Michael Davis
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food, but some people like to mix up the ingredients. Mushrooms are a popular addition to chicken pot pie, adding a savory, buttery, or creamy flavor. However, some types of mushrooms contain high amounts of agaritine, which is not good for health, so it is important to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the pie. Sautéing the mushrooms first can help to reduce moisture content and improve flavor and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms in chicken pot pie | Baby bella, white button, or dried mushrooms can be added |
| Sautéing mushrooms | Recommended to reduce moisture content and improve texture and flavor |
| Type of pie crust | Refrigerated pie crust, puff pastry, or homemade all-butter pie crust |
| Other ingredients | Chicken, celery, carrots, peas, parsley, garlic, onion, cheese, bacon |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and mushroom pie recipes
Chicken and mushroom pie is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. This recipe will guide you through the process of making a delicious and savoury chicken and mushroom pie, with a focus on the role of mushrooms in enhancing the flavour and texture of the filling.
Ingredients:
- Chicken (shredded or diced cooked chicken, or uncooked boneless chicken breasts/thighs)
- Mushrooms (baby bella or white button mushrooms, or a mix of various types)
- Pie crust (pre-made puff pastry, shortcrust, or make your own with butter)
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken stock
- Milk or cream
- Vegetables (onion, celery, carrots, garlic, parsley, and peas)
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, dijon mustard, and parmesan)
Method:
Start by sautéing the vegetables. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat, add diced onions and carrots, and cook until soft. Then, add the mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until softened. You can also add some bacon or bacon drippings at this stage for extra flavour.
Next, prepare the gravy. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes before adding the chicken stock and milk or cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken. Season the gravy with salt and pepper, or other seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon.
For the chicken, use cooked shredded or diced chicken, or cook your own boneless chicken pieces. Combine the chicken with the gravy and vegetables, stirring in any additional ingredients like peas, parsley, or cheese.
To assemble the pie, transfer the filling to a pie dish. Cover with a sheet of puff pastry, brush with whisked egg, and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown.
Tips for Using Mushrooms:
Mushrooms add a boost of flavour and texture to the pie. Sautéing the mushrooms first helps to reduce their moisture content, ensuring the pie filling isn't too soupy. It also adds a nice browning effect and enhances the overall flavour. If using dried mushrooms, soak them in warm water, then use the mushroom water to replace some of the stock, intensifying the mushroom flavour.
Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms to find your preferred flavour and texture combination. Chicken and mushroom pie is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste, so don't be afraid to get creative!
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The benefits of sautéing mushrooms
Chicken pot pie is a savoury dish that is loaded with vegetables and protein. Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in chicken pot pie, adding flavour and texture to the creamy filling.
Mushrooms are versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Sautéing is a popular method of cooking mushrooms, and it offers several benefits. Firstly, sautéing helps to reduce the moisture content in mushrooms, which can prevent a chicken pot pie from becoming too soupy. Sautéing also adds flavour and enhances the texture of the mushrooms, creating a browning effect that adds depth to the dish.
Additionally, sautéing mushrooms can improve their nutritional profile. Mushrooms are a healthy ingredient, low in sodium and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Sautéing can help to break down certain compounds in mushrooms, such as agaritine, which may be harmful in large amounts. Cooking mushrooms also makes certain nutrients more readily available for absorption by the body. For example, vitamin D in mushrooms becomes more bioavailable when the mushrooms are exposed to heat and sunlight.
Sautéing mushrooms is a quick and easy process that can elevate the flavour and texture of a dish. It is a versatile cooking method that can be adapted to suit various recipes, making it a popular choice for home cooks and chefs alike.
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Chicken pot pie ingredients
Chicken pot pie is a comforting, savoury dish that is surprisingly easy to make. The ingredients are simple and versatile, allowing for a lot of creativity in the kitchen.
The star ingredients of a chicken pot pie are, of course, chicken and a variety of vegetables. The chicken is usually shredded or diced and is often cooked before being added to the pie. Rotisserie chicken is a popular choice for extra flavour, but any pre-cooked chicken will do.
For the vegetables, mushrooms are a favourite. They add a delicious umami flavour and a meaty texture to the pie. It is recommended to sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the pie to reduce their moisture content and enhance their flavour. Other vegetables that go well in a chicken pot pie include onions, carrots, celery, and peas. These vegetables provide sweetness, colour, and texture to the dish.
