Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie: A Comprehensive Cooking Guide

Welcome! This guide unlocks the secrets to crafting Mrs. Pumpkins’ famous chicken pie. We’ll explore ingredient selection‚ crust perfection‚ and the creamy filling that makes this pie a beloved comfort food. Follow our step-by-step instructions for delicious success!

Mrs. Pumpkins‚ a purveyor of traditional Moravian recipes since 1985‚ is renowned for its delectable chicken pie; This isn’t your average chicken potpie; it’s a savory masterpiece featuring tender chicken in a light‚ creamy sauce‚ encased in a flaky crust. Mrs. Pumpkins’ recipe emphasizes simple‚ quality ingredients‚ resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish.

This guide provides detailed cooking instructions‚ inspired by Mrs. Pumpkins’ approach‚ to help you recreate this classic pie at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice cook‚ these step-by-step instructions will empower you to create a chicken pie that rivals the original. We’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect chicken to mastering the art of a flaky crust‚ ensuring a delicious and satisfying culinary experience. Get ready to bake a taste of tradition!

Understanding Moravian Chicken Pie vs. Chicken Potpie

While both Moravian chicken pie and chicken potpie feature chicken and a crust‚ key differences distinguish them. Chicken potpie typically includes a medley of vegetables like peas‚ carrots‚ and corn in a thick‚ gravy-like sauce. The crust is often a biscuit-like topping or a double crust.

Moravian chicken pie‚ exemplified by Mrs. Pumpkins’ recipe‚ takes a simpler approach. It focuses on tender chicken in a light‚ subtly creamy sauce‚ often without the addition of mixed vegetables. The crust is usually a flaky‚ single-layer pie crust. This streamlined approach highlights the chicken’s flavor and the crust’s texture‚ creating a comforting yet refined dish. Understanding these distinctions allows you to appreciate the unique character of Mrs. Pumpkins’ Moravian-style chicken pie. The focus is on simplicity and the quality of the core ingredients.

Ingredients for Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie

To recreate Mrs. Pumpkins’ signature chicken pie‚ start with high-quality ingredients. For the chicken‚ select bone-in‚ skin-on pieces for maximum flavor during cooking‚ yielding tender meat. Opt for a blend of celery and onions for the vegetables‚ forming a flavorful base for the filling.

The crust requires all-purpose flour‚ cold butter (the colder‚ the better for flakiness)‚ and a touch of salt. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the crust’s flavor profile. A rich chicken broth is crucial for the sauce‚ providing moisture and depth. Finally‚ a touch of cream or milk adds richness and creates the pie’s signature creamy texture. Remember‚ ingredient quality significantly impacts the final taste.

Chicken Selection and Preparation

For Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie‚ the choice of chicken and its preparation are paramount. Bone-in‚ skin-on chicken pieces‚ such as thighs and drumsticks‚ are ideal because they offer richer flavor and moisture compared to boneless‚ skinless breasts. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the chicken under cold water.

Next‚ place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water or chicken broth. Add aromatic vegetables like onions‚ carrots‚ and celery‚ along with herbs like bay leaves and thyme‚ to infuse the chicken with flavor as it simmers. Simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and tender‚ then remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle‚ shred the chicken‚ discarding the skin and bones.

Vegetable Choices and Preparation

The vegetable medley in Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie contributes both flavor and texture. A classic combination includes diced carrots‚ celery‚ and onions‚ forming the aromatic base of the filling. Consider adding peas or green beans for extra pops of color and nutrients. Cubed potatoes can also be included for added heartiness.

Prepare the vegetables by washing‚ peeling (if necessary)‚ and dicing them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Sautéing the vegetables in butter before adding them to the filling softens them and enhances their sweetness. Pearl onions offer a delightful alternative‚ though they require more time to peel. If using fresh pumpkin‚ cube it and bake it until tender before incorporating it into the mixture.

Crust Ingredients: Flour‚ Butter‚ and Herbs

The foundation of Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie lies in its flaky‚ flavorful crust. The key ingredients are simple: all-purpose flour‚ cold butter‚ and a touch of salt. Some recipes incorporate dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an added layer of savory complexity. Cold butter is crucial; it creates pockets of steam during baking‚ resulting in a tender‚ layered crust.

For an extra rich crust‚ consider using a blend of butter and shortening. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your preferred flavor profile. Remember to keep the ingredients cold and handle the dough gently to prevent over-development of gluten‚ which can lead to a tough crust.

