The Ultimate Comfort Food: Try This Chicken Pot Pie Recipe For 100 Servings – Perfect For A Crowd!

Indulge in the nostalgic warmth of chicken pot pie, now elevated to feed a grand gathering of 100. This hearty and comforting dish, brimming with tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a golden, flaky crust, promises to be the star of any special occasion or large-scale event. With our meticulously crafted recipe, you’ll effortlessly create a pot pie symphony that delights every palate.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

1. Chicken: 20 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded

2. Vegetables:

• 10 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 10 cups diced celery
• 10 cups chopped onions

3. Sauce:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 gallon chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

4. Crust:

• 20 pounds refrigerated pie crust dough (or 10 pre-made pie crusts)
• 1 egg, beaten

5. Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Paprika

Instructions: A Culinary Journey to Perfection

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large stockpot, combine the chicken, peas and carrots, celery, and onions.

2. Create the Sauce:

• In a separate saucepan, whisk together the flour and melted butter until smooth.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

3. Marry the Filling and Sauce:

• Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine.
• Simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Craft the Crust:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Divide the pie crust dough into 10 equal portions.
• Roll out each portion into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle.

5. Assemble the Pies:

• Line 10 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Place one circle of dough on each baking sheet.
• Spoon the chicken pot pie filling evenly onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border.
• Fold the border of the dough over the filling, pressing to seal.
• Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection:

• Bake the pies for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• Allow the pies to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle chopped parsley and paprika over the pies for a vibrant touch.
• Serve the pies warm, accompanied by your favorite sides.

Tips and Tricks: Elevate Your Chicken Pot Pie Mastery

• Enhance the Filling: Add a personal touch by incorporating your favorite vegetables, such as corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Customize the Crust: For a crispy crust, brush the tops of the pies with melted butter before baking. For a flaky crust, sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Control the Baking Process: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftover chicken pot pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen pies overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Variations: A Culinary Adventure for Diverse Palates

• Vegetarian Delight: Transform the classic chicken pot pie into a vegetarian feast by replacing the chicken with a mix of roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Seafood Symphony: Create a coastal twist on the dish by incorporating a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, crab, and scallops, into the filling.
• Cheesy Indulgence: Elevate the comfort factor by adding a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese between the filling and the crust.
• Spicy Kick: Add a touch of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the filling.

Serving Suggestions: Accompaniments to Enhance the Experience

• Refreshing Salads: Pair the chicken pot pie with a light and crisp salad, such as a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing, to balance the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, as a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Indulge in the classic combination of chicken pot pie and creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a drizzle of gravy.
• Buttery Rolls: Offer a selection of warm, buttery rolls or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Preserving the Culinary Legacy: Freezing and Storage Tips

• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Chicken pot pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the pies to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer-safe bags. When ready to serve, thaw the pies overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Safe Storage Techniques: Store leftover chicken pot pie in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always reheat the pie thoroughly before serving to ensure food safety.

Culinary Symphony: A Chorus of Flavors in Every Bite

Chicken pot pie, a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time, now takes center stage in this grand-scale recipe, catering to a gathering of 100. With its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and golden crust, this dish promises to captivate taste buds and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a family reunion, a community gathering, or a special event, this chicken pot pie recipe for 100 servings will leave an indelible mark on your culinary journey.

FAQ: Unraveling the Secrets of Chicken Pot Pie Mastery

• Q: How can I ensure the crust is perfectly golden brown?
• A: Brush the tops of the pies with melted butter before baking. This will help create a crispy, golden crust.

• Q: What vegetables can I add to enhance the filling?
• A: Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables, such as corn, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

• Q: Can I make the chicken pot pie ahead of time?
• A: Yes, you can assemble the pies and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the pies overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them according to the recipe instructions.

• Q: How can I store leftover chicken pot pie?
• A: Store leftover chicken pot pie in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pie thoroughly before serving.

• Q: What side dishes pair well with chicken pot pie?
• A: Consider serving chicken pot pie with a light salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or buttery rolls.