Is Chicken Pot Pie Dairy-free? Here’s The Answer!

Chicken pot pie, a beloved comfort food, evokes memories of warm gatherings and hearty meals. However, for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities, the question arises: “Does chicken pot pie contain dairy?” This blog post delves into the depths of this culinary mystery, exploring the ingredients and potential dairy sources in this classic dish.

Ingredients to Watch Out For

The traditional ingredients in chicken pot pie include:

• Chicken
• Vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
• Flour
• Broth
• Milk or cream

Dairy Sources in Chicken Pot Pie

The primary dairy sources in chicken pot pie are milk and cream. These ingredients are commonly used to create a creamy and flavorful sauce that binds the pie together.

Milk

Milk is often added to the broth to enhance the richness and creaminess of the filling. It provides a base for the sauce and contributes to the overall texture of the pie.

Cream

Cream is a more concentrated form of dairy and can be used to create a thicker, more decadent sauce. It is often used in combination with milk or as a substitute for milk in some recipes.

Dairy-Free Alternatives

For those who cannot tolerate dairy, there are several dairy-free alternatives that can be used to make chicken pot pie:

• Dairy-free milk: Almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk can be used as a substitute for milk in the sauce.
• Dairy-free cream: Coconut milk or almond milk cream can be used to create a dairy-free creamy sauce.
• Dairy-free butter: Vegan butter or margarine can be used to replace butter in the crust or as a thickening agent for the sauce.

Identifying Dairy-Free Chicken Pot Pie

When ordering chicken pot pie from restaurants or purchasing pre-made pies from stores, it is essential to check for dairy ingredients.

• Read the ingredient list: Carefully examine the ingredient list for any dairy sources, such as milk, cream, butter, or cheese.
• Ask the restaurant: If dining out, ask the waitstaff if the chicken pot pie contains dairy and whether any dairy-free options are available.

Homemade Dairy-Free Chicken Pot Pie

Making chicken pot pie at home allows for complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a dairy-free pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup dairy-free flour
• 2 cups dairy-free broth
• 1/2 cup dairy-free milk or cream
• 1/4 cup dairy-free butter
• 1 pre-made pie crust or homemade dairy-free crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté carrots, celery, and onions in dairy-free butter.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and dairy-free broth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until smooth.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened.
6. Add the shredded chicken and dairy-free milk or cream to the sauce.
7. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
8. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Key Points

In conclusion, the answer to the question “Does chicken pot pie contain dairy?” is generally yes. However, with careful consideration of ingredients and the use of dairy-free alternatives, it is possible to enjoy this classic dish without compromising dietary restrictions. Whether homemade or purchased, identifying dairy-free chicken pot pie is crucial for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some common dairy sources in chicken pot pie?
A: Milk, cream, and butter are the primary dairy sources in chicken pot pie.

Q: Can I make chicken pot pie without dairy?
A: Yes, you can use dairy-free milk, cream, and butter to create a dairy-free version of chicken pot pie.

Q: How can I identify dairy-free chicken pot pie when ordering from restaurants?
A: Ask the waitstaff if the chicken pot pie contains dairy and whether any dairy-free options are available.

Q: What are some dairy-free milk alternatives that I can use in chicken pot pie?
A: Almond milk, soy milk, and cashew milk are all suitable dairy-free milk alternatives for chicken pot pie.

Q: Can I use coconut milk in place of cream in chicken pot pie?
A: Yes, coconut milk or almond milk cream can be used as a dairy-free substitute for cream in chicken pot pie.