Not Just Thyme And Sage: Chicken Pot Pie Is Twice As Good When You Sprinkle In This Warm Spice

Chicken pot pie hosts loads of cozy flavors and textures, from tender chicken and veggies to creamy gravy and buttery, flaky pastry. While thyme and sage remain go-to herbs for creating this beloved comfort food, there's another seasoning that adds an entirely new element. For extra complexity and earthy warmth, the secret is nutmeg — and you only need a sprinkle or a shake to make the flavor infusion happen. 

Nutmeg has long been associated with baked goods and holiday drinks, but it also has an established presence in savory cream sauces. Various versions of béchamel sauce include freshly grated nutmeg either as a core ingredient or an optional finishing spice. Likewise, a Tasting Table secret to rich flavor in alfredo sauce is, you guessed it, nutmeg. Chicken pot pie filling is built around a similar creamy, thickened sauce, making nutmeg a natural companion. 

The effect of nutmeg in savory foods like chicken pot pie is far different that its presence in desserts and sweet drinks. With the mish-mash of warm, earthy, sweet, aromatic, spicy, and slightly bitter qualities, nutmeg can transform a typically mild, chicken-and-cream filling on many levels. To take things even further, nutmeg also gets a nod in the Pioneer Woman's spice blend for chicken pot pie filling, along with other warming additions such as cardamon or even paprika. 

One important thing to know about nutmeg is that a very little goes a very long way. While chicken pot pie recipes vary, it would be reasonable to add just ⅛ teaspoon or less into the gravy, along with your usual favorite spices. Once nutmeg permeates the gravy, it's a smooth ride across the entire pie, from the chicken to the vegetables to the pastry crust.

Freshly grated nutmeg is a serious flavor enhancer, but a ground version in your spice cabinet is perfectly fine as well. Just pinch, scatter, stir into the gravy, and let that spunky little spice work its magic. It's worth noting, however, that nutmeg doesn't have to pull all the weight of punching up a pot pie. Our Tasting Table guide to 17 ingredients for an even better chicken pot pie includes nutmeg, of course, but also highlights spices such as curry powder for complexity, cardamom for aromatic essence, and paprika for peppery flavor and color. Some recipes even kick things up a notch with cayenne, allspice, or dry mustard. 

Apart from spices, chicken pot pie gets extra oomph from unexpected cohorts. Think: a splash of sherry or white wine for acidity and depth, or mushrooms for savory, earthy vibes. Our guide also suggests enhancers like cheddar cheese, bacon, fish sauce, noodles, leeks, garlic, and more. Then finally, there's hot sauce, which can cut through the richness of the pie's creamy gravy in a New York minute.