Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe (with Video)

Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe: Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that combines a creamy, savory filling packed with chicken, vegetables, and herbs, all encased in a flaky, golden pie crust. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

Why Make Chicken Pot Pie at Home?

Homemade chicken pot pie offers unmatched freshness, better control over ingredients, and the ability to customize it to your taste. Forget the frozen store-bought versions—making it yourself guarantees a more flavorful and wholesome meal.

Benefits of Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

• Fresher ingredients mean better taste.
• You can adjust the recipe to meet dietary needs.
• It’s a budget-friendly way to use leftovers.
• Nothing beats the satisfaction of serving a dish you made from scratch.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Basic Ingredients List

To make the perfect chicken pot pie, you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup diced onion
• ½ cup mushrooms
• Dash of paprika for a spicy kick

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

• Swap butter for olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Use plant-based milk and broth for a vegan filling.
• Frozen vegetables work great if fresh ones aren’t available.

Tools and Equipment Needed

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

• A large skillet or saucepan
• A whisk for the roux
• A rolling pin for the crust
• A 9-inch pie dish

Optional Tools for Convenience

• Food processor for quick veggie prep
• Pastry brush for egg wash
• Kitchen thermometer to ensure proper baking

Preparing the Chicke

Cooking and Shredding the Chicken

Begin by boiling or roasting chicken breasts until fully cooked. Once cooled, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the meat blends seamlessly into the filling.

Alternative Options for Pre-Cooked Chicken

Pressed for time? Rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is a convenient substitute. Canned chicken can also work in a pinch but may lack the robust flavor of freshly cooked meat.

Making the Filling

Steps to Prepare the Filling

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add flour, whisking continuously, to create a roux.
3. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to prevent lumps.
4. Add salt, pepper, and thyme, cooking until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is coated.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The filling should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too runny, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. Too thick? Add a splash of milk or broth.

Preparing the Pie Crust

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Crust

Store-bought pie crusts are a lifesaver for those short on time. They are pre-rolled and ready to go. However, if you have the time, a homemade crust offers a flakier, richer texture. All you need are flour, butter, salt, and water to whip up a simple, buttery crust.

How to Roll and Shape the Dough

1. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a uniform thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. Ensure it’s large enough to cover your pie dish, leaving a bit of overhang.
3. Use a rolling pin to carefully lift and transfer the dough onto the dish.
4. For the top crust, repeat the process and set it aside until ready to use.

Assembling the Chicken Pot Pie

Layering the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line the pie dish with the bottom crust, pressing it gently into the corners.
3. Pour the prepared filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Cover with the top crust, trimming the excess dough.

Sealing the Crust for Baking

Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together using your fingers or a fork. This step prevents the filling from spilling out during baking. For added flair, cut small slits or decorative designs into the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Baking the Pot Pie

Perfecting the Baking Process

Place the assembled pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles through the vents.

How to Tell When It’s Done

The pie is ready when the crust turns a deep golden hue and the filling bubbles at the edges. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Tips for an Evenly Golden Crust

• Brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water or milk) before baking.
• Rotate the pie halfway through baking for even heat distribution.

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve with Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra touch of comfort, consider serving it with a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes.

Ideal Side Dishes and Beverages

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a glass of chilled white wine

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Best Practices for Storage

Let the pie cool completely before storing it. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may lose some of its crispness.

Variations of Chicken Pot Pie

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options

• Use gluten-free flour for the roux and a gluten-free pie crust.
• Substitute almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk.
• Opt for vegan butter instead of traditional butter.

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives

Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. For vegans, substitute the dairy-based roux with coconut milk or cashew cream.

FAQs about Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

1. What ingredients do I need for an easy chicken pot pie?

To make a simple chicken pot pie, you’ll need cooked chicken (shredded or cubed), mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn), a can of cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and a ready-made pie crust.

2. Can I use store-bought pie crust for chicken pot pie?

Yes, using a store-bought pie crust is a great shortcut for making chicken pot pie. It saves time and ensures a consistently flaky crust. You can use either a traditional pastry crust or a puff pastry.

3. How do I thicken the filling for chicken pot pie?

To thicken the filling, you can use a mixture of flour or cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering pot of filling until it reaches your desired thickness.

4. Is chicken pot pie suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Chicken pot pie freezes exceptionally well. Cool the pie completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

5. What is the best way to reheat chicken pot pie?

Reheat the chicken pot pie in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it’s heated through and the crust is crispy, about 20-25 minutes. If it’s frozen, extend the heating time, and consider covering the edges of the crust with foil to prevent burning.

6. Can I make chicken pot pie vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily adapt the recipe to be vegetarian by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

7. What side dishes go well with chicken pot pie?

Simple, light side dishes complement chicken pot pie best, such as a green salad, steamed green beans, or cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Chicken pot pie is the epitome of comfort food—delicious, hearty, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it in advance for busy weeknights, this recipe ensures success every time. With fresh ingredients, a golden crust, and a creamy filling, your homemade pot pie will quickly become a favorite in your household.