Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie is a beloved‚ hearty dish made with shredded all-white chicken‚ creamy stock gravy‚ and a flaky‚ hand-crimped crust‚ perfect for family meals.
Overview of the Recipe
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie is a classic‚ comforting dish featuring shredded all-white chicken‚ mixed vegetables‚ and a rich‚ creamy stock gravy‚ all enclosed in a buttery‚ flaky crust. The recipe is simple yet flavorful‚ requiring minimal prep and baking from frozen at 375°F for about an hour. Perfect for family meals‚ it combines tradition with convenience‚ offering a satisfying‚ homemade taste without the hassle of scratch preparation.
Popularity and Tradition
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie is a beloved dish with a rich history‚ rooted in the Moravian tradition of North Carolina. This hearty pie has been a favorite for over 250 years‚ cherished for its comforting flavors and homemade appeal. Made with shredded all-white chicken and a buttery‚ hand-crimped crust‚ it embodies the warmth of traditional Southern cooking‚ making it a staple at family gatherings and a testament to culinary heritage.
Ingredients and Tools Needed
All-white shredded chicken‚ mixed vegetables‚ and a rich stock gravy are essential. A flaky‚ hand-crimped crust completes the pie. Basic kitchen tools like a baking sheet and utensils are required.
Essential Ingredients for the Filling
The filling requires shredded all-white chicken breast meat‚ mixed vegetables (corn‚ carrots‚ peas‚ and green beans)‚ and a rich‚ all-natural stock-based gravy. The gravy is thickened to perfection‚ ensuring a creamy texture. Additional seasonings like salt‚ pepper‚ and poultry spices enhance the flavor. These ingredients combine to create a hearty‚ flavorful filling that complements the flaky crust beautifully‚ making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients for the Flaky Crust
The flaky crust is made with all-purpose flour‚ cold unsalted butter‚ and a pinch of salt. Ice-cold water is added to create a dough that retains its layers‚ ensuring crispness. The butter remains in small‚ pea-sized pieces to achieve the desired flakiness. This traditional method ensures a golden‚ buttery crust that complements the savory filling perfectly;
Required Cooking Tools and Equipment
To prepare Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie‚ you’ll need a preheated oven‚ a baking sheet‚ and a wire rack for cooling. Essential tools include a sharp knife for slitting the crust and a spatula for serving. Parchment paper can line the baking sheet for easy cleanup. A kitchen timer ensures the pie bakes to perfection without overcooking. These tools help achieve a golden‚ flaky crust and a perfectly cooked filling.
Cooking Instructions Step-by-Step
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake frozen pie for 1 hour until golden. Cool on wire rack for 45 minutes before serving.
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pie
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper‚ ensuring even heat distribution. Remove the plastic wrapping and place the pie in the center of the oven rack. Allow the oven to preheat fully before placing the pie inside for baking. This step ensures the pie cooks evenly and prevents the crust from burning. A preheated oven is essential for achieving a golden‚ flaky crust.
Assembling the Pie Crust and Filling
Gently place the flaky crust over the filling‚ ensuring it covers the edges evenly. Crimp the crust edges firmly to seal the pie‚ preventing filling leakage during baking. Use a sharp knife to cut steam vents in the top crust‚ allowing moisture to escape. This process ensures the pie bakes evenly and maintains its structural integrity‚ delivering a delicious‚ flaky texture with every bite. Proper assembly is key to a perfect pie.
Baking the Pie to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes‚ or until the crust is golden brown. Rotate the pie halfway through baking for even cooking. If the crust browns too quickly‚ cover the edges with foil. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees for the last 15 minutes to ensure the filling is heated through without overbrowning the crust.
Cooling and Serving the Pie
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes before serving. This ensures the filling sets properly and prevents a soggy crust. Serve warm‚ optionally paired with a garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal; Letting it cool slightly also makes slicing cleaner and more enjoyable for your family or guests.
Important Cooking Safety Tips
Always handle frozen pies with care to avoid injury. Ensure oven racks are sturdy and use mitts when removing pies. Keep children away from hot surfaces and sharp objects.
Handling Frozen Pies Safely
When handling frozen pies‚ ensure they are stored at 0°F (-18°C) or below to maintain quality. Thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator or at room temperature‚ covered to prevent contamination. Never thaw at high temperatures. Always place pies on a sturdy baking sheet to avoid accidents. Use oven mitts when handling hot pies‚ and keep them out of reach of children to prevent burns or spills.
Oven Safety Precautions
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature (375°F) before baking. Place the pie on a sturdy baking sheet to catch drips. Avoid overheating‚ as this can cause the crust to burn. Keep children away from the oven while baking. Never leave the oven unattended. Use oven mitts to handle hot pies‚ and let them cool slightly before serving to prevent burns. Always follow the baking instructions provided for optimal results.
The Tradition Behind Moravian Chicken Pie
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie is a time-honored dish with a rich history‚ featuring shredded chicken and a buttery crust‚ symbolizing community and heritage in every bite.
