Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this chicken pot pie recipe lighter than traditional versions?
This recipe swaps the heavy, high-calorie traditional crust for thin layers of phyllo dough and uses fat-free half-and-half and chicken broth, resulting in approximately 400 calories per serving.
How many calories are in a serving of this Light & Crispy Chicken Pot Pie?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the pie?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out while preparing the recipe?
Phyllo dough dries out very quickly once exposed to air; it is recommended to read the package instructions carefully and prepare all other ingredients before unrolling the dough.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes 1 1/2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables, one medium chopped onion, and 4 stalks of celery.
Can I make this as individual servings?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for single servings using individual casserole dishes or as a family meal in a single round dish.
How long should the chicken pot pie bake?
The pie should bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is hot and bubbly and the phyllo crust is golden brown.
What type of flour is used to thicken the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of white whole wheat flour to create the sauce.
How much fat is in one serving of this pot pie?
Each serving contains approximately 6.7g of fat.
How many sheets of phyllo dough are used in total?
A total of 4 sheets of phyllo dough are used: 2 for the bottom of the dish and 2 for the top.
What herbs are used to season the chicken and vegetable mixture?
The recipe is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and 1 1/2 teaspoons of rubbed sage.
Should I cook the chicken before adding it to the pie filling?
Yes, the chicken should be sautéed in olive oil until it is no longer pink before being incorporated into the vegetable mixture.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 30g of protein.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly coat the casserole dish or individual dishes with nonstick cooking spray.
How do I incorporate the liquids into the flour to avoid lumps?
After cooking the flour for one minute, gradually incorporate the chicken broth and fat-free half-and-half while stirring constantly until it reaches a gentle boil.
Is there any cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 teaspoons of parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of the filling before adding the top phyllo layers.
How long should the pie stand before serving?
Allow the pie to stand for 5-8 minutes after removing it from the oven to let the filling set slightly.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are approximately 53g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Do I need to use butter between the phyllo sheets?
No, this light version uses nonstick cooking spray to coat the phyllo sheets instead of butter to reduce fat content.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
While the recipe specifies frozen mixed vegetables for convenience, you can use fresh vegetables as long as they are simmered until tender.
What serves as the base for the creamy white sauce?
The sauce is made from a combination of white whole wheat flour, fat-free chicken broth, and fat-free half-and-half.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 3-4 servings.
How do I arrange the phyllo sheets in the dish?
Place the sheets so they cross each other and extend up the sides for the bottom, and tuck the top sheets down neatly over the filling.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil in total, divided between cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste when cooking the chicken and again when simmering the vegetable mixture.
What does the 'rubbed sage' add to the recipe?
Rubbed sage provides a classic earthy, savory flavor that is a traditional component of poultry-based pot pies.
Is the celery prepared in a specific way?
The 4 stalks of celery should be sliced before being sautéed with the onions and garlic.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is designed to be a health-conscious version of the comfort food classic, chicken pot pie.