Ingredients Behind the Classic Chicken Pot Pie: Debunking Peas and Carrots

Chicken pot pies are beloved for their comforting flavors and rich textures, making them a favorite in many households. While the combination of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce encased in a pie crust is classic, the specific ingredients can vary based on personal preferences and regional variations. This article will delve into common ingredients used in chicken pot pies and explore why some pot pies might not include peas and carrots as traditionally believed.

Common Ingredients in Chicken Pot Pies

Chicken pot pies feature a variety of ingredients that contribute to their rich taste and comforting nature. Some key components include:

1. Cooked Chicken

The main protein in a chicken pot pie is cooked and shredded or diced chicken. This provides the primary flavor and texture to the pie.

2. Vegetables

Classic vegetable choices for chicken pot pies include:

These vegetables add a variety of textures and flavors, enhancing the overall dish.

3. Sauce

A creamy sauce is the backbone of the chicken pot pie, typically made from:

This mixture creates a smooth and flavorful base for the pie, ensuring it is both rich and comforting.

4. Pie Crust

A flaky pie crust, homemade or store-bought, serves as both the top and bottom crust of the pie. This crust is crucial for maintaining the pie's shape and providing a delicious base that complements the filling.

5. Herbs and Seasonings

Herbs and seasonings, such as fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley, are added to enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken pot pie.

The Question of Peas and Carrots: A Personal Tale

Peas and carrots are often considered quintessential ingredients in chicken pot pies. However, a fascinating encounter with a long-time restaurant owner revealed a reason why some pot pies might omit these vegetables.

Carol and Carroll, the owners of a chicken-everything restaurant in Bellflower, California, shared their secrets with me. They explained why they no longer included peas and carrots in their pot pies:

1. Consistency of Crust

The owners discovered that the inclusion of peas and carrots could lead to inconsistencies in the crispness of the pie's crust, both upper and lower. These vegetables have varying water levels, making it difficult to achieve a consistently crisp crust.

“We discovered that we had too many problems with consistently crisp crusts both upper and lower. Peas and carrots have too much variation in water levels. AND WE FOUND THAT YOU MUST CONTROL THE MOISTURE FACTOR IF YOU WANT TO HAVE CONSISTENTLY CRISP CRUSTS.” — Carol and Carroll

2. Quality of Chicken

Another reason for omitting peas and carrots was to maintain the quality of the best available chicken. Rising costs for high-quality birds and the pressure to keep menu prices reasonable meant that the choice of ingredients had to be carefully considered.

“The other thing: best quality chicken available. We have been getting squeezed between rising costs for the best birds available and keeping our menu prices reasonable.” — Carol and Carroll

Conclusion

While peas and carrots are staples in many chicken pot pies, the inclusion of these vegetables can impact the consistency of the pie's crust. For restaurants aiming for a perfect pie every time, omitting these ingredients can be a strategic choice. However, for home cooks, including these vegetables is perfectly fine and can enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect balance that suits your taste and preferences. Chicken pot pies offer a versatile canvas for creativity, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your liking.