Chicken pot pie, a comforting and hearty dish, is a beloved classic in many households. Its creamy filling, tender chicken, and flaky crust make it a satisfying meal on its own. However, to elevate the dining experience and complement the rich flavors of chicken pot pie, consider pairing it with a variety of sides, sauces, and beverages. This comprehensive guide will help you create a memorable meal by exploring classic sides, vegetables, salads, desserts, and beverages that pair beautifully with chicken pot pie.
Classic Sides
Baked Mashed Potatoes
Baked mashed potatoes are a creamy and indulgent side dish that complements the savory and rich filling of chicken pot pie. Their smooth texture and buttery flavor enhance the meal, providing a comforting contrast to the flaky pie crust.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Buttery dinner rolls with their soft, pillowy texture and rich, buttery flavor are perfect for sopping up the creamy filling of chicken pot pie. They add a delightful touch of comfort to the meal and pair well with the pie’s savory notes.
Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine, featuring crisp green beans sautéed with almonds and a touch of lemon, offers a fresh and nutty contrast to the creamy chicken pot pie. The slight crunch of the almonds and the bright flavor of the lemon enhance the overall dining experience.
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots, with their caramelized sweetness and tender texture, provide a delightful complement to chicken pot pie. Their natural sweetness balances the rich flavors of the pie, adding a touch of warmth and color to the plate.
Grains and Starches
Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Garlic parmesan orzo is a light and flavorful option that pairs well with chicken pot pie. The tender orzo pasta, infused with garlic and parmesan cheese, provides a subtle yet satisfying addition to the meal.
Herbed Rice Pilaf
Herbed rice pilaf, made with fluffy rice and a mix of fresh herbs, offers a light and aromatic side dish for chicken pot pie. Its savory flavors and delicate texture complement the creamy pie filling, adding a touch of elegance to the meal.
Crispy Potato Wedges
Crispy potato wedges, seasoned with herbs and spices, offer a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of chicken pot pie. Their golden exterior and tender interior make them a satisfying and flavorful addition to the meal.
Vegetable Sides
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Sautéed spinach with garlic is a quick and nutritious side dish that pairs well with chicken pot pie. The garlic adds a savory depth to the tender spinach, providing a fresh and light counterpoint to the rich pie filling.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their crispy edges and nutty flavor, are an excellent addition to chicken pot pie. Seasoned with a touch of balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese, they add a complex and satisfying flavor to the meal.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli, with its bright green color and crisp texture, offers a healthy and refreshing side dish for chicken pot pie. The mild flavor of the broccoli complements the rich and creamy filling of the pie, providing a balanced meal.
Salads
Mixed Green Salad
A mixed green salad, featuring a variety of fresh greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, offers a light and crisp side dish for chicken pot pie. Tossed with a simple vinaigrette, it provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pie.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing, is a classic pairing for chicken pot pie. The bold flavors and textures of the salad enhance the overall dining experience, adding a touch of elegance to the meal.
Apple and Walnut Salad
Apple and walnut salad, with its combination of sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and a light vinaigrette, offers a refreshing and slightly sweet complement to chicken pot pie. The contrast of textures and flavors adds depth to the meal.
Desserts
Apple Crisp
Apple crisp, with its sweet and tart apple filling and buttery crumb topping, is a comforting dessert choice to end a meal featuring chicken pot pie. Its warm flavors and satisfying texture provide a delightful conclusion to the meal.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie, with its rich, nutty filling and flaky crust, offers a decadent dessert option after chicken pot pie. The sweet and savory flavors of the pecan pie complement the savory notes of the main dish, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies, with their gooey chocolate centers and chewy texture, are a classic and comforting dessert choice. Their indulgent sweetness provides a delightful end to a meal centered around chicken pot pie.
Beverages
Chardonnay
A chilled glass of Chardonnay, with its crisp acidity and subtle oak notes, pairs beautifully with chicken pot pie. Its light and refreshing qualities complement the rich and creamy filling of the pie, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, with its effervescence and refreshing taste, is a great beverage option to serve with chicken pot pie. It cleanses the palate between bites and provides a light, non-alcoholic alternative.
Apple Cider
Apple cider, whether served hot or cold, offers a slightly sweet and fruity beverage option for chicken pot pie. Its natural flavors complement the savory pie filling and add a comforting touch to the meal.
Conclusion
Chicken pot pie is a versatile and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, salads, and beverages. Whether you prefer classic accompaniments like buttery dinner rolls and green bean almondine or more adventurous options like garlic parmesan orzo and apple cider, there are countless ways to create a memorable dining experience. Experiment with these suggestions to find your favorite combinations and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of chicken pot pie to the fullest.
