In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding the time to prepare a delicious and satisfying dinner can be a challenge. However, with a few clever shortcuts, you can whip up a comforting meal in no time. This article will explore how to use leftover chicken, frozen vegetables, and canned condensed soup to create a savory pie that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

First, let's talk about the ingredients. Leftover chicken is a great base for this pie. It's already cooked, so you don't have to spend time roasting or grilling it. You can use any type of chicken, whether it's white meat or dark meat. Just make sure it's shredded or diced into small pieces. Frozen vegetables are another convenient ingredient. They're pre - cut and ready to use, and they retain their nutrients. You can choose a mix of vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn, or go for a more specialized blend. Canned condensed soup is the secret ingredient that ties everything together. It adds flavor and moisture to the pie filling.

To start the preparation, preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature, usually around 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, take a large skillet and place it over medium - heat. Add a little bit of oil or butter to the skillet. Once it's hot, add the frozen vegetables. Stir them around for a few minutes until they start to thaw and become slightly tender. This step helps to release some of their flavors and also reduces the overall cooking time.

Next, add the shredded or diced leftover chicken to the skillet. Mix it well with the vegetables. At this point, you can season the mixture with some salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are all great choices that pair well with chicken and vegetables. Stir the seasoned chicken and vegetables for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Now, it's time to add the canned condensed soup. Pour the soup into the skillet and stir it thoroughly with the chicken and vegetables. The soup will thicken as it heats up, creating a rich and savory filling. You can also add a little bit of milk or cream to the mixture if you want it to be more creamy. Keep stirring until the soup is well - incorporated and the filling is heated through.

While the filling is cooking, prepare the pie crust. You can use a pre - made pie crust from the grocery store, which is a huge time - saver. Unroll the pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Press it gently into the dish, making sure it covers the bottom and the sides evenly. Trim any excess crust from the edges.

Once the filling is ready, carefully pour it into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top of the filling with a spatula. If you have some extra pie crust, you can cut it into strips and create a lattice top for the pie. This not only looks nice but also allows some of the steam to escape during baking.

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake it for about 30 - 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the pie. If it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit. You can serve the savory pie with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. The combination of the tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy soup in the pie is truly comforting and satisfying.

This savory pie is not only easy to make but also customizable. You can experiment with different types of chicken, vegetables, and soups to create your own unique version. For example, if you don't have leftover chicken, you can use canned tuna or cooked ground beef. You can also add some mushrooms or onions to the filling for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless.

In conclusion, using leftover chicken, frozen vegetables, and canned condensed soup is a smart way to cut down on the prep time for a delicious dinner. This savory pie is a great addition to your dinner and meal ideas repertoire. It's a comforting dish that the whole family will love, and it can be made in a relatively short amount of time. So, the next time you're short on time but still want a home - cooked meal, give this recipe a try.