why make this recipe
Easy Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to your kitchen and your heart. It’s perfect for family dinners, especially when you want something quick yet delicious. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also offers a great way to use leftover chicken or any vegetables you have on hand. The creamy filling, combined with a flaky crust, creates the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. Whether you are cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a cozy weekend meal, Easy Chicken Pot Pie fits the bill perfectly.
how to make Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed veggies)
- ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1¾ cups chicken broth
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 store-bought pie crust (or use puff pastry or biscuit topping)
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C): Start by preheating your oven. This ensures your pie will bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Make the filling:
- Melt butter: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
- Add onions: Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Make a roux: Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the onions. This mixture, called a roux, will help thicken the filling. Cook it for about 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
Add liquids:
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk: Slowly stir in the chicken broth and milk. This step is crucial as it allows the roux to combine smoothly with the liquids. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly, which should take around 5–6 minutes.
Stir in chicken and veggies:
- Mix in the chicken and veggies: Once the mixture is thick, gently stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, carrots, and corn (if using). Ensure everything is well combined. Remove the skillet from heat once this is mixed.
Assemble pie:
- Pour mixture into pie dish: Take a 9-inch pie dish and pour your filling mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Top with crust: Place your pie crust over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping them with your fingers or a fork. Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust to create vents, allowing steam to escape during baking.
Bake:
- Place pie in the oven: Put your assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. The aroma will be amazing!
- Cool before serving: Once baked, let the pie sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the filling set a little, making it easier to slice.
how to serve Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Serving Easy Chicken Pot Pie is simple! You can cut it into wedges and serve it directly from the pie dish. Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a more complete meal. Some people enjoy adding a dollop of cranberry sauce or a side of fresh bread. It’s also delicious with a glass of lemonade or iced tea, making it perfect for any occasion.
how to store Easy Chicken Pot Pie
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy! Let the chicken pot pie cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the pie. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
tips to make Easy Chicken Pot Pie
- Use leftover chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have. It saves time and enhances the flavor.
- Customize veggies: Feel free to mix up the vegetables! Use whatever you have on hand, such as green beans, potatoes, or even mushrooms.
- Make the filling ahead: You can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake your pie when ready to serve.
- Add herbs and spices: For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling.
- Make a double crust: If you love crust, consider placing another layer of crust on the bottom before adding the filling for a double-crust pie, or simply add a top crust.
variation
- Use different meats: While chicken is traditional, you can also make a turkey pot pie using leftover turkey or even a veggie pot pie for a meat-free option.
- Different crusts: Instead of using a pie crust, try puff pastry or biscuits for a different texture and flavor.
- Experiment with sauces: You can replace some of the chicken broth with cream of chicken soup or even a can of condensed soup for added richness.
FAQs
1. How do I know when the pot pie is done?
You’ll know the pot pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If you see steam escaping through the vents, that’s also a good sign!
2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just be sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the filling.
3. Can I make this pot pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the pie when you’re ready to bake it. Just be mindful that the crust may become soggy if stored too long before baking.
4. Is it safe to freeze the pot pie?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze Easy Chicken Pot Pie. Just ensure it’s properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and consume it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
5. What sides go well with chicken pot pie?
Easy Chicken Pot Pie pairs wonderfully with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Consider a light vinaigrette for your salad to balance the richness of the pot pie.
With all these tips and information, you’ll be well on your way to making Easy Chicken Pot Pie a cherished dish in your kitchen. Enjoy the cooking!
Print
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty chicken pot pie that’s easy to make while being perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed veggies)
- ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1¾ cups chicken broth
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 store-bought pie crust (or use puff pastry or biscuit topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until thick and bubbly, about 5-6 minutes.
- Mix in chicken and veggies until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with pie crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits for vents.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown, then cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use leftover chicken for a time-saving option. Customize vegetables based on what you have available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken pot pie, comfort food, easy recipe, family dinner