From Our Garden to Your Table: Hearty Harvest Chicken Pot Pie, a Homemade Family Meal

Is there anything quite as comforting as a bubbling chicken pot pie on a chilly evening? Here at Better Homes and Harvests, we believe that the best meals are those made with love, shared with family, and, whenever possible, sourced from our own backyards. This Hearty Harvest Chicken Pot Pie is the epitome of homemade family meals, a dish that warms the soul and brings everyone together. This American comfort food recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also a wonderful way to showcase the seasonal harvest from your garden.

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, evolving with each organic gardening season. I remember helping my grandmother pick the plumpest carrots and the most fragrant herbs for her version. This year, the organic gardening efforts were particularly fruitful. Now, I’m excited to share my updated take on this classic, embracing the joys and rewards of a self-sufficient lifestyle. It’s easier than you think to whip up this easy family dinner recipe! And remember, even if you don't have a garden, you can still create a wonderful homegrown recipe with fresh ingredients from your local farmer's market.

Ingredients: A Celebration of Homegrown Goodness

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece of homestead cooking. Don't worry if you don't have everything homegrown; substitutions are perfectly acceptable!

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well), homegrown if possible
• 1/2 cup organic heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (from your organic gardening adventures!)

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening
• 5-7 tablespoons ice water

Alternatively, use pre-made pie crust for a quicker option!

Sourcing Notes: This garden to table recipe truly shines when you use fresh, homegrown ingredients. This year, our seasonal harvest included beautiful carrots and potatoes, which added a unique sweetness to the filling. If you don't have a garden, look for locally sourced produce at your farmers' market. Remember that supporting local farmers is a key part of sustainable living recipes.

Instructions: From Kitchen to Cozy Living

Follow these simple steps for a simple homestead recipe that’s sure to impress. The aroma alone will transform your house into a haven of cozy living.

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
3. Add Herbs and Flour: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and sage. Then, sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce.
4. Pour in the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add Potatoes and Simmer: Add the diced potatoes and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Stir in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the peas, corn, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the fresh parsley.
7. Prepare the Crust: While the filling is simmering, prepare the pie crust. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
8. Roll Out the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle slightly larger than your pie dish.
9. Assemble the Pot Pie: Pour the chicken filling into a 9-inch pie dish. Place the rolled-out pie crust over the filling. Trim the edges and crimp to seal. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
10. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Pot Pie

• Get the Kids Involved: This is a great recipe to get the kids involved in. They can help wash and chop vegetables, measure ingredients, or even crimp the pie crust!
• Make it Ahead: The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes it a great option for a quick and easy family meal on a busy weeknight.
• Crust Variations: Feel free to experiment with different crusts. A biscuit topping or even puff pastry would be delicious!
• Vegetable Scraps: Don't throw away those vegetable scraps! Use them to make homemade vegetable broth. This is a great way to reduce waste and practice sustainable living. You can also add these scraps to your compost pile!
• Leftover Chicken? This recipe is also perfect if you have leftover roasted chicken from Sunday dinner. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the filling.

Variations for Every Palate

• Vegetarian Pot Pie: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms, lentils, or extra vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Spicy Pot Pie: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little kick.
• Individual Pot Pies: Divide the filling into individual ramekins and top with pastry crust for adorable single-serving pot pies.

A Sustainable Home Starts in the Kitchen

This Hearty Harvest Chicken Pot Pie is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the farmhouse life and a step towards a sustainable home. By using homegrown ingredients, composting vegetable scraps, and reducing food waste, we can create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

Embrace the Harvest, Embrace the Home

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there's no better way to embrace the season than with a warm, comforting meal made with love and homegrown goodness. This Hearty Harvest Chicken Pot Pie is the perfect home-cooked meal using homegrown ingredients to share with your family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This homemade family meal is not just about the food; it’s about the connection, the laughter, and the shared joy of gathering around the table. So, gather your loved ones, put on some cozy music, and enjoy the simple pleasures of farmhouse life.

This is a dish that truly allows you to use what to cook with my garden harvest, and make the most of your hard work. The seasonal family meals that come from your garden are always the most rewarding.

What are some of your favorite easy garden to table recipes for beginners? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! We'd love to hear about your backyard projects and how you're embracing the self-sufficient cooking lifestyle! Don't forget to tag us in your photos when you make this Hearty Harvest Chicken Pot Pie!

The best part of the homestead cooking experience is sharing it. Invite friends, share your extra harvest, and build community! These are the foundations of a happy and fulfilling farmhouse life.