Guide

The Best Potato For Chicken Pot Pie: A Kitchen Essential!

Chef Emily Clark is the editor-in-chief and leading culinary expert at Cookupexperts.com. She has over 20 years of professional cooking experience, including working as a private chef for celebrities and heads of state. Emily holds a master's degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to...

What To Know

  • The best potato for chicken pot pie is a waxy potato such as Yukon gold or red potato.
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced chicken in a little bit of oil until it is no longer pink.
  • Bake the pot pie in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the potatoes are starting to brown.

Potato has to be one of the ultimate comfort foods, and chicken pot pie is a classic dish. But what potatoes are best for this delicious meal? In this blog post, we’ll explore the best potatoes for chicken pot pie, from russet to red skin to Yukon gold. We’ll also give you some tips on how to cook them perfectly, so you can enjoy this classic dish with the perfect potato accompaniment.

Best Potato For Chicken Pot Pie

The best potato for chicken pot pie is a waxy potato such as Yukon gold or red potato. Waxy potatoes hold their shape better than starchy potatoes, which tend to fall apart and turn into a mushy mess when cooked. Waxy potatoes also have a more buttery flavor, which pairs well with the creamy filling in a pot pie.

To prepare the potatoes for a chicken pot pie, wash them thoroughly and peel if desired. Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling for the pot pie. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced chicken in a little bit of oil until it is no longer pink. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to incorporate the flour. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Stir in the milk, chicken base, salt, and pepper.

Pour the chicken mixture into a baking dish. Arrange the cooked potatoes on top of the filling. Brush the potatoes with a little melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with a little bit of salt and pepper. Bake the pot pie in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the potatoes are starting to brown.

If you prefer your potatoes a little crispier, you can par-cook them before adding them to the pot pie. Cut the washed and peeled potatoes into thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick. Place the slices in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender. Drain the potatoes and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange the potato slices on top of the filling, brush with melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake the pot pie as directed above.

What Are The Best Potatoes For Chicken Pot Pie?

  • 1. Russet potatoes: These potatoes are starchy and fluffy, making them perfect for absorbing the flavors of the chicken pot pie filling.
  • 2. Yukon gold potatoes: These potatoes are buttery and creamy, adding richness to the pot pie filling.
  • 3. Red potatoes: These potatoes are waxy and hold their shape well, making them a great choice for pot pies that require the potatoes to be cut into smaller pieces.
  • 4. Fingerling potatoes: These potatoes are small and thin, making them perfect for adding texture and visual appeal to the pot pie.
  • 5. Baby potatoes: These potatoes are small and round, making them easy to cut in half and add to the filling.

How Do You Choose The Right Potato For Your Chicken Pot Pie?

A chicken pot pie is a comforting and delicious meal, and the addition of potatoes makes it even more satisfying. However, it’s important to choose the right type of potato for your pot pie. Here are some tips to help you choose the right potato for your chicken pot pie:

1. Starch content: The starch content of a potato affects its texture when cooked. Some potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes, have a higher starch content, which makes them perfect for mashing or baking. These potatoes will hold their shape well and won’t become too mushy. Other potatoes, such as red or Yukon gold potatoes, have a lower starch content, which makes them perfect for roasting or boiling. These potatoes will become tender and fluffy when cooked.

2. Size and shape: The size of your potato also affects its texture when cooked. Larger potatoes will have more flesh and will become tender and fluffy when cooked. Smaller potatoes will be denser and will hold their shape better. The shape of your potato also affects its texture. Round potatoes, such as red or Yukon gold potatoes, will be denser than oblong potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes.

3. Texture: The texture of your potato also affects its texture when cooked. Some potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes, have a thick skin that can be tough and chewy. These potatoes should be peeled before cooking. Other potatoes, such as red or Yukon gold potatoes, have a thin skin that can be eaten. These potatoes can be cooked with or without the skin.

What Are The Different Types Of Potatoes Available?

There are many different types of potatoes available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular varieties include russet, red, white, and yellow potatoes. Russet potatoes are large and starchy, making them ideal for baking, mashing, and frying. Red potatoes have a slightly waxy texture and are a good choice for roasting and salads. White potatoes are mild in flavor and can be used for almost any cooking method. Yellow potatoes are slightly sweet and work well in soups and stews. In addition to the main varieties, there are also many specialty potatoes available, such as fingerling and petite potatoes, which can be used in a variety of dishes.

How Do You Prepare The Potatoes For Your Chicken Pot Pie?

To prepare the potatoes for your chicken pot pie, start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Then, cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Next, place the potatoes in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Finally, add the cooked potatoes to the pot pie filling and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Should You Peel The Potatoes Before Using Them In Your Chicken Pot Pie?

Yes, it is recommended to peel the potatoes before using them in your chicken pot pie. This is because the skin of potatoes can be chewy and may not cook at the same rate as the rest of the potato. Additionally, the skin can also add an unpleasant texture to the dish. However, if you want to save time, you can partially peel the potatoes, leaving some of the skin on. This will help to give the potato a more interesting texture, and it will also allow you to use less potato in your dish.

The Bottom Line

So, whether you’re in the mood for a classic chicken pot pie or a more creative version, be sure to choose the right potato for the job. Your taste buds will thank you!

Chef Emily Clark

Chef Emily Clark is the editor-in-chief and leading culinary expert at Cookupexperts.com. She has over 20 years of professional cooking experience, including working as a private chef for celebrities and heads of state. Emily holds a master's degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to directing the content at Cookupexperts, she writes recipes and product reviews for major food publications. Emily is dedicated to teaching home cooks how to achieve restaurant-quality results through meticulous testing and step-by-step instructions. Her engaging writing style and passion for food shine through in all of her work. When not in the test kitchen, Emily enjoys traveling the world in search of new culinary inspirations.
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