Creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and vegetables, a chicken pot pie epitomizes hearty comfort food. But one question often arises when preparing this crowd-pleaser at the house, for a potluck, or even for a cosy family dinner: What pairs best with chicken pot pie?
Whether planning a balanced, flavour-packed meal or simply looking for easy side dishes to complement your savoury pie, this guide covers you. We’ll explore everything from fresh salads to indulgent sides, beverages, and even desserts that make your chicken pot pie shine.
Why the Right Pairing Complements the Dish
A classic chicken pot pie is rich and savoury with a decadent pastry top or crust. To balance this richness, accompanying dishes can emphasize contrasting textures, lighter flavours, or harmonious, sweet notes. For instance:
- Freshness helps cut through the creaminess of the pie.
- Crunch can vary the meal experience when paired with the pie’s soft and flaky crust.
- Sweetness or tartnessSweetness or tartness adds a bright note to balance the dish.
Choosing the right pairing for a dish can elevate its flavour, texture, and overall dining experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting complementary dishes:
Flavor
The key to choosing the perfect pairing is understanding how flavours interact. There are three main types of flavour:
- Complementary: Flavors that contrast or balance each other, such as sweet and salty.
- Congruent: Flavors with similar characteristics, such as two spicy or acidic dishes.
- Contrasting: Flavors that create a unique taste sensation when combined, such as sweet and sour.
With these elements in mind, here’s your ultimate pairing guide.
Fresh Salads That Brighten the Table
Mixed Greens With Lemon Vinaigrette
A simple salad of crisp lettuce, arugula, or spinach tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette can bring a refreshing element to your meal. Add sliced radishes, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and colour.
Pro Tip: Keep the dressing light so as not to overpower the flavours of the chicken pot pie.
Apple and Fennel Salad
For an elevated pairing, try an apple and fennel salad. This adds a sweet and slightly anise-flavoured crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of the pot pie. Toss thinly sliced apples, fennel, and a handful of walnuts in a honey-mustard dressing.
Kale and Cranberry Slaw
A hearty kale slaw with dried cranberries and a touch of feta cheese offers a sweet-tangy kick. Massage the kale leaves with olive oil and lemon juice to soften them, then toss with cranberries, feta, and a light vinaigrette. This slaw pairs well with comforting mac and cheese or roasted chicken.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Try roasting a medley of root vegetables for a colourful and nutritious side. Cut carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets into equal-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until tender and caramelized. Serve alongside your favourite protein for a complete meal.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter
Grilled asparagus is a simple yet delicious addition to any comfort food dinner. Toss the asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder before grilling over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side. Once cooked, drizzle with melted lemon butter for a tangy flavour.
Honey Glazed Carrots
For a sweet and savoury side dish, try honey-glazed carrots. Cut peeled carrots into diagonal slices and cook in boiling water until tender. Drain and add melted butter, honey, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon to a pan. Cook until the glaze thickens and coats the carrots. Serve hot as an irresistible side dish.
Hearty Vegetable Sides for Added Depth
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
Nothing complements a homey dish quite like roasted vegetables. Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary bring earthy, caramelized notes to the table.
How-to Tip: Roast them until golden brown for a crispy, flavorful touch.
Steamed Green Beans With Almonds
Steamed green beans keep it simple and light. Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or slivered garlic for crunch and nutty flavour. This minimal effort side pairs well without stealing the spotlight from the main dish.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
For a sweeter side, honey-glazed carrots fit the bill. Tender, sweet, and buttery, they balance the savoury richness of the pot pie. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The classic comfort food, garlic mashed potatoes, provides a creamy and savoury counterpart to the pot pie. Sauté some minced garlic in butter and fold it into your mashed potatoes for an extra flavour boost. For a healthier alternative, try using cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb option.
Classic Bread and Carbs
Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes
If you’re leaning into indulgence, buttery mashed potatoes are the way to go. The fluffy potatoes mirror the comforting texture of the pie, while garlic and butter add depth.
Serving Idea: Use chives or grated Parmesan for a finishing touch.
Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits
For that Southern comfort feel, flaky buttermilk biscuits are an excellent pairing. These warm, buttery carbs are a perfect mop for any leftover pie filling.
Light Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm dinner rolls bring a neutral, comforting balance to any pot pie meal. Roll them out fresh, or grab high-quality store-bought options to save time. Butter and jam are optional but highly recommended.
Beverages to Serve With Chicken Pot Pie
The right drink can elevate your meal even further. Choose something that complements the pot pie’s savoury flavours and creamy textures.
White Wine
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works wonderfully. These wines bring crisp acidity to cut through the richness of the pot pie.
Non-Alcoholic Options
For non-alcoholic pairings, sparkling water with a twist of lemon, iced tea, or a ginger-ale spritzer are refreshing options.
Warm Beverages
During colder months, a cup of mulled cider or herbal tea can create a cosy dining atmosphere while pairing well with the dish’s warmth.
Sweet Endings
No meal is complete without dessert, especially one this hearty. Since chicken pot pie is filling, light or fruity desserts work best.
Lemon Tart
A zesty lemon tart adds a fresh, tangy finish to the meal, cutting through the heavier flavours of the pie. Plus, its crisp pastry harmonizes with the pie crust.
Berry Sorbet
Consider a light berry sorbet for something indulgent yet straightforward. Its fruity, icy texture provides a satisfying contrast after a warm, savoury dish.
Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is an excellent dessert choice that doubles down on cosiness while delivering a lighter option. Top it with a dollop of vanilla yoghurt or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Create the Perfect Pot Pie Meal Today
Chicken pot pie is undeniably a star on its own, but pairing it with sides, drinks, and desserts tailored to enhance its flavours will transform your meal into an experience. Whether preparing for a quiet dinner or hosting friends, these suggestions give you the tools to create a balanced, satisfying, and memorable dining table.
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