What To Eat With Chicken Pot Pie?

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, homemade chicken pot pie. The rich, savory filling oozing out of a flaky pastry crust is enough to warm anyone’s heart, but what about the side dish? The perfect accompaniment for this classic comfort food can vary depending on your preferences.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking for something lighter, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Classic Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the appeal of a warm, hearty chicken pot pie. While the delicious filling of the pie is undoubtedly a highlight, what really brings the dish together is the accompaniment of a perfectly prepared side dish.

For many, this will mean mashed potatoes – a classic, buttery, and indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pie.

Why Mashed Potatoes Are a Popular Side Dish for Chicken Pot Pie?

Mashed potatoes have been a beloved side dish for centuries, and for good reason. They are a simple, satisfying, and versatile dish that pair well with a wide range of entrees. When it comes to chicken pot pie, however, mashed potatoes make a particularly good fit.

The rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture of the mashed potatoes provide a perfect complement to the savory filling of the pie, helping to balance out the dish and provide a sense of comfort and indulgence.

Additionally, mashed potatoes are relatively easy and quick to prepare, making them a convenient and reliable choice for busy cooks.

How to Prepare Perfect Mashed Potatoes?

While mashed potatoes may seem like a simple dish, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure that you get the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose the right potatoes: For the creamiest and fluffiest mashed potatoes, it’s best to opt for starchy potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold. These varieties have a higher starch content, which helps to create a light and fluffy texture.
2. Don’t overcook the potatoes: To avoid getting a gummy or glue-like texture, it’s important to be careful not to overcook the potatoes. Start by boiling them in salted water until they are tender but not falling apart (usually around 15-20 minutes), then drain them and let them cool slightly.
3. Use a masher or ricer: While it may be tempting to use an electric mixer, doing so can actually overwork the potatoes and make them gluey. Instead, use a potato masher or ricer to gently mash the potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.
4. Add butter and cream: To give your mashed potatoes that classic, indulgent flavor, add plenty of butter and cream. Start by melting a few tablespoons of butter, then gradually stir in cream until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve mastered the art of making perfect mashed potatoes, there are so many ways you can serve them alongside your chicken pot pie. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Classic style: Simply spoon a generous dollop of mashed potatoes onto a plate alongside a slice of chicken pot pie for a classic, comforting meal.
2. Shepherd’s pie: If you have extra chicken pot pie filling, you can use it to make a shepherd’s pie by layering it with mashed potatoes and baking until golden and bubbly.
3. Loaded potatoes: For a more indulgent twist, try topping your mashed potatoes with crispy bacon, grated cheese, and chives for a loaded baked potato vibe.
4. Gravy boat: Serve your mashed potatoes in a separate gravy boat, allowing diners to pour the gravy over their potatoes and pie as they see fit.

Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to pair with chicken pot pie. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a comforting and indulgent meal that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. So whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner at home or hosting a gathering, don’t forget the mashed potatoes.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a healthy, flavourful, and easy side dish option that complements chicken pot pie perfectly. Roasting of vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them delicious and satisfying.

Furthermore, roasting vegetables is a simple cooking method that preserves the nutrients and allows for easy customization of flavors. Roasting vegetables at high temperature caramelizes the natural sugars in vegetables, giving them a crispy exterior, while remaining soft and tender inside.

Best Vegetables to Roast With Chicken Pot Pie

While you can roast just about any vegetable, there are some that work especially well with chicken pot pie, including:

1. Carrots: peel and chop them into similar sizes and shapes for even cooking.
2. Broccoli: cut into bite-size florets, toss with olive oil, and salt to taste
3. Brussels sprouts: cut them into halves, toss with olive oil and salt to taste
4. Sweet potatoes: cut them into one-inch cubes and toss with your desired spices and herbs
5. Root vegetables like turnips, parsnips, and beets.

All these vegetables add variety to the dish, increase the nutritional value of the meal, and add beauty to the platter.

Easy and Quick Recipes

Here are some fun and easy recipes for roasted vegetables to accompany chicken pot pie.

Garlic Rosemary Roasted Carrots

Ingredients:

• 6-8 large carrots
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 4-5 garlic cloves

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Peel the carrots and cut into similar shape and size. Arrange them in a baking dish.
• Drizzle olive oil over the carrots, sprinkle salt and pepper,
• Scatter the crushed garlic cloves and rosemary over the carrots.
• Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or till they are fork-tender.
• Garnish with some fresh rosemary.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups broccoli florets
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Toss the broccoli with olive oil, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the broccoli on the baking sheet.
• Roast for 20 minutes, flipping the florets every 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the roasted broccoli and serve hot.

