Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie Canning Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of comforting meals, the chicken pot pie is sure to capture your heart. But how about bringing that comfort into your pantry? This chicken pot pie canning recipe allows you to preserve that delightful flavor, making it convenient for rainy days or busy weeknights. Canning not only extends the shelf life of your favorite meals but also provides a quick homemade option when time is of the essence. Read on to discover the step-by-step process of canning chicken pot pie, tips for perfecting your dish, and much more!

Ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie Canning

Before diving into the canning process, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients. For this chicken pot pie canning recipe, you will need:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 cup potato, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/3 cup flour
• Herbs: thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste
• Canned pie crust or homemade pastry dough (to be added at serving time)

When selecting your chicken, opt for lean cuts to ensure the best flavor and consistency. Fresh vegetables will add vibrant nutrition and taste to your pie.

Preparation: Getting Everything Ready

Preparation is key when canning, particularly with something as hearty as chicken pot pie. Start by cooking your chicken thoroughly and allowing it to cool before chopping. While your chicken is cooling, prepare your vegetables by washing, peeling, and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. It’s essential to ensure all ingredients are ready and at room temperature for optimal canning results.

The Canning Process Explained

Canning chicken pot pie is relatively straightforward, but follow these steps for the best results:

1. In a large pot, combine the chopped chicken, vegetables, chicken broth, cream, and flour. Stir well over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
2. Meanwhile, prepare your jars by sterilizing them in boiling water.
3. Pour the mixture into jars, leaving about one inch of headspace. Wipe the rims to ensure a proper seal.
4. Place the lids on tightly and process in a pressure canner, following the recommended pressure and time for meat-based recipes (usually about 75-90 minutes).
5. Once processed, let the jars cool on a clean towel before checking for seals.

Tips for Canning Chicken Pot Pie

• Use a Pressure Canner: Due to the meat and creamy contents, a pressure canner is essential for safety.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences. Consider adding herbs that reflect your style.
• Don’t Overfill Jars: Ensure enough headspace for expansion during the canning process.
• Cool Jars Gradually: Allow jars to cool at room temperature to prevent cracking.

Storing Your Canned Chicken Pot Pie

Store your canned chicken pot pie in a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard works perfectly. Ensure that jars are labeled with the date to keep track of freshness. Properly canned items can last up to a year, but the sooner you consume them, the better their flavor will be.

Serving Suggestions for Your Canned Dish

When ready to serve, simply empty the contents of a jar into a saucepan, reheat, and serve with your favorite crust. You can either top it with a pre-made pie crust or whip up a quick biscuit topping for a delicious twist. Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal!

Troubleshooting Common Canning Issues

While canning can be a bit intimidating, it’s crucial to know how to troubleshoot:

• Jars Not Sealing: This may happen due to food particles on the rim or insufficient headspace. Ensure you wipe them clean.
• Bubbling Liquid: If your canned product expands too much, it might boil over and affect the seal. Avoid overfilling.
• Bad Smells: If your canned chicken pot pie has a strange odor after processing, it may have spoiled. It’s essential to discard this immediately.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients! With protein-rich chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and the energy-boosting properties of potatoes, this dish offers balanced nutrition. Each serving is loaded with vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron, making it a nutritious choice.

Variations to Try with Your Recipe

Let your creativity run wild! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Add Mushrooms: Enhance the flavor and texture by adding sautéed mushrooms.
• Swap Chicken for Turkey: Perfect for post-holiday meals!
• Use Different Veggies: Experimenting with vegetables can add a unique twist to flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a chicken pot pie canning recipe is a fantastic way to preserve comfort food delights at home. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, it ensures that you can enjoy a taste of home even on busy days. Click here to explore more recipes on our website, or learn more about dumpling recipes from this credible source.

FAQs on Chicken Pot Pie Canning Recipe

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables in my recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the mix.

Q2: How do I know my jars sealed correctly?
After cooling, press down in the center of the lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed. If it does, refrigerate and consume promptly.

Q3: How long does canned chicken pot pie last?
Properly processed, canned chicken pot pie can last one year. However, consuming within six months is optimal for flavor.

Q4: Is it safe to can chicken pot pie due to the cream?
Yes, as long as processed correctly. Using a pressure canner ensures that the food is safe to eat afterward.

Q5: Can I can chicken pot pie without a pressure canner?
No, due to the meat and fluid components, it’s essential to use a pressure canner to ensure safety.