Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

If you’ve never tried a Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe, you’re in for a genuinely comforting and delicious treat. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with a medley of subtly spiced vegetables enclosed in a beautifully flaky homemade crust. The creaminess of the filling paired with the perfectly golden pastry creates a harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that play a crucial role in its delightful taste and texture. Each item brings something special, whether it’s the creaminess, the subtle spices, or the flaky crust that holds it all together.

• Chicken (3 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, adding ready-to-go tenderness and flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds just enough richness to lightly sauté the veggies without overpowering them.
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Provides a sweet, savory base that lifts the entire filling.
• Carrots (1/2 cup, diced): Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
• Potatoes (1/2 cup, diced): Brings heartiness and a velvety texture when cooked.
• Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and bright green bursts throughout the filling.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Important for that aromatic depth and a little kick.
• Paprika (1 tablespoon): Gives smoky warmth that’s unmistakably Brazilian.
• Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy complexity that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough for a gentle heat and depth.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Creates the flavorful liquid base of the filling.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the filling luxuriously creamy and rich.
• Flour (2 tablespoons for filling, 2 cups for dough): Used for thickening the filling and forming the flaky crust.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): Key for a flaky, tender pie crust.
• Ice-cold water (6 tablespoons, plus more if needed): Helps bind the dough without melting the butter.
• Egg (1, for egg wash): Creates a golden, glossy finish on the crust.

How to Make Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and potatoes. Cook these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to soften. This step builds the flavorful base for the filling and allows the natural sweetness and textures of the vegetables to shine through.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant. These spices infuse the vegetables with the signature warm, slightly smoky, and earthy flavor profile that makes this Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe unforgettable.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once the liquid is fully incorporated, pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture is the heart of your filling.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Peas

Fold in the shredded chicken and frozen peas to the skillet, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is evenly combined and heated through. The peas add pops of brightness, and the chicken brings that familiar, comforting protein we all love.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until you get coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just begins to hold together. This is the critical step for achieving a tender, flaky crust.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest time helps relax the gluten and solidifies the butter so the crust will bake up flaky.

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that when your pie goes in, it will bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden color.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough and Fill the Pie

On a floured surface, roll out half of your dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the dish and trim any excess. Pour the cooked chicken mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. This forms the savory base for your pot pie.

Step 9: Add the Top Crust

Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing them together and cut a few small slits on top to let steam escape. This step ensures your pie bakes perfectly without a soggy bottom.

Step 10: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the top crust with a beaten egg to give it that irresistible, shiny golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.

Step 11: Rest Before Serving

Let your Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe rest for 10 minutes once out of the oven. Resting helps the filling set so that every slice holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal aroma that complements the creamy filling wonderfully. You can also add a few thin lime wedges on the side to brighten each bite with a zesty contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some simple roasted vegetables. These fresh sides balance the richness of the pot pie and make for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making individual mini pot pies using ramekins for personal servings that look adorable on the table. Another fun idea is to serve it in a bread bowl for an extra cozy touch that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps all the flavors fresh and the crust crisp enough for reheating later.

Freezing

You can freeze an unbaked pie by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. Alternatively, you can freeze baked slices in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to bring back that crisp crust and to heat the filling evenly. Microwaving is faster but might soften the crust, so the oven is best for maintaining texture.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought crust works well and still delivers great flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust baking times if necessary, as some pre-made crusts may brown faster.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute with whole milk mixed with a bit of melted butter to mimic the richness, or use half-and-half. The texture won’t be quite as creamy, but the dish will still be delicious.

Is rotisserie chicken essential?

Using rotisserie chicken is simply a convenient shortcut. You can perfectly use leftover cooked chicken or even poach chicken breasts yourself. The key is to have well-cooked, shredded chicken for that tender bite.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just adjust gradually so the heat balances nicely with the creamy filling.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing crust flakiness?

The best method is to reheat leftovers in the oven. This keeps the crust crisp while warming the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the pie flaky.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making this Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Recipe from scratch and sharing it with those you love. It’s hearty, comforting, and filled with just the right balance of spice and creaminess. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it earns a top spot in any pot pie lover’s repertoire.

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