Individual Chicken Pot Pie

Photo: Jo Ann

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Cream-Cheese Crust:

1 pound all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 pound unsalted butter, cut into dice

1 pound softened cream cheese, cut into cubes

Ingredients for Chicken Pie:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 large onion, diced

1 quart low-sodium canned chicken broth

2 stalks celery, peeled and sliced

2 large carrots, diced

2 parsnips, diced

2 cups diced sweet potatoes

1 cup diced rutabaga

2 cups English peas, blanched, or frozen peas, thawed

1 tablespoon each chopped fresh oregano, marjoram, and parsley

1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives

1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk

Preparation

Directions:

Make the crust: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, salt, and butter, and mix on low until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the cream cheese and continue to mix until ingredients are combined; some streaks of cheese will remain. Shape the dough into two balls, flatten each ball into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll.

If making individual pot pies, on a lightly floured surface roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut into decorative shapes that are large enough to cover each dish. Wrap the shapes in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to bake. For one large pie, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thick sheet large enough to cover the dish. Wrap in plastic and freeze.

In a casserole set over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Add the chicken and the salt and pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is brown. Add the onion and cook the mixture, covered, over medium heat,stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the broth and simmer, uncover, for 1 hour. Strain the liquid into a bowl and set aside. Cool the chicken and cut into small pieces.

In a casserole set over medium-high heat, combine the chicken, celery, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, reserved stock, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the peas and fresh herbs, and adjust the seasoning.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg, egg yolk, 1 teaspoon water,and a pinch of salt. Transfer the filling to six individual ovenproof bowls or to one large shallow casserole and top with the frozen pastry. Brush the pastry with egg wash and fake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden.