Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie with Cheddar Crumb Topping
Turn Sunday roast leftovers into a champion Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie! Cheesy cheddar crumb topping makes it extra special. Easy leftover chicken recipes inside!
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself staring at leftover chicken thinking, "not another chicken sandwich?" i hear you! this recipe is about to become your new best friend.
Get ready for a chicken & mushroom pot pie with a cheddar crumb topping – pure comfort food heaven! we're talking creamy, savory goodness with a cheesy, golden crust.
Brief Overview
Pot pies? they're basically a hug in a bowl. this recipe takes inspiration from classic british pub grub. it is fairly easy to make.
This chicken & mushroom pot pie serves 6, making it perfect for a family dinner. you'll spend about an hour, but trust me, it’s well worth it!
Main Benefits
This pot pie is packed with protein thanks to all that chicken. it is also full of veggies. it’s a great way to sneak some extra goodness into your family's diet.
This is a fantastic fall chicken recipes choice for sunday night, or honestly, any night you need a little pick-me-up.
What makes this recipe special? that cheddar crumb topping. it adds an irresistible cheesy crunch that takes it to the next level.
Ready to ditch the boring leftover chicken breast routine? First up, let's gather those ingredients.
What You'll Need: The Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Two tablespoons of olive oil.
- One chopped medium onion.
- Two cloves of minced garlic.
- Eight ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms.
- One diced carrot.
- One diced celery stalk.
- One quarter cup of all-purpose flour.
- Two cups of chicken broth.
- One half cup of heavy cream.
- One tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
- One teaspoon of dried thyme.
- One half teaspoon of salt.
- One quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
- Three cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced – perfect for your boiled chicken breast or even rotisserie chicken recipes leftover !
- One half cup of frozen peas.
For that Amazing Cheddar Crumb:
- One cup of all-purpose flour.
- One half cup of cold unsalted butter.
- One half cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
- One quarter teaspoon of salt.
- One quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
- Three to four tablespoons of ice water.
Right, gather all that up and meet me back here. we’re about to make some magic with these leftover chicken recipes easy ! this is also a fantastic recipe using rotisserie chicken , especially if you want something a little quicker.
Right then, let's talk ingredients for this smashing Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie ! Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that just screams comfort, especially when you’re trying to make the most of that Sunday roast, isn't it? This recipe using leftover chicken is dead easy and you will be proud of what you will be capable of!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
For the scrummy chicken filling, you'll need:
- 2 tbsp ( 30 ml ) of good ol' olive oil.
- 1 medium onion, chopped nice and fine (about 1 cup ).
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Gotta get that flavour in there!
- 8 oz ( 225g ) of cremini mushrooms, sliced. Portobello work too, if that's what you've got!
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced (aim for around ½ cup ).
- 1 celery stalk, diced (again, around ½ cup ).
- ¼ cup ( 30g ) of all-purpose flour. This is for thickening things up!
- 2 cups ( 475ml ) of chicken broth. Get the good stuff, it makes a difference!
- ½ cup ( 120ml ) of heavy cream.
- 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) of Dijon mustard.
- 1 tsp dried thyme.
- ½ tsp salt.
- ¼ tsp black pepper.
- 3 cups ( 450g ) of cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Hello, leftover chicken breast !
- ½ cup ( 75g ) of frozen peas.
And for that delightful cheddar crumb topping:
- 1 cup ( 120g ) of all-purpose flour.
- ½ cup ( 55g ) of ice cold unsalted butter, cubed. Seriously, cold is key!
- ½ cup ( 50g ) of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
- ¼ tsp salt.
- ¼ tsp black pepper.
- 3-4 tbsp ( 45-60 ml ) of ice water . Add it slowly, you don't want a soggy mess.
Quality indicators: look for good quality cooked chicken recipes . if it is a store bought chicken, make sure the chicken is moist and not dried out.
The key is to ensure it's still got some flavour left. soggy mushrooms? bin them! nobody wants soggy mushrooms.
Seasoning Notes
We want a real flavour explosion! Here's the lowdown:
- Thyme and Dijon mustard are the stars here. This combo adds a savory, slightly tangy depth. You might even call this a Fall Chicken Recipes !
- Don't be shy with the salt and pepper.
- A little pinch of red pepper flakes can add a cheeky kick. Ooh-err!
If you're out of Dijon, a dash of English mustard will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Right, tools of the trade. Nothing too fancy:
- A large skillet or Dutch oven. Gotta have something to cook that lovely filling in.
- A 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe skillet.
- A mixing bowl.
- A pastry blender or fork. For that crumb topping, you know?
If you haven't got a pie dish, a good old casserole dish will do. Just remember the recipe is all about the flavour! Now, let's move on to the actual cooking, shall we? Think that chicken and rice casserole freezer meal !
Alright, let's get this show on the road! we're tackling leftover chicken recipes today. no more boring sandwiches! we're talking chicken & mushroom pot pie with cheddar crumb topping.
Sounds fancy, doesn't it? honestly, it's easier than you think, even though it is a medium difficulty. i promise!
Prep Like a Pro!
Essential mise en place is key. chop your onion, mince that garlic, and slice those mushrooms. get everything in little bowls.
Trust me, it saves a ton of time. you can also boil chicken breast ahead of time for this recipe.
If you are using frozen peas, don't forget to defrost them.
Be Sharp About Safety
Just a quick shoutout for food safety. Remember, cook your chicken to 165° F ( 74° C) . We don't want anyone getting poorly!
