Chicken Pot Pie

This is always a good family favorite. My grandmother used the traditional peas in the pie but I have substituted broccoli because my kids prefer it over peas! You can use either puff pastry or pie crust. I use pie crust and I enjoy making it from scratch.

Ingredients:

Pie Crust (recipe to follow)

1 egg, beaten

4 chicken breasts

salt and pepper

2/3 cup butter

2/3 cup all purpose flour

1 pint heavy cream

2 cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 cup chopped yellow onion

1 cup frozen broccoli florets

1 cup chopped baby carrots

1 cup diced red potatoes

1 tablespoon sage

1 teaspoon nutmeg

Pie Crust:

3 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups shortening

4 to 5 tablespoons ice water

To make the crust: In a food processor, add the flour, salt and shortening. Mix until the ingredients are combined. With the motor running, slowly add the water and mix until the dough begins to gather on itself.

Dump out the dough and form 2 balls. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9x9x2 inch baking dish.

Heat butter in a large dutch oven or oven-proof stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and saute 2 minutes. Add chicken and saute 5 to 7 minutes, until browned on all sides. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the flour and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes for a blond roux. Stir in the chicken stock and bring the liquid up to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken. Stir in the cream and continue to cook for 4 minutes. Whisk in sage and nutmeg. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, broccoli and garlic. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Mix the filling thoroughly. Line the baking pan with one of the crusts. Pour the filling into the prepared pan. Place the top crust on top of the filling. Carefully tuck the overlapping crust into the pan, forming a thick edge. Crimp the edges of the pan and place on a baking sheet. Brush crust with beaten egg. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!