Remember that comforting night, wrapped in a blanket with a steaming bowl of chicken pot pie? The warm, savoury filling, the flaky crust… pure satisfaction in every bite. But what if you’re dairy-free and that comforting dream seems out of reach? Well, fret no more!
This recipe is here to transform your cravings into a delicious reality. We’ve got a simple, flavour-packed solution that ditches the dairy but keeps all the cosy vibes.
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Dairy-Free Chicken Pot Pie, a recipe so good you won’t believe it’s missing the usual suspects!
Contents
Demystifying Dairy-Free Delights
Let’s delve deeper into the world of delicious alternatives for this dairy-free chicken pot pie adventure!
Vegan Chicken Pot Pie
This recipe can easily be transformed into a fully vegan option. Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based chicken alternatives like chickpeas, lentils, or chopped tempeh.
Dairy-Free Gravy
The magic of a pot pie lies in its creamy, flavorful gravy. But fear not, dairy-free friends! We can achieve a luscious texture using a variety of plant-based alternatives.
This recipe utilises a simple flour or cornstarch slurry thickened with the natural starches the vegetables release. For an extra decadent touch, you can also explore options like creamy cashew sauce or pureed cauliflower.
Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie
Craving a pot pie experience that caters to gluten sensitivity? No problem! Simply choose a pre-made gluten-free pie crust or whip up your own using a gluten-free flour blend like almond flour, coconut flour, or a combination of both.
Chicken Pot Pie Filling
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While we’ll be using classic ingredients like chicken, carrots, peas, and onions, feel free to get creative! Explore adding chopped mushrooms, green beans, or corn for a delightful textural experience.
Savoury Pie Crust
A flaky, golden brown crust is the crown jewel of any pot pie. This recipe offers the option of making your own crust using simple ingredients like flour, butter (or vegan butter), and water.
However, for a time-saving approach, store-bought pie crusts work wonders too! Just ensure you choose a dairy-free variety if needed.
Plant-Based Milk
The key to achieving a creamy texture in our dairy-free gravy lies in the magic of plant-based kinds of milk! Unsweetened almond milk is a popular choice due to its neutral flavour, but feel free to experiment with other options like soy milk, oat milk, or even cashew milk. Each milk offers a slightly different taste profile, so pick your favourite!
Building Your Dairy-Free Dream: A Comprehensive Ingredient List
Now that we’re armed with knowledge about delicious alternatives let’s gather the ingredients to create your perfect dairy-free chicken pot pie masterpiece!
For the Pie Crust (Choose One)
Homemade
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free option)
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- Store-Bought: Opt for a 9-inch refrigerated pie crust, ensuring it’s dairy-free if needed.
For the Chicken Pot Pie Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a thicker gravy)
- 2 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth for a vegan option)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Topping (Optional)
- 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (or use a vegan egg wash alternative for a dairy-free option)
Helpful Extras
- Cooking spray for greasing the pie dish
- Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)
This ingredient list provides a roadmap for your culinary adventure. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preferences!
Step-by-Step of Making Dairy-Free Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Let’s embark on the delicious journey of creating your very own dairy-free chicken pot pie!
Part 1: The Crust (Choose Your Path!)
Homemade Hero
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, using a fork to incorporate it until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and creates a flakier crust.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a greased pie dish and crimp the edges decoratively. If using, pre-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes according to package instructions for store-bought varieties.
Store-Bought Shortcut
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the store-bought pie crust packaging.
- Unfold the pie crust according to the package instructions and gently place it into your greased pie dish. Crimp the edges for a beautiful finish.
Part 2: Flavorful Filling Fiesta
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery (if using) for 5-7 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant aroma to bloom.
- Sprinkle the flour (or cornstarch) over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for another minute, creating a roux that will thicken the gravy.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and plant-based milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken, frozen peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir gently to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
Part 3: The Grand Assembly
- Pour the hot chicken pot pie filling into the prepared pie crust (pre-baked if homemade).
- If using an egg wash, brush the top crust with the mixture for a golden brown finish. (For a vegan option, you can use plant-based milk and a touch of maple syrup.)
