Ingredients
Method
Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a large Dutch oven with water, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, celery, onion, and bay leaf.
- Bring it to a boil, then cover and let it simmer on low for about an hour until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and let it cool, then discard the veggies and bay leaf.
- Once cool enough to handle, pull off the skin and bones, and chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables
- With the remaining broth, skim off any fat that’s floated to the top.
- Bring the broth to a boil, then toss in the frozen vegetables and cubed potatoes.
- Cover and let them simmer for about 8 minutes until tender.
- Remove the cooked potatoes and veggies with a slotted spoon, and set aside.
- Measure out 3 cups of broth for the sauce.
Make the Sauce
- Melt the butter over low heat in the same Dutch oven.
- Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the reserved broth and milk.
- Keep stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Toss in the salt, pepper, and thyme, then gently mix in the chicken, veggies, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs.
Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Pour the filling into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish.
- Roll out your pie crust on a floured surface into a 15 by 11-inch rectangle.
- Place it over the filling, crimping the edges against the sides of the dish.
- Cut several slits in the top to let the steam escape.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until your crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles.
- Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a tasty twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3–4 days, or freeze for later enjoyment.
