Meal #6 - Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, trimmed
• 1 package (15 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 bag (16-20 ounces) frozen peas and carrots
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425*.  Place the chicken in a large saucepan; add enough water to cover.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until just cooked through, about 10 minutes.  Drain the chicken; let cool.  Shred the chicken using 2 forks.
2. Meanwhile, fit one piecrust into a 9-inch plate: set aside.  Roll out the remaining piecrust on a lightly floured surface.  Cut the crust into 1/2-inch-wide strips with a pastry wheel; set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.  Whisk in the flour and thyme; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.  Add the broth and cream; whisk until thickened, 3-4 minutes longer.  Remove from heat; stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the filling into the prepared pie plate.  Arrange 6 of the piecrust strips in the same direction on top of the pie, twisting dough.  Arrange the remaining strips crosswise on the top; fold the edges under and crimp edge to seal.
5. Beat the egg yolk and water.  Brush the pastry with the egg mixture; place the pie on a baking sheet.  Bake the pie until the crust is golden and filling is bubbly, about 45 minutes.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Dear H,

Although this recipe seems complicated, it actually wasn't bad!  I cooked the chicken earlier in the day and shredded it and set it aside.  I have a freezer full of frozen onions, separated into small onions and large onions, already diced.  It made life a breeze once I started cooking the recipe.  You told me that you loved pot pies, so I hope this did the trick for you!  I didn't try it at all, so hopefully it was as good as when my mom made it for me.  I asked you to text me how you liked it, but you never text me... I hope it wasn't too sweet for you!  I hope you let me know tonight how you liked it....

You told me last night that Tator Tot Casserole was your new favorite!  YAY!  That one is super easy and pretty cheap, so that makes it a winner!