To bring all the ingredients together, a creamy sauce is typically used. This sauce is made with butter, flour, and chicken stock, creating a gravy-like consistency. Heavy cream is also added for a rich, indulgent touch.
Finally, the pie is assembled with a flaky, buttery crust. Homemade crusts made with butter are preferred by some, but store-bought pie crusts are a convenient option that works just as well. An egg wash before baking ensures the crust turns a golden brown.
Chicken pot pie is a versatile dish that can be adapted to personal preferences and ingredient availability. It is a comforting, savoury meal that is perfect for cold nights and can be easily prepared in advance.
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Chicken pot pie recipes
Chicken pot pie is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for warming you up on cold nights. This recipe includes mushrooms, but you can experiment with different vegetables according to your preference.
Firstly, sauté your vegetables. In a Dutch oven or pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter and add diced onions and carrots. Sauté for 8 minutes over medium heat until soft. Next, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic and sauté for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened. You can also add dried mushrooms, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and chopped, for extra flavour.
Now it's time to prepare the gravy. Add ⅓ cup of flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Then, add chicken stock and ½ cup of heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute or until the mixture has a thick, gravy-like consistency. Season with 2 teaspoons of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
For the filling, add shredded, cooked chicken, frozen peas, and ¼ cup of parsley. Stir everything together, then remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly while you prepare the crust.
Roll out one chilled pie crust disk into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to a deep 9-inch pie dish. You can also use a cast-iron skillet or a round cake pan. Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared pan and cover with another sheet of pie crust. Brush the top crust with a whisked egg and bake on the bottom rack for 25 minutes at 425°F, until the crust is puffed and golden brown.
Let the pie cool slightly before serving and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
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Chicken and mushroom pot pie recipes
Chicken and mushroom pot pie is a delicious, comforting dish that can be made in several ways. Here are some recipes to try:
Chicken and Mushroom Pot Pie with Cheddar Sage Biscuits:
This recipe is perfect for a hearty appetite. Start by roasting chicken breasts drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper at 400°F for 40-45 minutes. Let it cool, then remove the bones and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter, add diced onions, and sauté until softened. Add mushrooms and season with salt. Sauté until cooked, then add garlic and fresh thyme. Deglaze the pan with sherry and let it reduce. Add butter, stir in flour, and gradually add broth until blended. Stir in the diced chicken and parsley, then set aside.
For the biscuits, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Grate cold butter into the mixture, then add sage and shredded cheese. Stir in buttermilk to form a sticky dough. Roll out the dough, cut into rounds, and arrange on the pot pie filling. Brush the biscuits with buttermilk and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Chicken and Mushroom Pie with Puff Pastry:
This recipe uses pre-made puff pastry dough for convenience. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a pie dish and line it with a sheet of puff pastry. For the filling, melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, then gradually whisk in broth and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a skillet, melt butter, add mushrooms and garlic, then stir in chicken and bacon. Combine the mushroom mixture with the cream of chicken and cheddar cheese. Transfer to the pie dish, cover with another sheet of puff pastry, and brush with whisked egg. Bake for 25 minutes until golden.
Chicken Pot Pie with Mushrooms and Celery:
For a creamy pot pie with a flaky crust, try this recipe. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add mushrooms and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Stir in flour, then gradually add chicken stock and milk. For the chicken, use shredded, cooked chicken. Combine the chicken with the vegetable mixture, then add frozen peas and parsley. Transfer to a pie dish and cover with pie crust. Brush with an egg wash for a golden crust, then bake until golden brown.
Tips for Using Mushrooms in Chicken Pot Pie:
When adding mushrooms to a chicken pot pie, it is recommended to sauté them first. This helps to cook out the moisture, preventing a soupy filling, and adds flavour and texture to the dish. You can also use dried mushrooms, soaking them in warm water and using the mushroom water to replace some of the stock for extra flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms add a delicious umami flavour to chicken pot pie. They also add texture and flavour that you may not get with other vegetables such as peas and corn.
Yes, it is recommended that mushrooms are cooked before adding them to chicken pot pie. Sautéing the mushrooms first will reduce their moisture content, ensuring your sauce has the right consistency and improving the texture.
Baby bella or white button mushrooms are good options for chicken pot pie. You can also use dried mushrooms, which you soak in warm water before adding to the pie.
