Ingredients

  • 1 (3 1/2 lb) broiler-fryer
  • 2 quarts water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 stalk celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 (16 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
  • 1 (9-inch) refrigerated piecrust

Method

  • Combine first 7 ingredients in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil.
  • Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour or until chicken is tender.
  • Remove chicken, reserving broth in Dutch oven; discard vegetables and bay leaf.
  • Let chicken cool; skin, bone, and cut into bite-size pieces.