Cooking Connection: “Imperfect” Chicken Pot Pie

The meal for this week, Imperfect Pot Pie, reflects the theme of trusting in God's provision even when things seem uncertain or incomplete. Just as the disciples saw scarcity when they looked at their five loaves and two fish, we often see our own limitations and assume they aren’t enough. Yet, Jesus teaches us that He can take what we have—no matter how small, broken, or imperfect—and turn it into abundant provision.

Pot pie is a comforting, filling dish that doesn’t need to be perfect to be delicious. You might have a flaky crust, a slightly uneven top, or a filling that bubbles over—but it still nourishes and satisfies. In the same way, faith isn’t about having a perfect, flawless journey. It’s about trusting that God meets us in our messiness and transforms what we bring into something greater than we could have imagined.

As you prepare this meal, take a moment to reflect on where you might be focusing on scarcity instead of trusting in God's provision. How is Jesus inviting you to "sit down" at His table, even when things feel uncertain?

Recipe: Imperfect Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great!)
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk or cream
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Crust (Store-Bought or Homemade):

1 sheet puff pastry, Canned Croissant Dough, or pie dough (store-bought works great—because this meal is about presence, not perfection!)
1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Sauté the Veggies – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Make the Filling – Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture thicken for 5 minutes, then add the chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Pie – Pour the filling into a deep pie dish or casserole dish. Choose your crust option:
1. Puff Pastry – Roll out the sheet of puff pastry and place it over the top of the filling. Trim or tuck in the edges.
2. Pie Dough – Roll out the pie dough and lay it over the dish, crimping the edges for a traditional pot pie look.
3. Canned Croissant Dough – Unroll the croissant dough and place it over the top. You can leave it whole or separate it into individual triangles and layer them slightly for a rustic look. (It won’t fully cover the pie, but that’s okay—embracing imperfection is part of the lesson!)
Brush and Bake – Brush the top with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a little water) and cut a few small slits to let steam escape. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Enjoy Together! – Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Don’t stress about it looking perfect! Instead, embrace the joy of sharing a meal in the spirit of Mary—present, engaged, and free from worry.