly so satisfying! This is where your easy homemade pot pie really starts to come alive.
04 -
Once your sauce is thick and bubbly, stir in your cooked chicken, frozen peas, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Give it a good taste here, and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is where I sometimes forget to add enough salt, so learn from my oops! Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm everything through and let those flavors meld into a beautiful easy homemade pot pie filling.
05 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9-inch pie dish and roll out one of your refrigerated pie crusts. Gently lay it into the dish, pressing it firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Pour your warm, delicious easy homemade pot pie filling into the crust. Now, for the top crust: lay the second pie crust over the filling. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang, and crimp the edges to seal. Don't forget to cut a few small slits in the top crust – this is crucial for steam to escape!
06 -
Place your assembled easy homemade pot pie on a baking sheet (just in case of any delicious overflow) and bake for 35-45 minutes. You're looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and a filling that's bubbling away. The smell filling your kitchen will be incredible! Once it's done, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set, ensuring every slice of your easy homemade pot pie is picture-perfect and won't just ooze everywhere.