Families sit down to eat dinner, rarely stopping to think about who created the recipe they are eating. Maybe it is time people began doing so, as some recipes have a history that is of great interest. Chicken pot pie is a good example of a food that has a rich history countless individuals will find interesting.

This American comfort food pulls from classic English dishes. Many people are familiar with the chicken pot pie that was created in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the Dutch country. People in England would make this dish using leftovers. The creators of the Pennsylvania Dutch version chose to add noodles to the basic recipe to make it their own, and that dish is what many people enjoy today. What should a person know about chicken pot pie? Why should they consider making a Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie for dinner tonight?

The Role of the Pennsylvania Dutch

A person might assume that the Dutch created the chicken pot pie so many people enjoy. Actually, they did not. The Pennsylvania Dutch can trace their roots to Germany and Switzerland. They came to America in the 17th and 18th centuries, bringing a German dialect with them. In this dialect, pot pie was known as bott boi. This group is the one responsible for creating the chicken pot pie so many people love, which is a brothy pot pie featuring square noodles. It is different from the thick-crusted pie many people think of when they bring to mind this iconic dish.

English Origins

The Pennsylvania Dutch built on a recipe originally created in England as a way to use up leftovers. These immigrants to America chose to add square egg noodles, known as bott boi, to the pot pie. These noodles were commonly found in German and British dishes. Chefs would add these noodles to a mix of chicken, broth, vegetables, and potatoes to use up leftover meat.

Betty Groff's Role in the Creation of This Dish

Betty Groff can take credit for popularizing this recipe and making Lancaster County a food destination. She and her husband ran Groff's Farm restaurant for many years. This chicken pot pie recipe was a staple on the menu and was served to countless individuals who fell in love with her excellent cooking. Sadly, the world lost this woman in 2015.

The Secret Ingredient

Many people add a secret ingredient to their chicken pot pie. Saffron is a costly ingredient. In fact, it is the most expensive spice in the world, leading many people to wonder how German immigrants could afford it when they arrived in America.

These immigrants brought saffron bulbs with them when they traveled to America. Upon their arrival, they planted the bulbs so they would have easy access to this spice. When the bulbs grow, they produce crocuses with three stamens. The immigrant would handpick the stamens and dry them to produce saffron. Today, most saffron sold is produced in Iran and Spain, but a few Pennsylvania Dutch continue to cultivate this precious spice.

There is some disagreement regarding dishes created in the Pennsylvania Dutch community. For example, there is a question as to whether whoopie pies were initially created by these immigrants or if they are from Maine. However, there is no doubt in anyone's mind that the chicken pot pie featuring noodles is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Fortunately, with the right slow cooker recipe, anyone can enjoy this dish today. Try a recipe tonight and have a meal any family will love.