Chicken Pie. Mrs. M. A. Moorhead. Recipe

Recipe for Chicken Pie

History and Fun Facts:
Chicken pie has a rich history and is a beloved dish in many cultures around the world. It is believed that the concept of a pie, with a crust that is both edible and practical for enclosing various fillings, dates back to ancient Egypt. The Romans also had a similar dish called "pastillum," which consisted of a pastry filled with meat and vegetables.

In the United States, chicken pie became popular in the 19th century. It was a favorite among home cooks, who would use leftover roasted or stewed chicken to create a delicious and comforting dish. Chicken pie was often served at special occasions and family gatherings, adding a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the meal.

Fun Fact: Did you know that chicken pot pie is considered a quintessential American dish? It is not only loved by many households but has also become a staple in American cuisine, especially during the colder months.

Now, let's get started with the recipe for Mrs. M. A. Moorhead's Chicken Pie:

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, stewed until tender
- 2 cups chicken broth (reserved from stewing the chicken)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ - ¾ cup cold water
- Optional: 1 pint of fresh oysters, stewed (for a delightful variation)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Start by preparing the crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Add the cold cubed butter to the bowl and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. You may not need to use all of the water. The dough should be firm and not sticky. Set the dough aside.

5. Remove the stewed chicken from the broth and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

6. Take a baking pan and line it with a layer of the prepared crust. Make sure to cover the bottom and sides of the pan with the dough.

7. Begin layering the chicken and pieces of crust in the pan. Start with a layer of chicken, followed by a layer of crust, and continue until the pan is filled. Remember to season each layer with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

8. If you're using oysters, add a layer of stewed oysters after every few layers of chicken and crust.

9. Pour the reserved chicken broth over the layers until the pan is almost filled, leaving a little space for the crust to rise.

10. Roll out the remaining dough to cover the top of the pie. Make slits or decorative cut-outs on the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

11. If you want a flaky bottom crust, pre-bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before filling the pie. This step is optional but recommended for better texture.

12. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

13. Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy the delicious and comforting Mrs. M. A. Moorhead's Chicken Pie!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy chicken pie, you might also love these similar recipe dishes:

1. Chicken Pot Pie: This is a classic American comfort food, similar to chicken pie but typically with a creamy filling of chicken, vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and potatoes), and a flaky pastry crust.

2. Shepherd's Pie: Shepherd's pie is a British dish that traditionally consists of minced meat (usually lamb or beef) topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden and crispy. You can also make a chicken variation by substituting the minced meat with shredded chicken.

3. Chicken and Leek Pie: This British savory pie incorporates tender chicken and sautéed leeks in a creamy sauce, wrapped in a buttery pastry crust.

4. Chicken and Mushroom Pie: Mushrooms add earthy and umami flavors to this delicious pie. Sautéed mushrooms and chicken are combined in a rich gravy, topped with a flaky pastry crust.

These are just a few examples of the many variations of pies and hearty dishes that you can try based on your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of a savory pie.