When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the classic chicken pot pie. The creamy filling, the hearty chunks of chicken, and the flaky, buttery crust—what’s not to love? But what if you could take this beloved dish to the next level? What if you could swap out the traditional crust for something lighter, fluffier, and just as delicious?
Enter chicken pot pie in popovers. If you’ve never heard of popovers, they’re like a cross between a fluffy muffin and a crispy pastry. They’re light, airy, and perfect for soaking up the creamy filling of a classic chicken pot pie. This innovative twist combines the best of both worlds—comforting chicken pot pie flavors, with the airy, golden crunch of popovers.
So, why not try this fun, new spin on a classic? Let’s dive into how to make chicken pot pie in popovers, and why it’s the ultimate comfort food twist you didn’t know you needed.
What Are Popovers?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s quickly cover what popovers are, just in case you’re new to them. Popovers are a type of baked pastry that’s made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter. When baked at a high temperature, the batter puffs up dramatically, creating a hollow center and a beautifully crisp, golden exterior. They’re a lot like Yorkshire puddings, but with a slightly different texture.
The beauty of popovers is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can make them sweet or savory, and they pair beautifully with a variety of fillings. And when you stuff them with a creamy, savory chicken pot pie mixture? Well, that’s a game-changer.
Why Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers is a Game-Changer
You might be wondering, “Why switch from a traditional pie crust to popovers?” Here’s why:
- Light and Fluffy: Popovers have a delicate, airy texture that perfectly complements the rich, creamy filling of the chicken pot pie. They give you the satisfaction of a crust without being too heavy.
- Individual Servings: Making chicken pot pie in popovers means you get individual servings of this delicious comfort food. Perfect for portion control or impressing guests at a dinner party.
- Crispy and Golden: The crispy, golden exterior of the popover adds a satisfying crunch, which balances out the creamy chicken filling.
- Easier to Make: While traditional chicken pot pie involves making a thick crust, popovers are quicker and easier. No rolling out dough or worrying about the crust turning out perfectly!
Now that you know why chicken pot pie in popovers is the ultimate comfort food twist, let’s get cooking!
Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Pot Pie Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- For the Popovers:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Make the Chicken Pot Pie Filling:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, allowing the mixture to thicken for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture is thick and creamy. Set aside.
- Make the Popovers:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a popover pan (or muffin tin) with butter or cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the popover cups, filling them about 3/4 of the way.
- Bake the Popovers:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the popovers are golden brown and have puffed up.
- Remove the popovers from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Assemble the Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers:
- Use a knife to cut a small slit or “lid” on the top of each popover. Carefully hollow out the center, leaving the crispy edges intact.
- Spoon the chicken pot pie filling into the hollowed-out popovers, filling them generously.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken pot pie in popovers is a fun and unique way to enjoy a comfort food classic. The creamy, savory filling pairs perfectly with the light and crispy popover exterior, making each bite satisfying without feeling overly heavy. This recipe is great for family dinners, parties, or even a cozy weekend meal.
And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love individual servings of chicken pot pie? Plus, the popovers make it feel like a gourmet twist on a timeless favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the chicken pot pie filling ahead of time? A: Yes! You can make the filling up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the popovers.
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time and still get that delicious, tender chicken flavor.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken pot pie in popovers? A: The popovers themselves are best fresh, but you can freeze the chicken pot pie filling. When ready to use, thaw the filling and fill the popovers as instructed.
Q: Can I make this recipe without popover pans? A: If you don’t have a popover pan, a muffin tin works just fine! You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of comfort food, you’ve got to give chicken pot pie in popovers a try! This recipe takes all the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie and combines them with the airy, golden goodness of popovers, creating the ultimate twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing your guests at a party, this dish is sure to be a hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen, whip up these delicious popovers, and enjoy the creamy goodness of chicken pot pie like never before!