When dieting, it is often challenging to indulge in a pie. While these two pies are not for daily consumption, It is safe to enjoy them on special occasions.
1. Savory Chicken Parm Pot Pie
When looking for something savory, nothing beats a delicious pot pie. Still, why settle for the traditional when you can have something more.
Chicken Ingredients:
- 4 chick breasts, boneless, skinless
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1-1/2 tsp. salt, kosher
- Water
Garlic Butter Ingredients:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 butter, stick
- 2 tbsp. parsley, minced
- Breadcrumb Crust Ingredients:
- 1/2 butter, stick
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. salt, kosher
- 2/3 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. oregano
- 2-2/3 cup breadcrumbs, plain
- 3/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
Remaining Ingredients:
- 3 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1 lb. pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions:
- To make the chicken, dice it into 3/4-inch cubes and put it in a large saucepan with all other chicken ingredients. Pour water in to cover the chicken by about 2-inches. Thoroughly mix. Then, cover the pan and bring it to a boil using high heat. Reduce to medium heat, crack the lid and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring. Drain the water and set the chicken aside when cooked.
- To make the garlic butter, use a small saucepan. Over medium heat, melt the butter before adding the garlic. Allow the garlic to brown before adding the parsley and removing the pan from the heat. Let it stand for a few minutes before draining the remaining liquid butter. Set the parsley and garlic aside for garnish.
- To make the bottom crust, whisk the cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and spices together in a large bowl. The oven needs to be preheated to 425°. Melt the butter using the microwave and a safe bowl. Whisk in the olive oil and eggs until smooth. Pour into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumb mixture into a greased 10-inch cast-iron pan. You want to make a crust that is 1/2-inch thick. Bake for 10 to 13-minutes.
- Finally, layer the crust with 3/4 cup of mozzarella, add some parmesan and chicken to cover the bottom of the crust. Use 1-1/3 cups of marinara, pouring over the chicken and cheese. Repeat to fill the pie. Roll out the pizza dough to cover the pie, crimping the edges to seal. Cut small ventilation holes, perforating the dough. Brush with garlic butter and garnish with garlic and parsley.
2. Sweet and Simple Brown Sugar Pie
There is nothing quite like brown sugar. It is a sweet, classic ingredient, and this recipe brings out its caramel-esque taste. You will need a minimum of 55 minutes to make this delicious treat, but it makes eight servings. The best part is, you can buy a store-bought crust to make things easy.
Ingredients:
- 1-1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 stick of butter, unsalted
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract (quality matters)
- 4 eggs, large
- 1 pie crust, not deep dish
Directions:
- The oven needs to be preheated to 325°. Using a microwave, melt the butter. Mix in the vanilla extract and brown sugar, stirring thoroughly. Mixing to a smooth consistency, add in the eggs. Pour the batter into the pie crust.
- Bake the pie for approximately 35 to 45-minutes until it resembles a small dome. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before serving. Don't be alarmed when the dome deflates.
What are your favorite desserts to indulge in? Comment below.