Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced potatoes
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the crust:

• 2 pre-made pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and potatoes. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Remove from heat.
6. Line a pie dish with one of the pre-made pie crusts. Pour the chicken pot pie filling into the pie dish.
7. Cover the filling with the second pre-made pie crust. Crimp the edges of the crusts together to seal.
8. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
9. Optional: Brush the top crust with beaten egg or milk for a golden and shiny appearance.
10. Place the pot pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
11. Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your soul food-inspired Chicken Pot Pie! It pairs well with a side salad or some roasted vegetables.