Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chunks of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce all nestled inside a flaky, buttery crust. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or looking for a cozy dish to make ahead, this classic recipe is sure to hit the spot. It’s a delicious way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it as convenient as it is satisfying.
Chicken Pot Pie
I love making chicken pot pie because it’s a true comfort dish that feels like a warm hug in a meal. The flaky crust paired with the creamy filling of chicken and vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. You can customize the filling to your liking, whether by adding extra vegetables or using a different combination of herbs. This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it’s also fantastic paired with a light side salad or soup.
This recipe is perfect for any time of year, and it pairs wonderfully with a side like Tuna and Hard-Boiled Egg Salad Recipe or Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Flaky and Buttery Crust: The homemade or store-bought pie crust bakes to golden perfection, creating a delicious contrast to the creamy filling.
- Rich, Creamy Filling: The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and a velvety sauce makes every bite rich and satisfying.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey from a previous meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Main Ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or save time by using cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Vegetables – A classic mix of carrots, peas, and celery adds color, flavor, and nutrition to the filling.
- Pie Crust – You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience, or make a homemade crust for an extra-special touch.
- Butter and Flour – These form the base of the roux, which thickens the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth and Milk – The combination of broth and milk creates a rich, savory sauce.
- Herbs – Fresh or dried thyme adds depth of flavor and a touch of warmth to the filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Here’s how to make this comforting chicken pot pie step by step:
- Cook the Chicken: If using raw chicken, cook 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot of salted water until fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes. Let cool slightly, then shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Tip: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe. Simply shred the meat and skip this step!
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Pro Tip: You can add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for variety.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Variation: For a richer sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Add the Chicken and Season: Stir in the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of frozen peas, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the crust.
- Tip: If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, add fresh thyme or a pinch of rosemary to the filling.
- Assemble the Pot Pie: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the cooled chicken and vegetable filling into the crust. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top, sealing the edges and crimping them with a fork. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Serving Idea: For a golden crust, brush the top of the pie with a beaten egg before baking.
- Bake the Pot Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken pot pie for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Pro Tip: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Serve: Slice the pot pie and serve warm, either on its own or with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Serving Idea: Chicken pot pie pairs beautifully with a side of Pumpkin Banana Loaf or Shrimp Salad with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the pot pie in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Use Puff Pastry: For a flaky, crisp topping, swap out the pie crust for puff pastry. Simply roll it over the filling and bake until golden.
- How to Store: Leftover chicken pot pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- How to Freeze: Chicken pot pie freezes well! Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Health Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie offers a hearty balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and fiber. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and substitute some of the milk with low-fat options. If you prefer a more nutritious crust, try using a whole wheat pie crust.
- Rich in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, helping to keep you full and support muscle repair.
- Full of Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and celery contribute fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants to support overall health.
- Customizable for Healthier Options: You can reduce the amount of butter or use a lighter crust to make the dish healthier without losing flavor.
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