A One-Pan Wonder: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Craving the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie but short on time? This Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is your answer! This dish delivers all the warmth and satisfaction of a traditional pot pie, but in a convenient and hassle-free one-pan format.
A Symphony of Classic Comfort:
Imagine a delightful medley of tender vegetables – crisp celery, diced carrots, and flavorful potatoes – simmered to perfection. The savory goodness is further enhanced with aromatic onions and a touch of minced garlic. Shredded cooked chicken adds a hearty element, while peas offer pops of vibrant color and freshness. Creamy chicken broth and rich cream cheese come together to create a luscious sauce that binds everything together. Encasing this delightful filling is a golden brown puff pastry crust, offering a delightful textural contrast in every bite.
Effortless Comfort Food:
This recipe is the epitome of easy weeknight cooking. It utilizes readily available ingredients and requires minimal prep work. Simply saute the vegetables, create a quick sauce, and fold in the remaining ingredients. A sheet of frozen puff pastry transforms into a golden brown crust, eliminating the need for fussy dough-making techniques.
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Ingredients:
- For the Savory Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 red potatoes, diced (you can substitute russet potatoes)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Golden Puff Pastry Crust:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- Optional Extras:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Equipment:
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Oven-safe skillet (12-inch diameter)
- Rolling pin (if using pie crust)
- Baking sheet (optional)
- Sharp knife
- Spoon
- Serving plates
Step-by-Step Guide to Comforting Bliss:
- Sautéing the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure everything cooks through evenly. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced celery, carrots, onions, and potatoes. Saute for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Aromatic Infusion: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic's fragrance to infuse the dish. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
- Creating the Luscious Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir it in to coat evenly. This roux will thicken the sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes. Add the cream cheese, whisking it in until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- The Star of the Show: Fold in the shredded cooked chicken and the vibrant peas. Let everything simmer together for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
- A One-Pan Wonder: Pour the delicious filling into a preheated 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
- The Golden Touch: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently place it over the skillet, stretching it to fit snugly over the edges. Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess pastry dough. Whisk an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the puff pastry for a beautiful golden brown finish.
- Baking to Perfection: Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Savor the Comfort: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning mouths. Spoon generous portions of this delightful Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Casserole onto plates and savor the heartwarming flavors!
Cook's Note:
Feel free to substitute pie crust for the puff pastry, though the texture will be slightly different. If using pie crust, you may need to bake the casserole for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure the crust cooks through completely.
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