Broth and Seasoning Essentials

The broth and seasonings are paramount in creating the savory depth of Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie. A high-quality chicken broth forms the base of the sauce‚ enriching it with chicken flavor. Homemade broth is ideal‚ but a good store-bought option works as well.

The seasoning blend typically includes salt‚ pepper‚ and perhaps a hint of herbs. Some recipes call for bay leaves during the broth simmering process‚ adding a subtle aromatic note. Adjust the seasoning to your preference. Taste and adjust throughout the cooking process. Feel free to use chicken wings or other chicken parts.

Consider adding a touch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. The key is to create a balanced and flavorful broth that complements the chicken and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s embark on creating Mrs. Pumpkins’ delectable chicken pie. The journey begins with crafting the perfect pie crust‚ ensuring a flaky and golden foundation. Next‚ we’ll focus on preparing the savory chicken filling. This involves sautéing vegetables and combining them with tender chicken pieces.

A creamy sauce binds the filling together‚ enhancing its richness. Assembling the pie is next. It involves carefully layering the chicken mixture into the prepared crust. A top crust or puff pastry adds the finishing touch.

Finally‚ baking the pie to golden-brown perfection is vital. After baking‚ allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. This prevents the filling from being too runny. Each step ensures a delicious‚ homemade chicken pie.

Preparing the Pie Crust

Crafting the perfect pie crust is fundamental to Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie. Begin by gathering your flour‚ cold butter‚ salt‚ and herbs. Combine the flour‚ salt‚ and dried herbs in a bowl. The secret lies in using very cold butter.

Cut the cold butter into small cubes. Next‚ incorporate the butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter until coarse crumbs form. Gradually add ice water‚ mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.

Form the dough into a disc‚ wrap it tightly‚ and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax. This step is crucial for preventing a tough crust. Finally‚ roll out the chilled dough and gently press it into your pie dish.

Cutting Butter into Flour for a Flaky Crust

Achieving a flaky crust hinges on the technique of cutting cold butter into flour. Start with very cold‚ cubed butter. Cold butter prevents gluten development. Combine the butter with flour‚ salt‚ and dried herbs in a mixing bowl.

Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. The goal is to create pea-sized pieces of butter coated in flour. These butter pockets create steam during baking.

This process separates the flour layers. The resulting steam creates flaky layers in the crust. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing will develop gluten‚ resulting in a tough crust. Once the butter is properly cut in‚ proceed with adding ice water to bind the dough.

Making the Chicken Filling

The heart of Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie is its savory filling. Begin by melting butter in a skillet. Sauté your choice of vegetables‚ such as onions‚ carrots‚ and celery‚ until they are tender. The cooking time will depend on the vegetables chosen.

Add cooked chicken to the skillet. You can use shredded chicken or cubed chicken. Stir in milk‚ cream of chicken soup‚ or chicken broth for a creamy base. A flavorful chicken base enhances the taste. Season with salt‚ pepper‚ and your favorite herbs.

Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly. Ensure the chicken is heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This ensures a well-balanced and delicious filling that complements the flaky crust. The creamy sauce should coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.

Sautéing Vegetables and Adding Chicken

Begin the savory process by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your prepared vegetables‚ such as diced onions‚ carrots‚ and celery‚ to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and slightly translucent. This step typically takes about 10-15 minutes‚ allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Next‚ introduce the cooked chicken to the mix; Ensure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the pie. Stir the chicken into the sautéed vegetables‚ ensuring it’s well combined. This allows the chicken to absorb the aromatic flavors of the vegetables.

Continue to cook for a few more minutes‚ stirring occasionally‚ until the chicken is heated through. This step is crucial for ensuring the entire filling is warm and ready to be enveloped in the creamy sauce that follows. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is a testament to the deliciousness to come.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Now‚ for the heart of Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie: the creamy sauce. In a separate bowl‚ whisk together milk‚ cream of chicken soup‚ and any desired seasonings like salt and pepper. Ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free before proceeding.

Gently pour the creamy sauce over the sautéed vegetables and chicken in the skillet. Stir to combine‚ ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer‚ stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.

Allow the sauce to thicken slightly‚ which typically takes a few minutes. The sauce should be rich and luscious‚ clinging to the chicken and vegetables. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed‚ ensuring the sauce complements the savory filling perfectly. This creamy concoction is what elevates Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie to legendary status.

Assembling the Pie

With the crust prepared and the chicken filling simmering in its creamy sauce‚ the moment of assembly has arrived. Gently transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared pie crust‚ ensuring an even distribution across the bottom.

