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1
Put the chicken in a large stockpot and cover with 1 gallon of cool water.
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2
Add the vegetables and herbs and bring the pot up to a boil over medium-high heat.
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3
Skim well; then simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, skimming frequently as the oil rises to the surface.
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4
What we're doing here is not only cooking the chicken but also creating the base sauce for the pot pie.
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5
Remove the chicken to a platter to cool.
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6
Continue to cook down the chicken broth for another 15 minutes to condense the flavor; you should have about 8 cups when you're finished.
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7
Using a colander, strain the chicken broth into another pot and discard the solids.
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8
When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard the skin and bones.
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9
Wipe out the stockpot and put it back on the stovetop over medium heat.
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10
Melt the butter and then whisk in the flour to form a paste.
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11
This is a roux, which will act as a thickener.
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12
Now, gradually pour in 8 cups of the chicken broth, whisking the entire time to prevent lumps.
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13
Whisk and simmer for 10 minutes to cook out the starchy taste of the flour and thicken the broth; it should look like cream of chicken soup.
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14
Season with salt and pepper.
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15
Fold in the shredded chicken, carrots, pearl onions, peas, and parsley.
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16
Stir to combine and turn off the heat.
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17
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lay the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured, cool surface.
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18
Invert individual crocks on the pastry sheet and, using a sharp knife, cut circles around the outside of the bowls, slightly larger than the bowl itself.
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19
Fill the crocks 3/4 of the way with the chicken mixture, making sure each serving has a nice amount of chicken, vegetables, and broth.
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20
Carefully cap each crock with a pastry circle, pressing the dough around the rim to form a seal.
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21
Lightly beat the egg with 3 tablespoons of water to make an egg wash and brush some on the pastry.
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22
Sprinkle the pastry with the Parmigiano.
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23
Set the crocks on a cookie sheet and transfer to the oven.
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24
Bake for 20 minutes, until puffed and golden.
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25
Notes: If using fresh pearl onions, blanch for 2 minutes in salted boiling water; then pinch the skins off -- if using frozen, run under cool water for 2 minutes to thaw.
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26
If using fresh peas, blanch for 2 minutes in salted boiling water--if using frozen, run under cool water for 2 minutes to thaw.