There's this one dish that always takes center stage at our family reunions - Baked Chicken Salad Pie. It's the perfect blend of comfort food meets convenience, and let's be real, who doesn't love a good pie? This recipe came from my Aunt Peg, who could make a mean pie out of practically anything. Why should you whip up this delightful dish? Picture a creamy chicken salad with a crunchy, golden crust... it's the ultimate weeknight meal for when you want something hearty but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. It's also a total crowd-pleaser – perfect for potlucks or when you need to bring a dish to a busy friend in need.
Baked Chicken Salad Pie
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients- 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup of slivered almonds or crushed potato chips (for topping)
Directions1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and let's get the party started.
2. Take a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, celery, onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and thyme. Have a little taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Stir in that cheddar cheese and let it get all friendly with the chicken mixture.
4. Lay your pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and gently press it into place. You can even give the edges a little crimp if you're feeling fancy.
5. Spoon the chicken mixture into the pie crust, and smooth it out to make a nice, even layer.
6. Here's where you can get creative – sprinkle the top with your choice of slivered almonds or crushed potato chips for a crunch that's sure to impress.
7. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until you see the pie turn beautifully golden and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Patience, my friend, it's worth the wait!
Variations
- Feel free to switch up the cheese to something like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- If you're into a little green action, toss in some chopped spinach or kale into the mix.
- No sour cream? No problem. You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier swap.
- For a low-carb option, skip the pie crust and bake the filling in a greased pie dish. You'll get all the yumminess without the guilt.
- Always taste your mixture before it goes into the pie crust. You want to make sure the seasoning is just right.
This pie is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a nice crisp green salad or some steamed veggies would be a lovely, lighter side. If you're all about that comfort food life, pair it with a cup of warm soup or some roasted potatoes. No matter what you choose, this homey Baked Chicken Salad Pie is going to be a winner. Enjoy!
