01 -
First things first, get your butter melting in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it soften up for about 5 minutes, until it's translucent and smells sweet. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it’s fragrant – don't let it burn, hon! I've definitely scorched garlic before, and it made the whole pot pie taste bitter. Not fun, trust me.
02 -
Sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This is your roux, and it's super important for thickening! You want to cook out that raw flour taste. I used to rush this step, and my sauce tasted a bit… floury. Now I know better. It should smell a little nutty, a good sign for your homemade pot pie recipe.
03 -
Slowly, and I mean SLOWLY, whisk in the chicken broth, then the whole milk. Keep whisking to avoid lumps. This is where the sauce starts to come alive, getting thick and creamy. It should be smooth and luscious, like a warm hug. If it looks a bit thin, don't panic, it will thicken as it simmers. Just keep stirring for your homemade pot pie recipe.
04 -
Stir in your cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened nicely. Taste and season with salt and pepper. I always add a generous pinch of both here; it makes all the difference.
05 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the chicken and vegetable filling into a 9-inch pie plate. Lay one of your pie crusts over the top of the filling. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang, then crimp the edges to seal. I like to make a few slits in the top for steam to escape, otherwise, you get a very puffy, angry crust!
06 -
In a small bowl, whisk that egg with a tablespoon of water for an egg wash. Brush it over the top crust. Pop your homemade pot pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly. It should smell absolutely divine, filling your whole kitchen with warmth. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, it's hot!