1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pour the melted butter into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring the bottom is well-coated.
2. Mix the Chicken Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Pour this mixture over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.
3. Prepare the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, and baking powder until smooth. Carefully pour this batter over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Again, do not stir. The batter will rise to the top during baking, creating a crust.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the top about 10 minutes before the end of the baking time, allowing it to melt and lightly brown.
5. Serve:
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This dish is best served warm, offering a creamy, savory filling beneath a soft, fluffy crust.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) saves time and adds flavor. You can also boil and shred chicken breasts or thighs specifically for this recipe.
- Vegetables: Feel free to adjust the types and amounts of vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Just make sure they’re thawed if using frozen.
- Customization: This recipe is quite versatile. Consider adding mushrooms, diced potatoes, or swapping the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
- Serving: Magic Chicken Pie pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy the delightful simplicity and comforting taste of this Magic Chicken Pie, a dish that’s sure to become a favorite for its ease and satisfying flavors.