Adding roasted vegetables to chicken pot pie can make it a nutritionally balanced meal. Roasted vegetables are easy to prepare, delicious and a healthy addition to a traditional chicken pot pie recipe. With the right combination of vegetables and basic seasonings, they can make your dinner delightful and healthy.

Salad

Salads are a wonderful addition to any meal as they provide essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When it comes to chicken pot pie, adding a salad can balance out the heaviness of the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.

In this section, we will discuss the benefits of adding a salad to your chicken pot pie meal, different types of salads that complement the dish, and easy salad recipes that you can try.

The Benefits of Adding a Salad to Your Chicken Pot Pie Meal

Salads are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion by keeping food moving through your system. They also contain important vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Aside from their nutritional benefits, salads also add color and texture to meals, making them more visually appealing. Adding a salad to your chicken pot pie meal can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy texture of the pie.

Different Types of Salads That Complement the Dish

There are many different types of salads that can complement chicken pot pie. One classic option is a Caesar salad, which consists of romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing made with anchovies and garlic.

Another option is a spinach salad, which can be topped with sliced mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and a light vinaigrette. A fruit salad with mixed greens, fresh berries, and a citrus dressing is also a refreshing option.

Easy Salad Recipes

Here are a few easy salad recipes that you can try to complement your chicken pot pie:

Classic Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• Caesar dressing

Directions:

• Wash and chop the Romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
• Add croutons and Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
• Drizzle Caesar dressing over the top of the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Spinach and Mushroom Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Directions:

• Wash spinach and place it in a large bowl.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and sunflower seeds to the bowl.
• Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the top of the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Mixed Berry Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• Citrus vinaigrette

Directions:

• Wash mixed greens and place them in a large bowl.
• Add fresh berries and slivered almonds to the bowl.
• Drizzle citrus vinaigrette over the top of the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Salads are a nutritious and refreshing addition to any meal, particularly when served alongside a rich and hearty dish like chicken pot pie. Experiment with different types of salads to find the perfect complement to your chicken pot pie meal.

Bread

Bread is an essential accompaniment to any chicken pot pie. Not only does bread complement the texture and flavor of the pie, but it also serves as a sponge for soaking up the rich sauce. There are various types of bread that can be paired with chicken pot pie to enhance the dining experience.

How Bread Complements Chicken Pot Pie?

The bread and chicken pot pie combo is like a perfect match. Bread provides a comforting texture that complements the creamy and savory taste of the chicken pot pie. When the bread is dipped into the sauce, it soaks it up and provides a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the pie. Bread also adds moisture and crunch to the meal to give it more depth and texture.

Types of Bread That Pair Well With It?

When it comes to pairing bread with chicken pot pie, it’s crucial to consider the type of bread. A hearty bread like sourdough or rustic bread is ideal for dipping into the sauce. Sourdough has a tangy and robust flavor that can complement the pie’s richness. Rustic bread, on the other hand, has a crispy crust and a soft center that can add texture to the meal.

Other types of bread that can work well with chicken pot pie are cornbread and biscuits. Cornbread has a slightly sweet taste and a crumbly texture, which makes it an excellent accompaniment to the creamy and hearty pie. Biscuits, on the other hand, are buttery, flaky, and have a slightly savory taste that complements the pie’s flavor.

Easy Bread Recipes?

Making bread from scratch can sound like a daunting task, but there are easy recipes that one can try at home. Here are two simple recipes that are perfect for pairing with chicken pot pie:

Sourdough bread

Ingredients:

• 500g bread flour
• 320g water
• 12g salt
• 100g sourdough starter

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, water, and starter until a dough forms.
• Add salt to the dough and mix thoroughly.
• Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest for 4-6 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 470°F.
• Shape the dough into a round, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
• Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and melted butter.
• Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir until they combine.
• Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Bread is an essential accompaniment to chicken pot pie. The right kind of bread can complement and balance the flavors of the dish, adding texture, and enhancing the dining experience. Whether it’s sourdough, rustic bread, cornbread, or biscuits, bread is a versatile and enjoyable side dish that can complete the meal.

To Recap

In the end, the perfect side dish to go with your chicken pot pie is a personal preference. If you’re seeking a classic, comforting meal, then buttery mashed potatoes are a great option. However, if you want to balance out the richness of the pie or simply have a healthier option, roasted vegetables or a fresh salad would be a great alternative.

No matter what you choose, there’s no denying that the combination of chicken pot pie and a tasty side dish is the ideal meal for any occasion.