Here’s how my discussion about comfort food with The Grillmaster went:
DF: What do you think of when I say “comfort food?”
GM: Throw some chopped onion, peppers and garlic into a pan with some olive oil …
DF: That’s NOT comfort food.
GM: Oh.
Comfort food to me usually involves chicken, some sort of gravy and a bread product. Whenever I was sick as a kid, the first thing Mom would give me to eat once I was feeling better was some combination of these ingredients. Sometimes it was only cream of chicken soup on a slice of toast, but it always tasted really, really good. To this day, I want someone to wait on me when I’m sick the way Mom always did. And when I crave comfort food, I want something like chicken and dumplings, chicken a la king or chicken pot pie.
Unfortunately, my favorite comfort foods aren’t very diabetic-friendly or heart-healthy. Would it be possible to find a version with the same comfort level and less carbs, calories and fat?
This Chicken “Pot Pie” contains the same rich, creamy stew you’d find in a traditional pot pie. The difference? Instead of a crust, it’s served with buttery, cheesy biscuits on the side. The result? A dish that qualifies as comfort food without breaking the nutrition bank. It’s not something I’d eat every week, but sometimes you just NEED chicken pot pie.
The original recipe also contained mushrooms, but I would never defile chicken pot pie by including mushrooms. If you don’t agree, slice about 2 cups of cremini or button mushrooms and add them after the celery, carrots and onion have cooked for a couple of minutes.
After one bite of this “pot pie,” The Grillmaster said “You’re right. THIS is comfort food.”
Chicken “Pot Pie”
Adapted from You Don’t Have to be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook by Tom Valenti
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ribs celery, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 cups chicken stock (homemade or low-sodium)
2 bone-in chicken breasts, cooked, cooled and meat shredded (see how to cook chicken and make stock)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (I used lemon thyme)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 Cheddar-Chive Biscuits (recipe below)
Place frozen peas in a measuring cup and let sit at room temperature to defrost while you proceed with the recipe.
Heat oil in large, heavy saucepan or stockpot over medium heat. Add celery, carrots and onion. Cook, without browning, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until flour is incorporated into the mixture, but not browned. Add the butter and cook, stirring gently, until the butter melts.
Slowly add chicken stock to mixture, a cup at a time, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the shredded chicken and peas to the pot and cook for a minute or two. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt and pepper.
Divide stew among four shallow bowls and top each with a biscuit.
Makes 4 servings
Per serving (does NOT include biscuits): 280 calories, 19g fat (9g sat), 32mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 20g carb, 4g fiber, 6g sugar, 8g protein
Nutritional Analysis: This “pot pie” is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin K. It’s also a bit high in Saturated Fat and Sodium. You could reduce the Saturated Fat by using a butter substitute, but since this is comfort food, I prefer to use butter. If you are watching your Sodium intake, make sure you use low-sodium stock and/or skip the additional salt. You could also eliminate the Parmesan cheese to reduce both Saturated Fat and Sodium. (Source: nutritiondata.com)
Cheddar-Chive Biscuits
Adapted from You Don’t Have to be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook by Tom Valenti
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of Kosher salt
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
3 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup nonfat or low-fat buttermilk
1 tablespoon minced chives
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Blend in the butter, a few cubes at a time, with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse cornmeal.
Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Add buttermilk in a steady stream, stirring with a dough whisk or wooden spoon just until dough forms. Add chives and gently stir until chives are evenly distributed. Don’t overmix or your biscuits will be tough.
Divide dough into 4 mounds (biscuits will be large) and place on nonstick baking sheet or regular baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick baking liner (such as SILPAT®). Bake until golden, 15 to 18 minutes.
Makes 4 servings
Per serving: 225 calories, 8g fat (5g sat), 22mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 27g carb, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 10g protein
Nutritional Analysis: These biscuits are high in Protein, Calcium and Phosphorus. They are also high in Saturated Fat due to the butter and cheese. If you are concerned about Saturated Fat, I’d recommend making smaller biscuits or reducing the amount of cheese. (Source: nutritiondata.com)
The #SundaySupper gang will be sharing Comfort Food recipes all afternoon on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram on Sunday, October 14, 2012. We will also have a live chat at 7 p.m. EST on Twitter and will be using the hashtag #SundaySupper. This week we are thrilled to have Lee Woodruff, a CBS This Morning contributor and author of the new book Those We Love Most, join us for the Twitter chat. We look forward to answering questions, giving tips and inspiring you to spend more time Around the Family Table with those you love! Thanks to Isabel of Family Foodie for hosting this event.
#SundaySupper Comfort Food |Soups
- Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup by Damn Delicious
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup by Supper for a Steal
- Kalbi Tang or Korean Short Rib Soup by Kimchi MOM
- Korean mandoo (dumpling) soup by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Chicken Noodle Soup by My Catholic Kitchen
- Thai’d up chicken noodle soup by I Run For Wine
- Ditalini Italian Soup by Mangiamo!