Historical Background
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie traces its roots to the Moravian settlers in Winston-Salem‚ North Carolina‚ who brought their culinary traditions over 250 years ago. The recipe features shredded all-white chicken‚ a rich broth-based gravy‚ and a hand-crimped‚ buttery crust‚ reflecting the community’s heritage and dedication to hearty‚ homemade meals that have become a staple in regional cuisine.
Cultural Significance in North Carolina
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie holds a special place in North Carolina’s culinary traditions‚ cherished for its comforting‚ homestyle flavor. It is often served at family gatherings and community events‚ symbolizing warmth and togetherness. The pie embodies the state’s rich heritage‚ blending Moravian influences with Southern comfort food‚ making it a beloved dish that brings people together and celebrates local culture and traditions.
Variations and Substitutions
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie can be adapted with substitutions like butternut squash for pumpkin or gluten-free crusts for dietary needs‚ offering flexibility while maintaining its rich flavor.
Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions
For dietary restrictions‚ substitute gluten-free flour for the crust or use dairy-free milk and vegan butter. Replace chicken with tofu or beans for a vegetarian option. Use low-sodium broth and herbs to reduce salt content. These adjustments ensure the pie remains flavorful while accommodating various dietary needs‚ making it accessible to everyone.
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
Add shredded cheese for a creamy twist‚ or mix in garlic and herbs for extra depth. Diced onions or bell peppers can enhance the filling’s texture and taste. For a spicy kick‚ incorporate red pepper flakes. These optional additions allow you to customize the pie to your palate‚ ensuring a delicious and personalized meal every time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Serve alongside mashed potatoes or green beans for a hearty dinner.
Family Meal Ideas
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie is a perfect centerpiece for a family meal. Pair it with a garden salad‚ mashed potatoes‚ or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. For a cozy night‚ serve with a side of warm bread or green beans. The pie’s hearty portions make it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions‚ offering a comforting‚ homemade taste that everyone will enjoy together.
Side Dishes to Complement the Pie
Enhance your Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie with a fresh garden salad‚ steamed green beans‚ or creamy mashed potatoes. Roasted vegetables like carrots and peas also pair well‚ mirroring the pie’s savory flavors. For a Southern touch‚ add a side of buttermilk biscuits or cornbread. These options balance the richness of the pie‚ creating a well-rounded and delicious meal for your family to enjoy together.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Prevent a soggy crust by baking at the correct temperature and ensuring filling is fully cooked. Adjust cooking time for smaller or larger pies to avoid undercooking.
Fixing a Soggy Crust
A soggy crust can be fixed by ensuring the oven is preheated correctly and the pie is baked until golden brown. If the crust becomes soggy during baking‚ reduce oven temperature slightly and extend cooking time. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack to prevent moisture buildup. For an extra crispy crust‚ brush with egg wash before baking and ensure filling is fully cooked before assembling the pie.
Adjusting Cooking Time for Different Sizes
For smaller pies‚ bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes‚ while larger pies may require 45-60 minutes. Always preheat the oven and use a baking sheet for even cooking. Check for a golden-brown crust and ensure the filling is hot and bubbly. For larger sizes‚ extend cooking time gradually and monitor to avoid overcooking. Use a food thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for fully cooked chicken.
Nutritional Information
Mrs; Pumpkins Chicken Pie offers a balanced mix of protein‚ carbs‚ and fat. Each serving provides lean chicken‚ flaky crust‚ and essential nutrients‚ made without artificial additives.
Calorie and Protein Content
A 32 oz Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie serves 4‚ with each serving containing approximately 450 calories and 35 grams of protein. The dish is rich in lean chicken breast‚ offering a balanced mix of carbs‚ protein‚ and fats. The flaky crust adds to the calorie count but provides a satisfying texture. With no artificial additives‚ it’s a wholesome choice for meals‚ combining nourishment and flavor effortlessly.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie offers numerous health benefits due to its wholesome ingredients. Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle growth and repair‚ while vegetables like peas‚ carrots‚ and corn add fiber‚ vitamins‚ and antioxidants. The flaky crust‚ made with butter‚ contains fat-soluble vitamins like A‚ D‚ E‚ and K‚ supporting bone health and immune function. This dish balances nutrition with flavor‚ making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie is a testament to tradition and care‚ offering a satisfying meal that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients for a delightful experience.
Final Tips for the Best Results
For a perfectly baked Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie‚ preheat your oven to 375°F and use a baking sheet to prevent sogginess. Avoid overfilling the crust to ensure it holds its shape. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the filling. Experiment with herbs or spices for a personalized touch. Always bake from frozen for the flakiest crust and most tender chicken. Enjoy!
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Mrs. Pumpkins Chicken Pie is more than a meal—it’s a labor of love that brings people together. Savor the rich‚ comforting flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade dish. Pair it with a crisp garden salad or warm bread for a complete experience. The aroma of the flaky crust and tender chicken will fill your home‚ creating lasting memories of family gatherings and cozy nights. Truly‚ it’s a dish worth sharing and cherishing.