If so, then this blog post is for you! We’ve got some expert tips and tricks on solving the sauce dilemma, helping you achieve a deliciously thick and creamy chicken pot pie filling. So put on your apron and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Chicken Pot Pie?
Chicken Pot Pie is a deep-dish pie containing meat, chicken, or the like, often combined with vegetables and topped with a pastry crust.
The Basics of Thickening a Sauce
When it comes to thickening a sauce, there are a few different methods you can use. The most common method is to whisk in some flour, which will help thicken the sauce and give it body.
Another option is to add in some cornstarch, which will also help thicken the sauce. You can also use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour, which are both gluten-free options that can help thicken a sauce.
Whisking in Flour
The most common method for thickening a sauce is to whisk in some flour. This method works best if you add the flour gradually while whisking constantly.
You want to avoid adding too much flour at once, as this can make the sauce become clumpy. Once you’ve added the desired amount of flour, continue cooking the sauce until it has thickened and reached the desired consistency.
Adding Cornstarch
Another option for thickening a sauce is to add in some cornstarch. This method works best if you mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry before adding it to the sauce.
You want to avoid adding the cornstarch directly into the sauce, as this can make it become clumpy. Once you’ve added the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, continue cooking until it has thickened and reached the desired consistency.
Ingredients for Thickeners
As for ingredients, chicken is obviously the main ingredient in a chicken pot pie. However, there are a few other ingredients that can be added in order to give your pot pie more flavor and substance.
Potatoes, carrots, peas, and celery are all common additions that pair well with chicken. Adding some chopped-up herbs, such as thyme or parsley, can also be a nice touch.
And finally, don’t forget the pie crust! While you could always go the store-bought route, making your own pie crust is actually not as difficult as it might seem.
How to Thicken Your Chicken Pot Pie Filling
If your chicken pot pie filling is too thin, there are a few easy ways to thicken it up. One way is to add a cornstarch slurry.
To do this, mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this mixture to your pot pie filling and stir until it has thickened. Another way to thicken your filling is to add some instant mashed potato flakes.
Simply stir in 1/4 cup of flakes until they have dissolved and the filling has thickened. You can also add cooked rice or pasta to your filling if you need to thicken it up quickly.
If you have time, you can let your pot pie filling simmer until it has reduced and thickened.
Alternatives to Thickening the Sauce
There are a few different ways that you can thicken your chicken pot pie filling without using flour or cornstarch.
One way is to add in some cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta. This will help to bulk up the filling and make it thicker.
Another way is to add some pureed vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes. This will also help to thicken the filling and add some extra nutrition.
You could try adding a bit of cream or milk to the filling. This will make it richer and more decadent, but it may not be as thick as you desire.
FAQs
How can I make my chicken pie filling thicker?
This filling can be made thicker by adding a cornstarch slurry. Simply whisk together 1/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. If you want to shorten the cooking time, add this in addition to or in instead of the flour.
Why isn’t my chicken pot pie thickening?
Roux is typically used to thicken chicken pot pie. If your chicken pot pie already has a roux in it and it is not as thick as you would want, you can easily thicken it even more by adding a slurry, which is a mixture of cornstarch and water.
Why is my chicken pie so watery?
Your pie filling may lose water as it bakes in the oven. Add flour to the mixture or thicken it with nuts, as in our Chicken and Leek Pie, to prevent your pie from becoming a soggy mess. This will keep the pastry crisp during cooking by helping to absorb any extra water.
Should I thicken the pie with flour or cornstarch?
A filling made of cornstarch is glossy and lustrous. Because it has twice the gelling strength of flour, a little goes a long way. Flour leaves more of a matte appearance but thickens beautifully. In comparison to cornstarch, you must use twice as much.
Will the pie filling thicken as it cools?
The pie’s filling will congeal as it cools. You should restrain your appetite and wait a few hours for the pie to totally cool and the filling to thicken.
Conclusion
With these simple tips and tricks, you should now have all the information you need to thicken your chicken pot pie filling. Whether it be by adding some extra flour, cornstarch or cream of tartar, there are a variety of ingredients that can help make your sauce thicker and tastier.
Experiment with different techniques until you find one that works best for your recipe!
