World’s Greatest Chicken Pot Pie

Name: World’s Greatest Chicken Pot Pie
Yield: makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 (3-pound) roasted chicken, boned and shredded (see page 204); 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper; 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried tarragon, crushed; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup dry white wine; 1 1/2 cups fresh peas, blanched (see page 31); 1 1/2 cups carrots, diced and blanched (see page 31); 2 russet potatoes, diced and blanched (see page 31); 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; Egg wash (lightly whisk together 1 whole egg and 1 teaspoon water)

December 9, 2011

It’s called a defining moment. For Madonna, it was “Everybody.” For Brad Pitt, it was Thelma and Louise. For us, well, it was our chicken pot pie that started it all. Now, we aren’t saying that we’re the next Madonna or Brad Pitt. But, in all honesty, you wouldn’t be reading this book if it weren’t for this recipe. As seen on Food Network’s Throwdown! with Bobby Flay, this signature dish is our claim to fame. It’s not just any old pot pie—oh, no. We took great care to bring this everyday comfort food to new gourmet heights. White wine, tarragon, and shallots are just some of the surprise ingredients tucked under a perfectly golden brown puff pastry. It’s the dish that made people sit up and take notice of us, and now it’s your turn to take the spotlight.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.