Granny Sue's Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Childhood Recollections
Nothing beats the taste of a handmade chicken pot pie, which my Granny Sue has been perfecting for as long as I can remember. In fact, she's been preparing it since my father was a child, and it's become a treasured family ritual that my uncle and I still request on a regular basis.
The aroma of chicken and veggies boiling in cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup wafts through the house, and I know I'm in for a treat. With its deep and savory ingredients and flawlessly crispy crust, Granny Sue's pot pie is the ideal comfort meal.
Where To Begin
Granny Sue begins by cooking and shredding one to two chicken breasts for her pot pie. She then combines two cans of mixed veggies, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and one can of cream of chicken soup. If the mixture becomes too thick, she will dilute it with chicken broth.
Granny Sue then lays the shredded chicken in a 9x13 casserole dish and tops it with the mixture. She then creates the crust by combining one cup of self-rising flour, one stick of melted butter, and one cup of milk into a smooth batter.
The Pepper Is What Creates The Difference
Granny Sue adds a little black pepper on top of the chicken before adding the crust for added flavor. The crust is then distributed over the top of the filling and smoothed out using the back of a spatula.
Granny Sue then bakes the pot pie at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, or until the crust is brown and the filling is bubbling. When it's finished cooking, Mom lets it cool before serving, but my uncle and I typically can't wait that long.
It's Irresistibly Delicious
It's difficult to express how amazing Granny Sue's chicken pot pie is. The filling is creamy and savory, with juicy chicken bits and a mixture of mixed veggies that offer just enough texture. And the crust is just right, with a crispy outer layer that gives way to a soft and doughy middle.
Generation after generation
I believe that one of the things that makes Granny Sue's pot pie so wonderful is that it is a recipe that has been passed down through the centuries. I feel like I'm getting a taste of my family's history and customs every time I eat it. Even though Granny Sue is getting on in years, she still cooks as wonderfully as she always has.
Therefore, if you're searching for a hearty and delicious supper that will warm both your heart and your tummy, try Granny Sue's chicken pot pie. I promise you will not be disappointed.
The Origins of Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie has been around for millennia, with versions found in many different cultures throughout the world. The oldest known recipe for chicken pot pie in America dates back to the early nineteenth century, with recipes for the meal appearing in cookbooks from that era.
Granny Sue's chicken pot pie recipe, on the other hand, has a fascinating backstory. Granny Sue began cooking the meal when my father was a child, nearly 50 years ago, according to my family. It was a basic dish back then, consisting of only chicken, veggies, and a handmade crust.
Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup
Granny Sue's recipe expanded over time to add cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, giving the filling a richer, creamier texture. She also began seasoning the chicken with black pepper before adding the crust, which added an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
Notwithstanding of these adjustments, Granny Sue's chicken pot pie has been a family favorite for years. It's something my uncle and I grew up eating, and it's become a ritual that we both look forward to every time we see Granny Sue.
Granny Sue's chicken pot pie recipe reflects our family's history and customs in many ways. It's a meal that has been passed down through generations, with each variation adding its own distinct flavor. Despite the passage of time, the recipe remains a monument to the eternal power of family, love, and delicious cuisine.
A Tasty and Filling Dinner
Granny Sue's chicken pot pie is a great and filling supper on its own, but there are lots of side dishes to help round out the meal and make it even more filling.
Here are some serving suggestions for this recipe:
Mashed Potatoes: Chicken pot pie with mashed potatoes are a tried-and-true combination. The rich and savory chicken pot pie filling is wonderfully complemented with creamy mashed potatoes.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Because the chicken pot pie already has vegetables, you may not need to add any more, but if you want some additional greens or fiber on your plate, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans would be a fantastic addition.
Side Salad: A simple side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and a mild vinaigrette will help balance out the richness of the chicken pot pie while also adding some extra nutrients to the dinner.
Crusty Bread or Biscuits: To soak up the savory chicken pot pie gravy, serve with slices of crusty bread or handmade biscuits.
Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi may give a welcome contrast to the creamy, savory chicken pot pie.
Macaroni and Cheese: If you want to go all out, mac and cheese goes nicely with chicken pot pie. Its creamy and cheesy taste will go nicely with the chicken pot pie filling.
Ultimately, the selection of side dishes will be determined by personal tastes and dietary requirements, but these are some suggestions to help make your dinner more balanced, gratifying, and tasty.
How to Freeze and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from Granny Sue's chicken pot pie, it is critical that you store them correctly in order to preserve their taste and freshness.
Here are some ideas for storing, freezing, and reheating leftovers:
Keeping Leftovers:
Remove any leftovers from the casserole dish and store them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is big enough to keep the leftovers without being too crowded.
Mark the container with the date so you know how long the leftovers have been in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking time.
How to Freeze Leftovers:
Chicken pot pie may be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag to freeze.
To prevent freezer burn, eliminate as much air as possible.
Mark the container with the date and contents so you can find it later.
Warming Up Leftovers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F before reheating leftovers. Take the chicken pot pie from the refrigerator and let it aside for 10-15 minutes to come to room temperature.
Cover the chicken pot pie with foil and place it in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. Ensure that the center is heated, with an internal temperature of at least 165F.
You may also reheat the chicken pot pie in the microwave for a faster warming approach. Cover the leftovers with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and place them on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave the filling for 1-2 minutes on high, then swirl and continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until cooked through.
You may reheat leftovers on the stovetop as well. In a saucepan, cook the chicken pot pie over medium heat, stirring periodically, until heated through.
Overall, storing, freezing, and reheating leftovers from Granny Sue's chicken pot pie is simple and will allow you to enjoy this delectable dish for several days. Just make sure you use correct storage and reheating techniques to keep the flavor and freshness of the leftovers.
Ways You Might "Try" To Improve It
While Granny Sue's chicken pot pie recipe is already great, here are some suggestions and ways to improve it:
Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought: If feasible, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. Homemade broth will add a deeper, more nuanced taste to the pot pie.
Use Fresh Herbs: For extra taste, add some fresh herbs to the filling, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Before baking, put some chopped herbs on top of the batter.
Fresh or Frozen Vegetables: If you don't have canned mixed veggies on hand, you may use frozen vegetables. Just defrost them before adding them to the filling.
Add cheese: If you like cheese, you can top the batter with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before baking. The cheese will melt and form a tasty crust on top of the pot pie.
Make the pot pie in a cast iron skillet: If you have one, use it to prepare the pot pie. Cast iron skillets evenly distribute heat and can aid in the creation of a crisper crust.
Add a dash of wine: For more taste, add a splash of white wine or sherry to the filling. During the baking process, the alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a delightful depth of flavor.
Create your own pie crust: While Granny Sue's recipe calls for a basic batter crust, you may make your own pie dough from scratch for a flakier, more buttery crust.
Experiment with seasonings: To give the pot pie your own unique touch, use other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
By using these ideas and tactics, you can elevate Granny Sue's chicken pot pie recipe and make it even more tasty and delectable.
The High End...
Finally, Granny Sue's chicken pot pie recipe is not only a family favorite, but it's also a food that holds a special place in my heart. That was the first recipe that I learnt as a child, and it's one that I still prepare for my boyfriend David today. We're taken back to the days of Sunday dinners at Granny Sue's place every time we taste it. I hope this dish brings you and your family as much joy and comfort as it did me. Enjoy!