If using a top crust‚ carefully lay it over the filling‚ crimping the edges to seal it to the bottom crust. This creates a beautiful‚ rustic appearance while trapping the savory goodness inside. Alternatively‚ for a lighter touch‚ consider using puff pastry as the top layer.

For either crust option‚ cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking‚ preventing the crust from becoming soggy. Brush the top with a beaten egg or milk for a golden-brown finish. The pie is now ready for its oven debut!

Filling the Crust with the Chicken Mixture

With your pie crust blind-baked to golden perfection‚ it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the savory chicken filling. Carefully ladle the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared crust‚ ensuring an even distribution of chicken‚ vegetables‚ and sauce. Avoid overfilling‚ leaving about half an inch of space at the top to prevent spillage during baking.

The warm‚ fragrant filling should nestle snugly within the flaky confines of the crust‚ promising a symphony of flavors with every bite. As you fill‚ gently press the mixture down to eliminate air pockets and create a cohesive filling. The aroma alone is enough to make mouths water in anticipation.

This crucial step sets the stage for the final act: baking the pie to golden-brown glory.

Adding a Top Crust or Puff Pastry

Now‚ it’s time to crown your chicken pie with a delectable top crust. You have two main options: a traditional pie crust or a flaky puff pastry. For a classic look‚ gently place a rolled-out pie crust over the filling‚ crimping the edges to seal it to the bottom crust. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking‚ preventing a soggy crust.

Alternatively‚ for a lighter‚ airier texture‚ use puff pastry. Thaw the pastry according to package directions and drape it over the filling‚ trimming any excess. The puff pastry will rise beautifully in the oven‚ creating a golden-brown‚ crispy topping that perfectly complements the creamy chicken filling beneath.

Before baking‚ brush the top crust with an egg wash for added shine and color.

Baking Instructions

Achieving the perfect bake is crucial for a delicious Mrs. Pumpkins chicken pie. The oven temperature and baking time are key factors in ensuring the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature allows the crust to cook evenly without burning while ensuring the filling reaches a safe internal temperature.

Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any potential spills. Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes‚ or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the crust starts to brown too quickly‚ you can tent it with foil to prevent burning.

Once baked‚ let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.

Oven Temperature and Baking Time

The ideal oven temperature for baking Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked dish. We recommend preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the crust becomes golden brown and flaky‚ while the filling is heated through without burning. Consistent temperature is key; ensure your oven is properly calibrated.

Baking time typically ranges from 45 to 55 minutes‚ but it can vary based on your oven. Monitor the pie closely; the crust should be a deep golden color‚ and the filling should be bubbling around the edges. If the crust browns too quickly‚ cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. A toothpick inserted into the center of the filling should come out hot. Let pie cool slightly before serving.

Achieving a Golden-Brown Crust

A golden-brown crust is the hallmark of a perfectly baked Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie. To achieve this‚ start with a high-quality pie crust recipe. Before baking‚ brush the top crust with an egg wash—a mixture of one egg yolk and a tablespoon of water or milk. This creates a beautiful sheen and promotes browning.

Monitor the pie during baking. If the crust starts to brown too quickly‚ especially around the edges‚ tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Ensure the oven temperature is accurate‚ as fluctuations can affect browning. For extra richness‚ consider brushing the crust with melted butter during the last 10 minutes of baking. Avoid over-browning by careful observation. A perfectly golden-brown crust adds visual appeal and delightful flavor.

Serving and Storage

Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie is best enjoyed warm‚ fresh from the oven. Allow the pie to cool slightly for about 15-20 minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from being too runny. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can enhance the flavor and presentation.

For leftovers‚ ensure the pie cools completely before refrigerating. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerated pie will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat‚ warm individual slices in the microwave or bake the entire pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie is a hearty dish that stands well on its own‚ but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the dining experience. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus offer a healthy and flavorful vegetable option.

Consider serving the pie with a side of cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness and tartness. A warm‚ crusty bread roll is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal‚ accompany the pie with mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley!

Proper Storage for Leftovers

To ensure the safety and quality of your leftover Mrs. Pumpkins’ chicken pie‚ proper storage is essential; Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before storing; This prevents condensation from forming inside the container‚ which can lead to a soggy crust.

Once cooled‚ wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil‚ or transfer it to an airtight container. Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. For longer storage‚ you can freeze the pie for up to two to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until heated through.