Southwest-Style Chicken Pot Pie

runningcate's Note:

A southwestern twist on classic chicken pot pie, with a cornmeal crust, and a spicy chicken and vegetable filling.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 1.0 large pie

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ¼ cups butter
• 1⁄3; cup chilled shortening
• ½ cup ice water
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Filling

• 3 tablespoons olive oil , divided
• 3 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 medium onion , chopped
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into 1/2 & # 8243, cubes
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 jalapeno , chopped
• 2 small carrots , diced
• 3 stalks celery , thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli floret
• 1 ½ cups diced red potatoes
• 1 cup julienned bell pepper (any color, or a mix)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. To make the crust:.
2. In a food processor, pulse the flour, cornmeal, and salt a few times.
3. Cut the butter and shortening into small cubes, add to the flour mixture, and pulse until the butter is broken up into pea-sized and smaller chunks.
4. Stir together the vinegar and water, and add to the butter-flour mixture a tablespoon at a time, pulsing just until the dough comes together.
5. Press into two disks – one larger (to line the pan), and the other smaller (for the top).
6. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
7. To make the filling:.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
9. Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
10. Stir in the garlic and onion and cook until the onion is translucent.
11. Add the chicken, and cook, stirring, until the chicken is no longer pink.
12. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
13. Wipe out the pan and return to medium-high heat.
14. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and stir in the flour.
15. Cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a nice golden-brown.
16. Add the vegetables, tomatoes, and chicken broth and stir well.
17. Stir in the salt, chile powder, and cumin and partially cover the pot.
18. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
19. Meanwhile, roll out the larger dough disk, and press into a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish.
20. Line the inside of the dough with foil, shiny side down, and bake for about 10 minutes.
21. Remove the foil and set the dish aside.
22. Roll the other disk of dough out to fit over the top of the casserole dish, and set aside.
23. When the filling has thickened and the chicken has cooked through, transfer to the dough-lined dish.
24. Press the sheet of dough on top, and cut a few slits in it so steam can escape.
25. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is nice and golden.