Creamy Chicken Pot Pie (Printable version)
Tender chicken and vegetables nestled in creamy orzo pasta for a hearty, comforting meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 14 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 cup frozen peas
→ Grains & Pasta
06 - 1 1/4 cups orzo pasta
→ Dairy
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Liquids
10 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Pantry
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
13 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - Melt the butter in the same pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
03 - Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
04 - Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in the orzo pasta, garlic powder, thyme, and parsley. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente, about 10 minutes.
06 - Fold the cooked chicken and frozen peas into the pot, simmering for an additional 3 minutes.
07 - Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is rich and creamy. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It creates an incredibly rich sauce in one pot without needing a roux that requires constant whisking.
- The orzo pasta releases starch into the broth, mimicking the texture of a pie filling effortlessly.
02 -
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so do not reduce it too much on the stove.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better than the pre-shredded variety and avoids a grainy texture.
03 -
- Use rotisserie chicken to skip the searing step and make this a 20-minute meal.
- Adding a splash of white wine to the vegetables before adding the broth adds a lovely brightness.