- Bake the pot pie for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Part 4: A Slice of Heaven
- Let the pot pie cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to be set properly and avoids a soupy mess.
- Enjoy your piping hot, creamy, and utterly delicious dairy-free chicken pot pie creation!
Conquering Common Queries: People Also Ask (PAA) Wisdom
We’ve covered the culinary basics, but sometimes, questions linger! Let’s address some common queries to ensure your dairy-free chicken pot pie journey is smooth sailing:
Q: Can I use a different type of dairy-free milk?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While unsweetened almond milk is a popular choice due to its neutral flavour, feel free to experiment with other plant-based milk options like soy, oat, or cashew milk.
Each milk offers a slightly different taste profile. Soy milk has a creamier texture, oat milk has a subtle oat flavour, and cashew milk adds a touch of richness. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your taste preference and dietary needs.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
For a completely gluten-free experience, simply swap the all-purpose flour in the crust recipe for a gluten-free flour blend. Popular options include almond flour, coconut flour, or a combination of both.
These flours absorb liquids differently, so you might need to adjust the amount of water used in the dough.
Be sure to check the specific package instructions for your chosen blend. Additionally, double-check that your store-bought pie crust, if used, is labelled gluten-free.
Q: What vegetables can I add?
The vegetable medley in this recipe is a foundation, but feel free to customise it to your liking! Here are some delightful options:
- Green beans: Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces for a satisfying crunch.
- Corn: Frozen or fresh corn kernels add a pop of sweetness and colour.
- Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or portobello mushrooms add a savoury depth of flavour.
- Chopped broccoli florets: For a burst of vibrant green and extra nutrients.
Remember to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the additional vegetables you choose, ensuring everything cooks through evenly.
Taking Your Dairy-Free Chicken Pot Pie to the Next Level
Now that you’ve mastered the basics let’s explore some tips and variations to elevate your dairy-free chicken pot pie game!
Top Tips for Triumph
Pre-cooked Chicken Power: Short on time? No problem! Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker and equally delicious filling. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pot pie filling after sautéing the vegetables.
Leftover Love: Leftover cooked chicken or vegetables can be easily incorporated into this recipe, reducing food waste and creating a new flavour combination.
Thicken Up Your Game: If your gravy seems a bit thin after simmering, you can create a simple cornstarch slurry to achieve a thicker consistency. Whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired thickness.
Egg Wash Alternatives: For a vegan option, instead of the egg wash, brush the top crust with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of plant-based milk and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. This will create a beautiful golden brown finish.
Flavorful Variations to Fiesta
Herb Haven: For a touch of fresh herbaceousness, add a couple of tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the filling just before serving.
Spicy Fiesta: Love a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno to the vegetable sauteing stage for a subtle spicy warmth.
Vegan Transformation: This recipe can easily transform into a fully vegan option. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based chicken alternatives like chickpeas, lentils, or chopped tempeh. Crumbled tofu can also work well, especially when marinated in your favourite savoury sauce.
Creamy Dreamland: For an extra decadent touch, consider using a creamy cashew sauce instead of the traditional gravy. Simply blend soaked cashews with water, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice for a luxurious and flavorful alternative.
These are just a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity! Feel free to experiment with different flavour combinations and vegetables to discover your perfect dairy-free chicken pot pie masterpiece.
Conclusion
Who says you can’t indulge in classic comfort food when following a dairy-free lifestyle? This recipe empowers you to create a restaurant-worthy chicken pot pie experience, bursting with flavour and minus the dairy. We’ve explored clever ingredient swaps, from creamy plant-based kinds of milk to alternative gravy thickeners, ensuring a satisfying and versatile dish.
Feeling intimidated by a homemade crust? No worries! This recipe caters to busy schedules with the option of using a store-bought crust. Plus, we’ve addressed common questions and offered exciting variations to keep your taste buds happy.
Now that you’re armed with knowledge and culinary inspiration, it’s time to unleash your inner chef! So, preheat your oven, gather ingredients, and embark on this delicious dairy-free adventure. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its customizability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, or even a creamy cashew sauce variation. We guarantee this recipe will become a staple in your dairy-free comfort food repertoire.