Jack-o'-Lantern Pot Pie (Print Version)

Festive autumn meal with golden pastry, tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory vegetables. Warm comfort for fall evenings.

# Components:

→ Filling

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
10 - 1 cup frozen peas
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Crust

14 - 1 sheet refrigerated or homemade pie dough (approximately 9 ounces)
15 - 1 egg, beaten

# Directions:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F and allow to fully preheat.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
03 - Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute until evenly coated.
04 - Slowly pour in chicken broth and whole milk, whisking consistently. Cook and stir for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
05 - Add cubed cooked chicken, frozen peas, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Remove skillet from heat and allow filling to cool slightly.
06 - Transfer prepared filling into a 9-inch pie dish or divide evenly among four oven-safe ramekins.
07 - On a floured surface, roll out pie dough to cover the dish or ramekins. Use a sharp paring knife to carve jack-o'-lantern facial features into the dough.
08 - Drape carved dough over the filling. Press edges to seal securely. Brush the surface with beaten egg for glossy, golden color.
09 - Place dish in oven and bake for 25–30 minutes (18–22 minutes for individual ramekins), until crust is deeply golden and filling bubbles at the edges.
10 - Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes to set before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients from the fridge and pantry
  • Ready in little over an hour perfect for weeknights
  • Versatile with vegetable or meat options
  • Crowd-pleasing presentation for gatherings
  • Hearty and filling single-dish meal
02 -
  • High in protein and fiber keeps you full
  • Perfect as a freezer meal for busy nights
  • Gorgeous showstopper for fall parties
03 -
  • Letting the filling cool slightly before covering with crust helps prevent a soggy base
  • Chilling dough before rolling means cleaner edges and less sticking
  • Whisk liquids in slowly for lump free creamy sauce
  • If you want deep flavor try roasting chicken breast with thyme ahead of time
  • Egg wash should cover every inch for a burnished crust

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