Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that is beloved by many. However, there are differing opinions on the proper way to eat this dish. In this article, we will explore the various methods for eating chicken pot pie and look at the pros and cons of each approach.
Using a Fork
Using a fork is perhaps the most common way that people eat chicken pot pie. This method involves spearing bites of pie filling, chicken, and crust with a fork and eating it that way. Here are some of the pros and cons of eating chicken pot pie with a fork:
Pros:
- Allows you to easily spear the different components of the pot pie and get bites with crust, filling, and chicken.
- Keeps your fingers clean since you don’t have to touch the pie.
- Gives you control over the size of each bite.
Cons:
- Can crush the crust down into the filling if you stab too forcefully.
- Doesn’t allow you to pick up the pie to get bites that have a good topping to filling to bottom crust ratio.
- Can be seen as improper etiquette by some traditionalists.
Using a Spoon
Another common way to eat chicken pot pie is to use a spoon. This involves scooping up bites of the pie filling, chicken, and crust with a spoon.
Pros:
- Allows you to easily scoop up mouthfuls of the different components together.
- Great for getting bites with the right ratio of crust, filling, and chicken.
- Less likely to damage the structural integrity than spearing with a fork.
Cons:
- Can leave some of the crust behind with each bite.
- Doesn’t allow for cutting neat, even bites like a fork or knife would.
- Can feel a bit messy and informal for some.
Using a Knife and Fork
Cutting chicken pot pie with a knife and fork is also popular. This method involves using the knife to cut bites of the pie and then spearing them with the fork to eat.
Pros:
- Allows neat, even cuts of pie so you get perfect bites.
- Can cut down through all layers to get crust, filling and chicken in each bite.
- Seen as proper etiquette by some as it is a tidy method.
Cons:
- Cutting through such a dense dish can squash the pie down.
- Repeated cutting can make the crust soggy.
- Seen as overly fussy and time consuming by some.
Picking It Up and Eating By Hand
While less common, some people will pick up a chicken pot pie and eat it by hand. This involves grabbing the pot pie and taking bites directly from the crust edge.
Pros:
- Allows you to get mouthfuls of crust, filling and chicken in perfect ratios.
- Feels fun, casual and hands-on.
- Lets you pick up and eat pie from any angle.
Cons:
- Can be extremely messy with fillings dripping down your hands.
- May be seen as improper etiquette by some.
- Difficult to eat slices or portions this way.
Regional Differences
Interestingly, there are some regional differences when it comes to eating chicken pot pie in the United States. Here are a few variations:
- In the Midwest, eating chicken pot pie by hand is more common and accepted.
- On the East Coast, using fork and knife is viewed as proper etiquette by most.
- On the West Coast, slices of chicken pot pie are sometimes eaten as finger food.
So the “correct” way to eat a chicken pot pie may actually depend on where you live and the local customs.
Situational Differences
Beyond regional differences, the situation in which you are eating chicken pot pie can also dictate the best method. Here are some examples:
- In a formal dinner setting, using a fork and knife is likely the proper etiquette.
- When eating pot pie at home casually, eating with your hands can feel fun.
- Eating at your desk at work? A fork may be the neat, logical choice.
So consider the setting as you decide how you’ll approach eating your chicken pot pie.
Possible Methods
Given the pros, cons and situational differences, here are some possible ways you could go about eating your chicken pot pie:
Method | When To Use |
---|---|
Fork and knife | Formal dinners, meals with grandparents, wanting neat bites |
Spoon | Casual meals at home, for scooping up filling |
Fork only | Informal meals out, allows for crust and filling |
By hand | Eating at home in front of TV, weekend meals, for fun |
As you can see, the “right” way depends greatly on your situation and personal preferences. The key is to be aware of etiquette but then eat your chicken pot pie in whatever way brings you the most enjoyment!
Serving and Plating Chicken Pot Pie
Beyond eating, proper chicken pot pie etiquette also applies to how it is served and plated initially. Here are some tips:
- Cut chicken pot pies into neat slices or wedge shapes for plating, rather than plopping a whole pie onto a plate.
- Make sure to plate the pie while still hot so the crust maintains its texture.
- Use a pie server to neatly lift and plate slices, avoiding a messy presentation.
- At more formal dinners, accompany the chicken pot pie with sides like a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish the plated slice of pie with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper or chopped chives.
Paying attention to attractive plating and service helps lead to the proper dining experience and enjoyment of your chicken pot pie.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, as long as you are mindful of basic etiquette, eat your chicken pot pie in a way that satisfies you. Whether you neatly cut bites with a fork and knife, pick up the pie in your hands or spoon every last bit of filling from the dish, chicken pot pie is a comfort food meant to be enjoyed. With a dish as tasty as chicken pot pie, the “right” way to eat it is anyway you want!