Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

MAKE THE PIE CRUST:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, tossing them through the flour until each piece is well coated. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour just until the pieces of butter are about the size of walnut halves.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the ice water, use your hands or a fork to toss the flour mixture with the water until the dough comes together. Do not knead. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is properly hydrated (it shouldn’t be sticky, but it should hold together and you shouldn’t see any dry pockets of flour).
3. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Press each portion into a 1-inch thick disc. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or up to 2 days. You can also freeze the discs of pie dough for up to 3 months.

ROLL OUT THE PIE CRUST:

1. If the dough is very cold and hard, let the discs rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before rolling out. On a floured surface, roll out the first disc of dough to a large circle, about ⅛ – ¼ -inch thick. Make sure to roll and turn the dough so it doesn’t stick to the surface.
2. Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray. Using the rolling pin, transfer the rolled out dough to the skillet. Cover with plastic wrap and place the skillet in the refrigerator while you roll out the second disc.
3. Roll out the second disc of dough to a large circle, using the same method as described above. Using a rolling pin, transfer the rolled out dough to a large platter or baking sheet. Cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator while you make the filling.

MAKE THE FILLING:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly. Whisk in the flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Add the salt, pepper and thyme. Cook, whisking frequently, until thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
3. Remove from the heat. Stir in the chicken, peas and carrots, and corn.

ASSEMBLE PIE:

1. Pull the cast iron skillet with the bottom crust out of the refrigerator. Pour the chicken mixture into the crust. Weave the strips of pie crust in a lattice pattern on top of the chicken mixture. Trim the ends of the lattice strips to be even with the edges of the bottom crust. Press the ends of the top strips and the edges of the bottom crust together, and crimp if desired.
2. Bake on the middle rack in the 425°F oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, about 35 minutes. Let stand for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.