Cheddar Chicken Potpie: A Comforting, Cheesy Twist on a Classic

Introduction

There’s something irresistible about a warm, golden-brown Chicken Potpie, especially when it’s made with tender chunks of chicken, a medley of veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. But what if you took this beloved comfort food and gave it a cheesy twist? Enter Cheddar Chicken Potpie—a luscious, cheesy variation that takes the traditional potpie to a whole new level.

Imagine taking that first bite and being greeted with the melty, sharp flavor of cheddar cheese, perfectly complementing the savory filling. The combination of creamy chicken filling and the rich, nutty cheese adds depth of flavor that will have your family and guests asking for seconds.

This Cheddar Chicken Potpie is the ultimate dish for cozy nights at home, special gatherings, or even holiday meals. It’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, making it a great option for meal prep or after a big holiday feast.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make this delicious potpie, share tips for perfecting the crust and filling, and provide suggestions for customizing the recipe. Get ready for a comforting, cheesy dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Cheesy Upgrade
This version of chicken potpie takes the classic recipe to the next level with the addition of sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese enhances the creamy filling and gives the entire dish a rich, satisfying flavor.

Comfort in Every Bite
Like the classic potpie, this dish is all about comfort. The creamy chicken and vegetable filling, coupled with the golden, flaky crust, is the definition of cozy food. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a comforting weekend meal, it’s sure to make everyone feel at home.

Great for Leftovers
One of the best things about potpie is that it’s a perfect way to use up leftovers. Whether you’ve got extra cooked chicken from a roast or leftover turkey, this recipe makes great use of them, cutting down on food waste while creating a delicious new meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
Cheddar Chicken Potpie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or even frozen for later. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or preparing for a busy week.

One-Pot Comfort
The filling comes together in one pan, and the crust can be pre-made or store-bought, making the process much easier without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s baked in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (30 minutes prep, 45 minutes cooking)
Servings: 6-8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Cheddar Chicken Potpie:

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the filling.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor for the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For extra flavor and depth.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Adds color and sweetness.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Complements the carrots and adds texture.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded: Leftover rotisserie chicken, chicken breasts, or turkey will work perfectly.
• 1 ½ cups frozen peas: For added color and texture.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps create the creamy sauce.
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk: For a rich and creamy consistency.
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The key ingredient for the cheesy twist.
• 3 tablespoons flour: For thickening the filling and creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a fragrant herbal note to the filling.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.

For the Crust:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade crust if preferred): For convenience and ease, store-bought crusts are great, but homemade crusts add an extra layer of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted: For brushing on top of the crust before baking, giving it a golden, crispy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: PREPARE THE FILLING

Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

STEP 2: MAKE THE SAUCE

Once the vegetables are softened, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid any lumps. Add the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens into a creamy sauce. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

STEP 3: ADD THE CHICKEN AND CHEESE

Once the sauce has thickened, add the diced or shredded chicken and frozen peas. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and peas are evenly distributed. Now it’s time to add the star ingredient: the cheddar cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce, making the filling extra creamy and cheesy. Season the mixture with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE POTPIE

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish or a shallow, oven-safe baking dish. Press the crust into the edges and trim off any excess dough. Pour the chicken filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.

Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the top of the filling. Pinch the edges of the crust together to seal the pie, then use a knife to make a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking. If you want a golden, crispy top, brush the crust with melted butter.

STEP 5: BAKE

Place the assembled potpie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

STEP 6: REST AND SERVE

Once the potpie is out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve the potpie warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve

Pair with a Fresh Salad
This hearty chicken potpie pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing salad. Try a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the potpie.

With Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes make a great side dish, adding both nutrition and texture to the meal.

Enjoy with a Glass of Wine
A crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with this cheesy, creamy potpie.

Additional Tips

1. Use Leftover Chicken: This potpie is a great way to repurpose leftover chicken or turkey. Simply shred or dice the meat and add it to the filling. It’s a perfect meal for after a big holiday dinner.
2. Homemade Crust: If you’re up for it, making your own pie crust is surprisingly easy and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish. You can also make the crust in advance and freeze it for later use.
3. Thicker Filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, add a little more flour when making the sauce. Just be sure to cook it for a few extra minutes to remove any floury taste.
4. Add More Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to increase the amount of cheddar or even add other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for extra flavor.
5. Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the filling.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftover Cheddar Chicken Potpie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the crust from drying out.

Freezing: This potpie freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the potpie but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, remove the potpie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time if needed.

Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for

2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire potpie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Cheddar Chicken Potpie is the ultimate comfort food with a cheesy twist. From its creamy, flavorful filling to its golden, flaky crust, this dish is a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, preparing it ahead of time, or looking for a way to use up leftover chicken, this potpie delivers on taste and ease.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every warm, cheesy bite. Be sure to share your results and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious comfort of Cheddar Chicken Potpie!

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