One Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

I know it's been a while since I posted, I have been so busy!  My kids were sick, we've been super busy at work, plus it's Mardi Gras!  When you're busy and need a comforting meal that's really easy, this hits the spot.

A Cast iron skillet is perfect for this recipe.  If you don't have one, any oven-proof skillet will work.  If you don't have that, you can start it in a skillet then transfer it to a pie plate before baking.  So, there is no excuse not to make this!

ONE SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE

2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

1/2 a small onion, diced

1 12 oz pkg frozen mixed vegetables

1 TBS oil

2 TBS butter

2 TBS flour

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup milk

salt/pepper/Cajun seasoning

1 refrigerated pie crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.  Add a drizzle of oil, about 1 TBS.

Season the chicken with Cajun Seasoning (or salt and pepper) and add to the hot skillet.

Brown on all sides.

Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Add the diced onions to the skillet.  Cook for a few minutes until softened.

Add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir every few minutes until thawed.

Add 2 TBS butter.  Stir.

Sprinkle in 2 TBS flour.

Stir the flour in thoroughly.  Let the flour cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the chicken broth and the milk.

Stir well.

Season with salt and pepper.

Return the chicken to the skillet.

Stir well.

Place the pie crust on top.

Pinch the edges to make it look pretty.

Use a knife to cut a few small slits in the crust.  This lets steam escape and keeps the crust nice and flat.

Brush a little milk on top of the pie crust.  This helps it to brown nicely.

Place the skillet on a baking sheet just in case it bubbles over.  Don't want to dirty your oven!

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  Then take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.  Seriously, it needs to rest so it can set up.  Otherwise it will just run all over the place when you cut it.

This is such a comforting dish.  The flaky crust, tender chicken and sweet veggies make a filling, yummy supper.  And best of all?  Only one skillet to clean!

Simple Chicken Stir Fry

If you're looking for an easy recipe that you can whip up in no time, this one's for you.  It's quick, simple, healthy and yummy.  

SIMPLE CHICKEN STIR FRY

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

12 oz thin spaghetti

salt/pepper

onion powder

garlic powder

1/3 cup soy sauce

3 TBS vegetable oil

3 TBS sesame oil, divided

1 TBS white wine vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)

1 pkg frozen stir fry vegetables

sesame seeds, optional

green onions, optional

Season the chicken strips with salt. pepper. onion powder and garlic powder.  Add vinegar and 1 TBS of the sesame oil.  Stir well and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti to al dente (that just means it still has a little bite to it, not mushy).

Heat a large skillet (or wok) over medium-high heat.  Add vegetable oil.  When hot, add chicken strips and brown them, stirring occasionally.  

When the chicken is done, remove from the skillet to a plate and set aside.

Add the frozen stir fry veggies to the hot skillet.  Stir and cook until thawed and hot.

Return the chicken to the skillet.

Add the soy sauce.

Add the remaining 2 TBS of sesame oil.  Stir well.

Add the cooked and drained spaghetti.

Using tongs or 2 forks, toss the spaghetti until completely incorporated.

Taste it to see if it needs more salt and/or pepper.  Season to taste and toss.

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

I like to serve this with frozen eggs rolls or wonton soup.  Here is a link to my easy wonton soup recipe if you're interested:  Chinese Food at Home

Easy, yummy and much better for you than take out!  Enjoy!