Home ยป Speedy Chicken Potpie

Speedy Chicken Potpie

Why hello, Friiiiiiday! So happy to see you!

Mr. Prevention and I lead fairly boring lives. With moving every 18 months or so these past few years, new friendships take time to build. So often, the weekends are just he, I, and the Lily Monster. Who, by the way, looked super cute in her Illini coat before our walk yesterday:

This weekend, however, I have lots to look forward to: lasik surgery consultation, a birthday party, date night at The Melting Pot, my hockey game, and online driving school. Not so much fun, that last one…but maybe since I say I’m going to do it…it will actually get accomplished. I’ve already graded my student’s first exams, and I’m not too pleased with the results. I don’t think they will be, either. I can’t help but wonder if a lot of them registered for the class thinking lectures on bananas and carrots couldn’t be too difficult, but alas, they are finding out that nutrition is very complex and science-based…not everyone’s cup of tea. But I digress…weekend, woo! So glad you’re nearly here! 😀

I had a lovely day at work yesterday. I think I’m one of the few medical professionals that love drug reps (no offense, drug reps!). What’s not to love about being littered with free stuff, great food for lunch, and a decent lecture? I’m there! The drug reps renal RD’s see most often are those from Amgen who make Sensipar — a calcimemtic drug used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism. And unless you’re a nerd like me, or work in dialysis, that is probably just gibberish! 😉 But, a fun day for me that ended at 3pm just a mile from home…that was the best part. 😀

I walked Lily (as pictured above) in the winter BLIZZARD that is central Ohio right now. When we returned, I was happy to change into workout clothes and pound out a good sweat session. I ran a quick 2 miles and then let the elliptical kick my butt for 35 minutes. I helped break in my new kicks, that’s for sure! Got these babies in Chicago for $44! And they are D-width for my fat feet!

I quickly moved on to dinner because as I emerged from the basement, dripping with sweat, Mr. Prevention announced that he was hungry and asked, “When is dinner going to be ready?”. I tell you, this man doesn’t know how good he’s got it…


 

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Speedy Chicken Potpie slightly adapted from Cooking Light

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/4 tsp salt
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 bay leaf
2 cups refrigerated diced potatoes with onion (such as Simply Potatoes)
2/3 cup frozen green peas and diced carrot blend
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp dried rubbed sage
1/4 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crust dough (1/2 of 1 pie crust)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Heat 6-8 cups of water in a large sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add chicken and boil until cooked through. Remove from water and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.

While chicken cooks, bring 2 1/2 cups broth and bay leaf to a boil in a large saucepan. Add potatoes; cover and cook over medium-high heat 8 minutes. Stir in peas and carrots; cover and cook 2 minutes. Stir in chicken. Combine remaining 1/2 cup broth and flour; stir into potato mixture. Reduce heat to medium; cook 2 minutes or until bubbly and thick. Remove bay leaf. Stir in thyme, pepper, and sage.

While potato mixture cooks, cut pie crust dough crosswise into 12 strips. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 7-10 minutes or until browned and puffy. Top chicken mixture with pie crust strips. Yield: 4 servings (1 1/4 cups chicken mixture and 3 pie crust strips each).

Nutrition Information (per serving): 341 calories; 8.5 g. fat; 69 mg. cholesterol; 668 mg. sodium; 33.6 g. carbohydrate; 2.5 g. fiber; 30.4 g. protein

Result: I loved this! I think the seasoning was perfect — the thyme, bay leaf, and pepper are absolute must-haves. The thyme and pepper are perfect together — no salt needed! I made the whole pie crust and Mr. Prevention had his way with most of that. I was perfectly happy with just 2 pie crust strips. I made a Chicken Pot Pie awhile back, and this recipe was nearly as good but much easier and faster to make. This is easily a 30-minute meal or less. Next time, I will add more peas & carrots — you can really bulk up the meal and fiber content by adding plenty more veggies. Enjoy!
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Question: What are you up to this weekend?

TGIF,

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20 Comments

  1. Rachel
    January 21, 2011 / 6:37 am

    I somewhat understood what you wrote about the drug to treat hypothyroidism… I’m a dietetic intern up at Youngstown State University. I’m doing my renal rotation in a few weeks and I was wondering what renal websites and associations there are (like ASPEN for enteral and tpn). I belong to ADA and read their journal often but I’m looking for other journals as well to stay up-to-date in our field. Any ideas?

    Thanks,
    Rachel

    • Nicole
      Author
      January 21, 2011 / 7:54 am

      I would check out the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) — they are always a great renal resource. There’s also a renal dietitian newsletter you can sign up for — if you google it, it should pop up! Good luck!

  2. Jessie
    January 21, 2011 / 6:47 am

    NERD! Just kidding ๐Ÿ˜‰ I remember when I was volunteering in an MD’s office, I liked talking with the drug reps and seeing their glossy handouts (I don’t think the MD liked it, so he always sent me out there, lol). Sorry the hear the kids didn’t do so hot on their first exam ๐Ÿ™ Maybe they’re just figuring out how the class works? I think you’re exactly right that some students probably though the class was going to be “choose the salad out of the lineup” – uhhh, no. Hope it goes better next time!