- Spicy Black Bean Soup by Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Chicken Chowder by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
#SundaySupper Comfort Food | Main Dish
- Sausage Gravy and Biscuits by Big Bears Wife
- Comforting Down-Home Shrimp and Grits by The Weekend Gourmet
- Pumpkin Alfredo Tortellini Bake by The Meltaways
- Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese by Flour on My Face
- Lasagna Roll Ups by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Green Plantain Hash by Basic n Delicious
- Venison Chili by The Messy Baker Blog
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells by That Skinny Chick can Bake
- Winter Chicken Stew by Mrs. Mama Hen
- Quinoa, Spinach, and Kale Lasagna by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Baked Oysters and Apples by Pescetarian Journal
- Individual Chicken Pot Pies by Noshing With The Nolands
- Kaesespaetzle {Baked Cheese Spaetzle} by Galactosemia in PDX
- Jalapeno and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Quiche aux Champignons {Mushroom Quiche} by An Appealing Plan
- Mini Mac n Cheese Cups with Pork Shoulder Ragù by Hip Foodie Mom
- Chicken a la King by Girlichef
- Creamy Chicken & Dumplings by La Cocina de Leslie
- Spaghetti Squash Gratins by She likes ruffles, he likes truffles
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas by Home Cooking Memories
- Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Stew by Daddy Knows Less
- Chicken Roasted with White Wine and Garlic by Webicurean
- Shepherd’s Pie by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- One Skillet Pumpkin Lasagna by The Realistic Nutritionist
- Chicken “Pot Pie” by Diabetic Foodie
- Gluten Free Cornish Pasty by Maroc Mama
- Warm Oven Baked Samosas Stuffed With Sweet Potato & Peas by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Caramelized Onion-Challah Stuffing Muffins by Comfy Cuisine
- Comforting Mashed Potatoes by Momma’s Meals
- Chunky Chili Beans by Mama Mommy Mom
- Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Feijoada Portuguese Bean Stew by Family Foodie
#SundaySupper Comfort Food | Desserts
- Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy by Juanita’s Cocina
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Sour Cream Pound Cake by Mom’s Test Kitchen
- Chocolate Layer Cake by Magnolia Days
- Cinnamon Rice Pudding by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Smores Hot Cocoa by Chocolate Moosey
- Sweet Red Bean Pie by What Smells So Good
- Pistachio Cake Cookies by The Cookie A Day Challenge
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake by No One Likes Crumbly Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Caramel Brownies by Daily Dish Recipes
- Nutella Shortbread Bars by Baker Street
Pairing Wine with Sunday Supper Comfort Food Favorites! by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
There is something comforting about pot pies. Especially chicken and biscuits! It all sounds wonderful, especially the biscuits…! Have a nice sunday!
I’ll take the whole basket of those biscuits please! And a bowl of the chicken “pot pie” would be lovely too.
I LOOOOVE those biscuits! And on the pot pie…insanity!
YUM! I love that this is a lightened up version of chicken pot pie. I could actually indulge in it! And…I actually think that I’d prefer a cheddar chive biscuit on top of my “filling” rather than a pie crust…sounds yummy!
the pot pie looks amazing but its the biscuit i’m after! that looks fantastic!!
You are right this is comfort food. I love the biscuits you put on top. Yum!
Although I’m a pescetarian and don’t eat chicken, I love the idea of the biscuits with cheese. I’ve saved this recipe and will be making. Thanks for adding the nutritional information too.
My #1 comfort food! I love your lightened up version. I am always looking to change my pot pie up and will be giving yours a try! Thanks for sharing!
You and your hubby crack me up! I just laughed out loud. I love your “healthy” spin on this, chicken pie is sooo comforting to me, mom used to serve it with a crust and mashed potato, I opt for just the biscuits myself to stay on the healthier side, I’ll give yours a go next time!
It’s a good thing those guys have us around to help, huh? ;) And yes, I agree on your take of comfort food. This would definitely qualify. I love your use of a cheese biscuit, it looks awesome!
Those biscuits on top look so delicious! I think I would put 5 of them on my pot pie.
Oh, wow! This chicken pot pie and that biscuit looks amazing. There’s nothing better than chicken swimming in gravy and veggies topped with carbs. Nothing.
Nicely done and it is still just as satisfying with less calories. Even more so when you aren’t stressing about them!!
Love this healthy spin on pot pie. It’s so pretty too. I have to say chicken is such a classic comfort food. But part of me wants to side with GM and say a nice thick steak is comfort food too. Lol!
Amazing recipe! Thank you for sharing
Lol – I love your conversation with the Grillmaster. And the part about “defiling” the pot pie with mushrooms was hilarious. This looks so amazing – chicken pot pie is one of my favourite comfort foods. I always make it with a puff pastry top but I have to try it with this gorgeous biscuit.
I love how food invokes our memories :) Your lightend version of chicken pot pie sounds delicious!
this looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing. I will have to try it soon.
OMG! I love this healthy twist!!! I absolutely LOVE chicken pot pie. . but also love this version! :)
I can honestly say that I have never had chicken pot pie. But, I am all over that chive biscuit – WOOT!
I think this is a great way to get your pot pie fix. :)
This looks SO fantastic! Yum! My husband would love this (as would I!).
My hubby would agree with you about the mushrooms! I’ll just put them on my half! Love the biscuit topper…so delish! And I appreciate a yummy lightened up version of chicken pot pie, too :)
I always appreciate the recipe where you lose those calories and fat, but don’t lose the taste. If I could, I would have grabbed your pot pie right off of the computer- it looks so good!
Your chedder chive biscuits look heavenly! Great way to top off the pie.
Yum, love both recipes! I remember chicken pot pie very fondly also and love this recipe for it, the biscuits make it for sure! Can’t wait to try it out.
What a great healthy twist on a comfort food classic!
Looks fantastic! and I love the biscuits!
So funny…I asked my husband the same question and we had an exchange similar to yours.
This looks great! I have a weakness for biscuits…loving your cheddar & chive version.
I love chicken pot pie, and I could definitely go for one of those biscuits right now! My mom is diabetic, so I’m always looking for new recipes to prepare for her… thanks for providing a steady, yummy source!
I love the idea of putting a cheddar biscuit on top of a chicken pot. That sounds amazing.
Love the biscuit on top of the pie. Looks and sounds yummy ! I could go for one now !!
Your biscuits look delicious!