Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that has been popular for generations. The basic components of chicken pot pie are chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce all baked in a pie crust. While many recipes do call for potatoes to be included, they are not a required ingredient. So whether or not chicken pot pie contains potatoes depends on the specific recipe used.
The Origins of Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pies trace their origins back to Medieval England. During this time, thick pastry crusts were used to seal and preserve meat fillings. This cooking method evolved into pot pies which were meat stews with vegetables cooked in a crust. The first chicken pot pies emerged in the 18th century. These early versions likely contained basic ingredients like chicken, onions, and parsley in a heavy pastry crust. Potatoes were just being introduced to England around this time period after being brought over from America. So earlier chicken pot pie recipes probably did not contain potatoes.
The popularity of chicken pot pies grew in America during the 20th century. As recipes spread, variations that included different vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, and sometimes potatoes emerged. The use of potatoes seems to have become more common during this time period. While not all recipes called for them, potatoes were likely a common addition to chicken pot pies by the 1950s in America.
Common Ingredients in Chicken Pot Pie
While ingredients can vary, there are some standard components found in most chicken pot pie recipes:
- Pie crust – The crust is usually made from flour, fat, and water. It provides the containing shell for the filling.
- Chicken – Cooked chicken is the central ingredient that gives the pot pie its name.
- Onions – Onions provide aromatic flavor to the filling.
- Celery – Celery adds texture and freshness.
- Carrots – Carrots are a common vegetable addition.
- Peas – Green peas provide color and sweetness.
- Herbs – Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage enhance the flavor.
- Stock or cream – The filling needs liquid to give it the right consistency.
Potatoes are another vegetable that is frequently added to chicken pot pies, but not universally included. Other potential vegetables in pot pie are corn, green beans, lima beans, mushrooms, and parsnips.
Use of Potatoes
Potatoes complement the flavor of chicken pot pie quite well. When cooked down, they add thickness and creaminess to the filling. Their mild flavor absorbs the surrounding flavors of the herbs and chicken stock or cream. So while not mandatory, potatoes do enhance chicken pot pie in the following ways:
- Provide a heartier, more substantial texture
- Act as a thickener for the sauce
- Add creaminess from their starch
- Absorb and carry complementary flavors
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape the best when cooked. New potatoes and red potatoes also work well in chicken pot pie. Potato pieces should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes before adding to the filling.
Classic Chicken Pot Pie Recipes
Here is a look at some quintessential chicken pot pie recipes and their use of potatoes:
Original Amish Chicken Pot Pie
Amish chicken pot pie utilizes simple ingredients like chicken, broth, celery, carrots, peas, and herbs. This straightforward version does not call for potatoes. The Amish focus on hearty comfort food makes this a classic recipe without the extras.
Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie
This popular recipe from Ree Drummond uses potatoes in addition to celery, carrots, peas, and corn. The potatoes add a creamy texture and thicken the rich sage-infused gravy sauce. This is an example of a chicken pot pie that benefits from the inclusion of potatoes.
Betty Crocker Chicken Pot Pie
The Betty Crocker cooked chicken pot pie recipe takes a simpler approach. Potatoes are not included while carrots, peas, and corn make up the vegetables. Since creamy evaporated milk is used, potatoes are not needed to add texture or thicken the filling.
So in these classic recipes, potatoes are clearly optional in chicken pot pie based on personal preference and whether a thicker sauce is desired.
Nutrition Information
Here is some nutrition information comparing chicken pot pie with and without potatoes:
| Chicken Pot Pie Nutrition Facts (per serving) | With Potatoes | Without Potatoes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 345 | 320 |
| Total Fat | 13g | 12g |
| Sodium | 790mg | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34g | 29g |
| Protein | 16g | 17g |
Potatoes slightly increase the carbohydrate content while providing additional calories. The protein amount stays similar either way. Overall, the nutritional profile doesn’t change dramatically based on the inclusion or exclusion of potatoes.
When to Add Potatoes
After looking at traditional recipe variations and nutritional data, recommendations can be made for when to include potatoes in chicken pot pie:
- If desiring a thicker, heartier filling, potatoes help create a more substantial texture and sauce
- When the filling seems too loose or runny, diced potatoes can soak up excess liquid
- For added creaminess without much additional fat, potatoes lend a smooth, creamy element
- If using broth only, potatoes complement the savoriness and prevent a thin brothy filling
- When making a larger batch for a crowd, potatoes stretch the pie to serve more people
On the other hand, reasons to omit potatoes include:
- If using heavy cream only, the filling will already be quite thick and rich
- In vegetarian pot pies, mushrooms or other veggies can provide texture instead of potatoes
- If calories are a concern, cutting potatoes reduces the calorie count
- For those monitoring carbohydrates, going potato-free minimizes carbs
- In smaller pot pies for 1-2 people, potatoes may overwhelm the filling
Conclusion
The question of whether chicken pot pie contains potatoes does not have a universal answer. Potatos are certainly not required, as evidenced by classic recipes still popular today that omit them. However, potatoes have become a widely used addition to chicken pot pies, especially in the past century. Their ability to thicken fillings and add creaminess makes them a complementary ingredient. In the end, the choice comes down to personal preference and the other flavors and textures in a particular recipe. With versatile ingredients like broth, cream, and an array of vegetables, cooks can adjust the contents to suit their tastes. So while not mandatory, potatoes do enhance chicken pot pie for many people and have secured their place as a customary ingredient in this hearty dish.