
A few weekends ago we enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon at home. The kids took their naps, then we played and I spent some time in the kitchen making this chicken pot pie. It can be hard to find the time to cook more involved recipes like this one, but sometimes on the weekend it’s worth the time and effort to make a special meal that will provide plenty of leftovers for the coming week.
This chicken pot pie is a warm, comforting dish that will warm you up on a cold evening. The biscuit crumble topping has a little kick from cayenne and black pepper, and it adds a great spice to go with the chicken and vegetable filling. I’ve made a few different versions of chicken pot pie, and this is most certainly the best. I’ll definitely be making this recipe again, when I’m in need of a little kitchen therapy time and a delicious, warm dinner.
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crumble Topping
Makes about 8 servings
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs and/or breasts
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 ribs celery, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 10 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. soy sauce
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp. fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
For the topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (I used 1/4 tsp., and you could definitely taste the spice, but it wasn’t overwhelming)
- 6 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. half and half or heavy whipping cream
Directions:
- To make the filling, bring the chicken and broth to a simmer in a covered Dutch oven. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken to a large bowl and set aside to cool for a few minutes. Pour the broth into a liquid measuring cup and reserve. Place an oven rack in the upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Prepare the topping by combining the flour, baking powder, salt, and peppers in a large bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work in the butter until the butter pieces are the size of small peas. Use a fork to stir in the Parmesan and then the cream until just combined. (The dough will be shaggy.) Crumble the dough into irregularly shaped 1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake until fragrant and just starting to brown, 10-13 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp. vegetable oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, celery, carrots, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 5-7 minutes. While the vegetables are cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the vegetables to the bowl with the shredded chicken and set aside.
- Heat the remaining tbsp. of oil in the Dutch oven set over medium heat until shimmering. Add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their liquid, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and soy sauce. Increase the heat to medium high, stirring frequently, until the liquid has evaporated, the mushrooms are well browned, and brown bits begin to form on the sides of the pan, about 5 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables; set aside.
- Melt the butter in the Dutch oven set over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the reserved chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and lemon juice. Add the chicken mixture and peas to the pan and stir to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste as needed.
- Pour the chicken mixture into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the filling. Place the pot pie onto a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake until filling is bubbling hot and top is well browned, about 12-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Note: The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in the baking dish. The baked crumble topping can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Bake the refrigerated filling for 30-35 minutes, add the crumble topping, and continue to bake for about 15 more minutes, until the filling is hot and the topping is browned.
Source: slightly adapted from The Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook.









