01 -
First things first, get your oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, chop your onion and celery. I like to get them pretty fine so they practically melt into the sauce. If you’re using fresh carrots, give them a quick dice too. This is where I often realize I forgot to pull out the pie crusts to thaw, oops! Don't be like me; let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes beforehand.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that lovely savory base forming, which is always a good sign. Don't let them brown too much; we're aiming for translucent and tender here, not crispy. This step sets the stage for the whole pie, so take your time.
03 -
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This is your roux, and it’s what thickens the sauce. It'll look a bit pasty, but that's what you want! Cook out that raw flour taste; it makes a huge difference. I remember one time I rushed this and the sauce tasted faintly of raw flour, which was not the vibe we were going for with this Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe.
04 -
Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk. Keep whisking to avoid lumps—it's a little arm workout, but worth it! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. You’ll see it transform from thin to a lovely, creamy sauce. It should coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thick, a splash more broth helps.
05 -
Once your sauce is thick and bubbly, stir in your cooked, shredded chicken and the mixed frozen vegetables. Add a good pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. I like to add a little extra pepper, honestly. Let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes, just until the vegetables are heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings here; this is your moment to make it perfect for *your* palate.
06 -
Pour the creamy chicken and vegetable filling into one pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Top with the second pie crust, crimping the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape—this helps prevent a soggy bottom and keeps that beautiful dome shape. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The smell filling your kitchen will be pure magic!