Chicken Pot Pie

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly against the sides and bottom. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
2. Cook the chicken
   Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Prepare the vegetables
   In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add thawed peas and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Make the sauce
   Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine filling ingredients
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Assemble the pot pie
   Pour the filling into the prepared bottom crust. Place the second pie crust on top of the filling. Trim excess dough, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang. Fold the edge of the top crust under the edge of the bottom crust and press together to seal. Crimp the edges decoratively with your fingers or a fork.
7. Finish and bake
   Cut 4-5 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with egg wash for a golden finish. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cover the edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly.
8. Rest and serve
   Remove from oven and let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice clean portions. Serve warm.