    Love your speedy chicken pot pie – those strips of crust on top are clever! I could see myself making this if I’m pressed for time ๐Ÿ™‚

    This weekend? Probably shoveling, working … and having afternoon tea with friends! Looking forward to it!

  3. Amy B @ Second City Randomness
    January 21, 2011 / 7:55 am

    TGIF is right! I could not be happier that the weekend is here…

    The pot pie looks fab. Since the extreme dip in temps, my carb cravings are out of control and I want those potatoes!

  4. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
    January 21, 2011 / 8:25 am

    We’ve got a busy weekend planned too! For about the first year that we lived here, we barely had ANY social life…but now, slowly but surely, we seem to be making friends, and our weekends are usually pretty full!

  5. Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday
    January 21, 2011 / 8:34 am

    I’d probably hate drug reps if I were a doctor or RD. I have a general distaste for sales people and drug reps are by far the most aggressive.

  6. renee@mykitchenadventures
    January 21, 2011 / 9:15 am

    You can’t beat the freebies those drug reps smother you in…lol Ha! Whats’ not to love? free drug samples AND food?? LOL Although, nothing in life is truly free…there is always a price to pay for “freebies”.

    The chick pot pie looks great! I love that you cooked the crust separate and then just topped it….what a great idea!!

    I woke today to and looked outside and all I saw was WHITE!! now that yesterdays snow is done, we get lake snow aftermath. Ugh.

    Lily sure does look cute in her doggie coat! My dog has a doggie snuggie…and its just too cute! and its pink! lol

  7. Michelle
    January 21, 2011 / 9:26 am

    Love the shoes, so cute. The chicken pot pie looks great, I love the strips for the crust. I never minded drug reps when I worked at the office ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. CaSaundra
    January 21, 2011 / 11:00 am

    Chicken pot pies are one of the ultimate comfort foods! I’ve never seen a speedy version before, but I’m all over the idea of having something so good on the table ASAP!

  9. Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life
    January 21, 2011 / 11:03 am

    Sounds like you’re gearing up for a great weekend! I’m not doing much this weekend-just hanging out!

  10. Cara
    January 21, 2011 / 11:24 am

    This is going on my menu soon–looks so good! Love fast, healthy meals that my husband will actually eat ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Marisa @ Loser for Life
    January 21, 2011 / 11:29 am

    That chicken pot pie IS speedy! I love easy recipes for busy nights! Thanks for sharing, Nicole!

    My weekend… talk about boring. It’s a snoozefest! Is it weird that I like it that way?? ๐Ÿ˜‰

  12. Kristen (swanky dietitian)
    January 21, 2011 / 11:52 am

    This meal looks great! Love your new shoes! For some silly reason, when I get new workout stuff, it definitely helps to motivate me. Whatever works I guess.
    We never have reps come and talk to us..only the nurses. They get all kinds of yummy food! haha.
    I don’t have too much going on this weekend. My mom’s birthday is tonight so we are doing the family thing. Have a great weekend, Nicole!

  13. Melinda
    January 21, 2011 / 12:16 pm

    I am with you 100% on a few other those comments you made LOL!

    I totally understand the moving often thing. Once you make friends it is time to move on. So glad there is Facebook now. And I am a nerd too (or maybe just worked with renal patients) so that was in no way gibberish too me.

    Not too much this weekend other than finishing a week long statistics course, which is the last for this degree and then I graduate officially in June!

    Have a great weekend!

  14. Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    January 21, 2011 / 1:02 pm

    You’re getting Lasik? Oh I’m kind of jealous. And I say kind of because I desperately need it (um, I’m a -7.5) but also because I’m freaked out after having seen the procedure done on Jessica Simpson during the Newlywed Show. Just one more thing to blame on Jessica Simpson. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Happy Friday!

  15. Leah @ Why Deprive?
    January 21, 2011 / 2:56 pm

    You know, I love chicken pot pie, but I’ve never made it because it seems like too much work.

    Thats a pretty sweet deal for those shoes. I dont even want to talk about how much mine cost me.

  16. Carissa @ Fit To Indulge
    January 21, 2011 / 4:00 pm

    “When is dinner going to be ready”. Haha.. He DEOS have it good. That pot pie looks perfect for a blizzardy day. And I’m with you, cold days are perfect for an indoor workout. Hope you enjoy the weekend. ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. thehealthyapron
    January 21, 2011 / 4:27 pm

    you go girl! You sound so productive!! awesome!

    I remember my first nurtiiton class my teacher literally said “if you signed up for this class looking for an easy A…the door is that way.” It was the hardest class I took…people need to give dietitians more credit!

  18. Joanne
    January 21, 2011 / 5:44 pm

    Tragically, I am one of those nerdy ridiculous people who knows what hyperparathyroidism is and why renal people care about it. Sigh.

    I have little to know experience with drug reps yet, but in research labs we have people trying to sell us stuff all the time…microscopes, pipette tips, etc. It’s awesome.

    I love this pot pie! Easy, speedy, and healthy. My stomach is growling.

  19. Lena
    January 21, 2011 / 10:59 pm

    Very jealous of The Melting Pot. I gotta work ๐Ÿ™ on the plus side, I’m eating lunch outside and the weather’s gorgeous!

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