Can you make a chicken pot pie without bouillon cubes?

Absolutely! You can easily make a delicious chicken pot pie without relying on bouillon cubes. Here's a recipe using fresh ingredients for a rich and flavorful broth:

Ingredients:

* For the Chicken:

* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* 1/2 onion, chopped

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

* 1 cup chicken broth

* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

* For the Vegetables:

* 1 cup chopped carrots

* 1 cup chopped celery

* 1 cup frozen peas

* For the Crust:

* 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts

* 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Make the Broth: Add white wine (if using) to the pot and cook for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes.

3. Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly tender. Stir in peas and cook for 2 minutes more.

4. Assemble the Pot Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide chicken mixture evenly between two 9-inch pie plates or a single deep-dish pie plate. Top with pie crusts, pressing edges to seal.

5. Bake and Serve: Brush crust with egg yolk mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

* Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans.

* Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Assemble the pot pie and bake just before serving.

* Use Homemade Crust: For a richer flavor, make your own pie crust using your favorite recipe.

* For a Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crusts.

Enjoy your homemade chicken pot pie!