Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie: Classic Delicious Recipe

Brazilian chicken pot pie: this classic, delicious recipe is a staple of Brazilian home cooking, pairing a flaky crust with a juicy, flavorful chicken filling. It is an excellent choice for family lunches, special dinners, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, delicious meal. In this article, we share a complete chicken pot pie recipe, with yield, prep time, variation tips, and a detailed nutrition table. Get ready to learn an empadao that will impress everyone!

Ingredients

To make chicken pot pie, you will need the following ingredients:

Crust Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 7 oz (200 g) cold butter, cut into cubes
• 1 whole egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons ice water

Filling Ingredients

• 1 lb 2 oz (500 g) cooked shredded chicken breast
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/4 cup sliced green olives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley and scallions)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup creamy cream cheese spread
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Egg Wash Ingredients

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until you get a coarse crumb.
3. Add the egg and the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts coming together.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute until soft and golden.
3. Add the chopped tomato and bell pepper and saute for a few more minutes.
4. Add the shredded chicken, corn, peas, and olives. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the filling and mix well.
7. Add the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the filling starts to thicken.
8. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh herbs and the creamy cream cheese. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out 2/3 of the dough with a rolling pin into a circle about 12 inches (30 cm) across.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
4. Spread the chicken filling over the crust.
5. Roll out the remaining dough, cover the filling, and seal the edges well.
6. Cut small slits in the top crust so steam can escape while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with the water and brush over the crust.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp.
3. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Yield and Prep Time

• Yield: 8 to 10 servings
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Pot Pie

Picking the Ingredients

Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor. The chicken should be well seasoned and cooked until tender and juicy.

Cheese Variety

Although creamy cream cheese spread is the classic choice, you can try other cheeses, such as catupiry-style cheese, cheddar, or cream cheese, to vary the filling flavor.

Crisp Crust

For a crisp crust, keep the butter very cold and avoid overworking the dough. This helps create a light, crumbly texture.

Creamy Filling

The flour and milk in the filling help build a creamy, consistent texture. Stir the cream cheese in at the end of cooking so it blends smoothly into the filling.

Nutrition Facts

Below is the nutrition table for the chicken pot pie recipe:

Component	Amount per serving (1/10 of the recipe)
Calories	350 kcal
Carbohydrates	25 g
Protein	15 g
Total fat	20 g
Saturated fat	10 g
Trans fat	0 g
Dietary fiber	2 g
Sodium	600 mg
Sugars	2 g

Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie

High in Protein

Chicken pot pie is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing body tissues. The shredded chicken and cheeses add a significant amount of protein to the meal.

A Source of Vitamins and Minerals

The pie ingredients, from chicken and cheese to vegetables, are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, which matter for the body to work properly.

Flavor and Comfort

The combination of a crisp crust with a creamy, savory filling makes chicken pot pie a comforting, delicious meal, perfect for any occasion.

Versatility

The chicken pot pie recipe is versatile and can be adapted with a variety of ingredients and seasonings, so you can customize it to your preferences and dietary needs.

History of Empadao

Origin

Empadao is a traditional dish of Portuguese and Brazilian cooking, with roots going back to the Middle Ages. It was originally made with a bread dough filled with ingredients such as meat and vegetables.

Evolution

Over time, the empadao recipe evolved and gained variations. The bread dough was replaced by a shortcrust pastry, and the recipe began to include a variety of ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and meats.

Popularity

Today, empadao is one of the most popular dishes in Brazilian cooking, enjoyed across the country. Its versatility and flavor make it a favorite for lunches, dinners, and special events.

Chicken Pot Pie Variations

Chicken Pot Pie with Hearts of Palm

Add chopped hearts of palm to the filling for special flavor and an interesting texture. Hearts of palm pair perfectly with chicken and creamy cream cheese.

Chicken Pot Pie with Cheese

Fold mozzarella or mild white cheese into the filling for a richer, creamier pie. Melted cheese adds an irresistible texture.

Chicken Pot Pie with Vegetables

Add a variety of vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini, carrot, and broccoli, for a more nutritious, colorful pie. The vegetables complement the chicken and cheese flavors well.

Chicken Pot Pie with Dried Beef

Add shredded carne-seca (Brazilian dried beef) to the filling for a heartier, bolder pie. Dried beef pairs well with chicken and seasonings, creating a rich, satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

Keep the chicken pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pie in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the pie in its dish, wrap tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave in the refrigerator for a few hours and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pot Pie

1. Can I use store-bought cooked shredded chicken?

Yes, you can use ready-cooked shredded chicken to save time. Just make sure the chicken is well seasoned so the pie stays flavorful.

2. How do I make a gluten-free chicken pot pie?

For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or rice flour for the crust, or buy a ready-made gluten-free crust. Also check that the remaining ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I add other types of cheese to the pie?

Yes, you can add a variety of cheeses, such as gorgonzola, brie, or gouda, to create different flavors and textures.

4. What are the best sides for chicken pot pie?

Chicken pot pie pairs well with green salads, grilled vegetables, rice, or a glass of white wine. These sides round out the flavors and complete the meal.

5. Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer for later. That makes meal planning easier and guarantees a quick, delicious option any time.

Final Thoughts

Chicken pot pie is a delicious, hearty, versatile recipe, perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a fairly quick prep, you can enjoy a pie everyone loves. Try making this recipe at home and share it with friends so everyone can taste this delight.

---

Liked it? Find more recipes like this on our site or join our group on Facebook