Step-by-Step to Pot Pie Perfection
Okay, here's the nitty-gritty. This is how to make magic happen.
- Sauté your Aromatics: Get a large skillet. Add your oil. Cook the onion and garlic until they soften.
- Mushroom Medley: Toss in those mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they're tender.
- Sauce Time: Stir in your flour. Whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Cook until thick.
- Flavor Bomb: Add mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Chicken Power: Toss in the shredded chicken and peas.
- Crumbly Goodness: Mix flour, butter, cheddar, salt, and pepper for the topping. Use a pastry blender. Add a bit of ice water till it clumps.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the filling into a pie dish. Top with that crumb topping.
- Bake Away: Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes . Or until golden and bubbly.
Visual Cue: That Golden Glow
You'll know it's done when the cheddar crumb is a beautiful, golden brown. The filling should be bubbling like a witch's brew!
Pro Tips & Tricks
Want to take this pot pie to the next level? Here's the lowdown.
Ice Cold is the Key
Use cold butter for the crumb topping. Freezing it beforehand is a game-changer! Seriously, this is how to make any kind of similar recipe using leftover chicken amazing.
The Golden Rule: Do Not Overwork!
Don't overmix the crumb topping dough. You'll end up with a tough topping. We want flaky, not rock hard!
Make Ahead? You Betcha!
You can make the filling a day ahead. store it in the fridge. assemble and bake when you're ready. this also works well for chicken and rice casserole freezer meals.
I love to make this for fall chicken recipes!
Other Chicken Options?
Leftover chicken breast works great in this recipe. don't have leftover chicken? no worries, crockpot chicken breast is a good option.
Boiled chicken breast is also a quick fix. and hey, why not try rotisserie chicken recipes leftover? recipes using rotisserie chicken are a breeze!
Okay, that's it from me for now. Go forth and conquer that leftover chicken! You know I love to use it with the Campbell's cheesy chicken and rice casserole and for making angel chicken rice casserole or cheesy angel chicken and rice casserole! Happy cooking!
Alright, let's talk notes, yeah? This isn't just cooking; it's about making something you love.
Recipe Notes
Plating Ideas: Show Off Your Masterpiece
Presentation matters. i remember once, i made a right mess of a stew, but i served it in a fancy bowl with a sprig of parsley, and suddenly it looked like i knew what i was doing.
So, for this chicken & mushroom pot pie , think rustic chic. serve it straight from the oven-safe skillet. or cut into wedges for a pot pie and place it on a plate.
A simple green salad on the side adds color. honestly, it’s all about making it look inviting.
Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries. This chicken and rice casserole freezer meal idea works too, so you can freeze some before cooking.
- Fridge: Cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It'll keep for about 3 days.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, portion out the pie into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can last for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Spice Things Up: Variations on a Theme
Want to change it up?
- Dietary: Use gluten-free flour for the crumb topping. Substitute dairy-free cream.
- Seasonal: In autumn, swap out the peas for butternut squash or some roasted sweet potatoes. Talk about some fall chicken recipes !
Quick Nutrition: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, no need for a science lesson. let’s keep it simple. you get protein from the braised chicken breast , plus veggies.
It’s a hearty, comforting meal. it has about 450-500 calories, 30-35 grams of protein, 25-30 grams of fat, 30-35 grams of carbs, 3-4 grams of fiber, and 600-700mg of sodium.
It's good for you in moderation, like most things, innit?
So, there you have it. my ramblings on pot pie perfection. using leftover chicken recipes easy , or boiled chicken recipes , recipes using rotisserie chicken , and rotisserie chicken recipes leftover is a great idea.
Don't be afraid to experiment. this is your kitchen.
Now go on, get cooking, and make some magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this leftover chicken recipes' pot pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to raid your fridge. This recipe is super versatile. Swapping out the carrots and celery for other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes works a treat. You could even throw in some chopped broccoli or green beans for extra greens. Just make sure they are cooked until tender-crisp.
How long can I store leftover Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie?
You can store the baked pot pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's properly cooled before wrapping it well in cling film or placing it in an airtight container. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth to the filling if it seems a bit dry. A tip from Mrs. Beeton herself, always label and date your leftovers!
My crumb topping isn't very crumbly. What did I do wrong?
Ah, that's a classic baking conundrum! The most likely culprit is that your butter wasn't cold enough. For that delightful crumbly texture, the butter needs to be fridge-cold, or even better, slightly frozen before you cut it into the flour. Also, try not to overwork the dough – a light touch is key. Imagine you're just tickling it together.
Can I freeze this Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie?
Yes, you can freeze it! The best approach is to assemble the pot pie but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then in foil, and it should keep well for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as per the recipe instructions. Freezing baked pot pie isn't recommended as the crumb topping can get soggy.
Is this Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie recipe healthy?
While this is a comforting, hearty dish, it's not necessarily a "health food" per se. However, you can certainly make it healthier! Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream will cut down on fat, and loading up on the vegetables is always a good shout. Serving it with a side salad will balance out the richness. Remember, everything in moderation, eh?
Can I make this pot pie ahead of time?
You certainly can prepare this ahead! You can make the filling and the crumb topping separately a day or two in advance. Store them in the fridge, and then assemble and bake when you're ready to serve. This is a great time saver if you're expecting company or just need to get ahead of the game. Just like getting your ducks in a row before the big day!
Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie with Cheddar Crumb Topping Recipe Card
