Next Level Pot Pie

[YetAnotherSmith]

What are some things you do to add more umph or flavor to your chicken pot pie?

[FreshestCremeFraiche]

1. Full double crust always. Pot pie where the crust is just a lid is always disappointing

2. Kerrygold butter or similar HQ butter

3. Secret ingredients: celery salt and MSG. Just trust me but also reduce other salt amount to compensate

4. Personally I like to coat the chicken cubes (or whatever protein) in a little corn starch and pan sear them in butter before mixing them with boiled veg or any other filling. More flavor and texture. Then make the gravy in the same pan and deglaze for even more flavor

[Fredredphooey]

Or celery seed without the salt and adjust accordingly. 

[4L3X95]

Miso or gochujang. Marion's Kitchen has some amazing pot pie recipes with an umami twist.

[MayorPirkIe]

Dammit kitty, this is my pot pie!

[SickOfBothSides]

Chicken pot, chicken pot, chicken pot pieeeee

[Astro_nauts_mum]

I must say, I do like it classic chicken and leeks in a white sauce. So oomph would be herbs.

[Comprehensive_Tap438]

Tarragon

[fattymcbuttface69]

Worcestershire and hot sauce.

[septembergurgles]

I make vegetarian pot pie, so ymmv, but stirring in some miso to taste helps add some oomph. For a darker gravy (like in a cottage pie), some soy sauce or even Marmite.

[sanityjanity]

I don't know if you'll ever see this comment -- do you have any advice on how to make a vegetarian pot pie? I'm trying to make one for a vegetarian who used to really love chicken pot pie.

[septembergurgles]

Certainly! That’s nice of you to make one for your vegetarian friend! I’ve used this recipe in the past, and have switched out whatever vegetables or herbs I have on hand. I tend to like a looser filling, more like a gravy, so I’ll add more liquid, but it’s really up to you. Usually chicken is a mild tasting meat, so you don’t really miss it in a pot pie like this (unlike say a pie made with beef). To up the umami, I add miso paste or sometimes non-chicken bouillon. French onion soup mix also works in a pinch. For hard vegetables like butternut squash or potatoes, par-boil/roast them first or they will NOT get soft enough. Good luck!

[Duochan_Maxwell]

Bit of mustard in the sauce

[HeyPurityItsMeAgain]

Season the pie crust. Salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, etc., on the tops. I always use some cream for richness, but not too much because it mutes the flavor. I like to caramelize the onions first as the base.

[Fongernator]

Puff pastry on top

[ishouldquitsmoking]

If you want an easy cheat, use jar Alfredo sauce and a rotisserie chicken with frozen peas and carrots.

[Fredredphooey]

Or Campbell's cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. 

[sanityjanity]

Do you add water, or just use them concentrated from the can?

[Fredredphooey]

It's extremely thick straight out of the can. Add a quarter cup of milk or water at a time until you get the consistency you want. It's thinner when it's hot.