Perfect Christmas Chicken Pot Pie — Using Leftover Turkey or Chicken

Chicken or turkey pot pie is the ultimate Boxing Day meal. Use leftover Christmas turkey; mix with creamy vegetable filling; bake in flaky crust. Pure comfort food.

The recipe (serves 6)

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked turkey OR chicken
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 carrots; diced
• 2 celery stalks; diced
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream OR milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 sheets refrigerated puff pastry

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. In saucepan; melt butter
3. Sauté onion; carrots; celery 5-7 minutes
4. Sprinkle flour; cook 1-2 minutes
5. Whisk in broth; cream
6. Simmer until thickened; 3-5 minutes
7. Add turkey; peas; salt; pepper; thyme
8. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish
9. Top with puff pastry; cut slits for venting
10. Brush with beaten egg
11. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden

Variations

• Individual pies: in ramekins
• Biscuit-topped: use buttermilk biscuits instead
• Vegetable-heavy: skip meat; double the vegetables

Cross-references

For perfect Christmas turkey soup and Christmas leftover strategy.

Perfect leftover turkey pot pie is the comfort-food classic. Creamy filling; flaky crust; uses leftover Christmas turkey. The Boxing Day reward.