When it comes to dinners that warm your soul and make you feel right at home, few dishes can rival the comfort of a classic Chicken Pot Pie. But let's face it, the traditional process of making Chicken Pot Pie can be a bit time - consuming and stressful. That's where the magic of the slow cooker comes in!
Using a slow cooker to prepare the stew portion of the Chicken Pot Pie is a game - changer. It allows you to set it and forget it, giving you more time to relax or take care of other tasks while the delicious flavors meld together. The slow - cooking process tenderizes the chicken and vegetables, creating a rich and savory filling that is simply irresistible.
To start this wonderful slow - cooked Chicken Pot Pie journey, you'll need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, you'll need some boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into bite - sized pieces. Chicken is a great source of protein and adds a hearty element to the dish. You'll also need a medley of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and celery. These vegetables not only add color and texture but also bring in a wealth of vitamins and minerals.
For the flavor base, you'll want to use some onions and garlic. Onions add a sweet and savory note, while garlic brings in a pungent and aromatic kick. Sauté them in a bit of olive oil in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This step helps to enhance their flavors and gives the stew a more complex taste.
Once you've sautéed the onions and garlic, transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, along with the chopped carrots, peas, and celery. Pour in some chicken broth. The chicken broth serves as the liquid base for the stew and adds a depth of flavor. You can also add a bit of cream of chicken soup for a creamier texture. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of paprika. These seasonings will elevate the taste of the stew and make it truly special.
Set the slow cooker on low heat and let it do its thing for about 4 - 6 hours. As the stew cooks, you'll notice the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. The chicken will become tender and the vegetables will be cooked to perfection. The flavors will blend together, creating a thick and delicious stew.
Now, for the top part of the Chicken Pot Pie. Instead of making the pie crust from scratch, you can use a premade pie crust. This saves a lot of time and effort. Once the stew is ready, preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the pie crust package. Pour the slow - cooked stew into a pie dish. Unroll the premade pie crust and place it over the stew, pressing the edges to seal it.
Use a fork to make some small slits in the pie crust. This allows the steam to escape while the pie is baking. Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown and flaky. The heat from the oven will cook the pie crust and also heat up the stew inside, making it even more delicious.
When the Chicken Pot Pie is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The slow - cooked stew will be thick and flavorful, and the premade pie crust will add a crispy and buttery layer on top. You can serve this Chicken Pot Pie with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a well - rounded meal.
This slow - cooked Chicken Pot Pie is not only a delicious dinner option but also a practical one. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The combination of the slow - cooked stew and the premade pie crust makes it a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. So, the next time you're looking for a comforting dinner, give this slow - cooked Chicken Pot Pie a try!