Pennsylvania Dutch Pot Pie

Pennsylvania Dutch Pot Pie

1 large chicken (4 to 5 pounds), cut up, with skin and excess fat removed
5 large peeled potatoes, cut into large chunks
3 large onions, cut into large chunks
3 large carrots, cut in chunks
Salt, pepper and paprika, to taste
Minced fresh parsley
Butter or margarine as desired
2 cups water or chicken broth


Pot Pie Noodle Dough:

3 eggs
1 tablespoon shortening, melted
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cream
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Make pot pie dough first: Beat eggs, cream, milk, salt, baking soda and melted shortening. Gradually add and stir in enough flour (up to 3 1/2 cups) to make a stiff, pliable dough that you can roll. Roll out very thin to 1/16-inch as for noodles on a floured board. You`ll have more than enough dough and may wish to save/freeze part for another recipe. Cut the dough into large squares.

Place pieces of dough in bottom of a large 6 to 8 quart oven-proof pot or Dutch oven. Dot dough with butter or margarine. Add some of the potatoes, onions, carrots and chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper as desired. Place another layer of dough squares topped with more vegetables and chicken and seasoning. Add another layer of dough squares, continuing in this manner and ending with a potato and chicken layer. Do not end with dough as it may become too dry when placed on the top. You may add a bay leaf and a few garlic cloves as desired. You should be able to put 3 layers of chicken and vegetables in the pot.

Pour water or chicken stock over the top. Sprinkle again with salt, pepper and minced parsley to taste. Dot with butter or margarine as desired.

Cook covered tightly with a lid or foil in a 350F oven about 2 to 3 hours or until everything is tender. You may want to place a drip pan under the pot or Dutch oven since some juices may bubble up if not tightly sealed.

To serve, scoop out pieces of the chicken, vegetables, noodle squares and broth into a bowl. Serves 8.

Chances are you won’t have any leftovers with this crowd-pleaser meal. But if you do, just store in a zipper-lock bag. Reheat.