If you’re craving comfort food that warms you to the core, you’re going to adore this Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out — flaky golden crust paired with a rich, creamy filling packed with tender chicken and veggies. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite because it’s simple enough for any weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, approachable ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples already.
- Comfort food classic made easy: No fancy techniques, just good flavors and satisfying textures.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare filling or even the whole pie in advance, save stress on busy days.
- Freezer-friendly: Perfect for batch-cooking and future cozy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a role in creating that iconic creamy filling and flaky crust combo. I usually recommend fresh veggies for the best flavor, but frozen peas are perfectly fine and convenient.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies perfectly without overpowering flavors.
- Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the base — I like to chop it finely.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory filling — slice thinly so they cook evenly.
- Celery: Provides a subtle aromatic crunch to round out the veggies.
- Garlic: Just a little punch for flavor complexity.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your thickening agent for that luscious pot pie sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Use a warm broth for easier mixing and enhanced flavor depth.
- Heavy Cream: Also warmed, this creates a creamy, smooth sauce that’s irresistible.
- Fresh Thyme: Definitely don’t skip the thyme — its earthy notes elevate the whole dish.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning every flavor just right.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the richness.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: This is the heart of your pot pie — leftover roast chicken works wonderfully here.
- Frozen Green Peas: Sweet bursts that brighten the filling and add pops of color.
- Pie Crusts: You can go homemade or store-bought — both work beautifully.
Variations
I love keeping this recipe flexible so you can make it your own. Over time, I’ve experimented with swapping veggies, adding herbs, and even making it gluten-free. Don’t hesitate to adjust to what you have and what you love.
- Vegetable Swap: I sometimes toss in mushrooms or swap peas for corn, and my family still goes crazy for it.
- Herb Twist: If you’re not a thyme fan, rosemary or sage also add a cozy touch.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust to keep this recipe allergy-friendly without sacrificing flakiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle warmth if that’s your vibe.
How to Make Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Perfect Tenderness
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes — I keep an eye on the carrots to see when they just start to soften, which helps the filling stay tender but not mushy.
Step 2: Create a Rich, Thickened Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked veggies and stir constantly for 2 minutes — this cooks out the raw flour taste and forms the base of your sauce. Gradually pour in your warm chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring. Add fresh thyme, salt, and pepper then simmer gently for about 5 minutes until you see it thicken. Keeping the broth and cream warm helps everything combine smoothly without lumps.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Peas, Then Cool Before Filling
Once the sauce is thick, stir in shredded chicken and frozen peas. I transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool for 20 minutes before placing it in the pie crust. This little pause helps prevent a soggy crust and keeps everything from sliding around when you assemble.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pie Like a Pro
Roll out one pie crust into a 12-inch circle and carefully fit it into a deep 9-inch pie pan, leaving the edges hanging over. Add your cooled filling in an even layer. Roll out the second crust to an 11-inch circle and place it on top. Trim both crusts leaving about an inch and fold the edges under, crimping for a neat finish. Brush the top with heavy cream for a shiny, golden crust and cut slits to let steam escape. I always bake mine on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling filling.
Step 5: Bake and Let Rest for Best Flavor
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 40 minutes until the crust is deep golden and the filling bubbles through the vents. Let the pie cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing; this wait is tough, but it helps the filling set so it won’t drip everywhere when you serve.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Warming Liquids: I learned that adding warm broth and cream makes mixing easier and prevents lumps in your sauce.
- Cooling the Filling: Letting the filling cool before placing it in the crust is key to avoid a soggy bottom crust.
- Vent Slits on Top Crust: Don’t skip cutting slits on the top pie crust — it helps steam escape and keeps your crust crisp.
- Using a Baking Sheet: Baking the pie on a rimmed sheet catches any drips and keeps your oven clean.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a bit of flaky sea salt on top right after it comes out of the oven — it adds a little crunch and heightens the flavors. A few fresh thyme leaves scattered on top also brighten the look and echo the herb inside the filling. Simple, but it makes the pie feel just a little extra special.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are simple green salads with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts for a bit of bitter contrast. Sometimes, I add warm crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes if I’m really looking to pile on the comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve made mini-pot pies using ramekins with cute puff pastry tops shaped like leaves or hearts. It’s fun, impressive, and everyone gets their own personal pie. Also, serving with a drizzle of fresh herb cream sauce can elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I cover leftover pot pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It usually lasts 3-4 days. When reheating, I prefer the oven to keep the crust crisp rather than the microwave, which can make it soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the entire assembled pot pie before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow baking instructions — just add a bit more time since it’s chilled. This has saved me so many busy weeknights!
Reheating
To reheat leftover slices, I pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and the crust crisp again. This method keeps the flavors intact and the texture delightful.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. Just shred the meat and use it as directed. It adds great flavor and saves time without compromising the creamy filling you’re aiming for.
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Can I make this pot pie gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for thickening, and use a gluten-free pie crust. Keep in mind that cooking times might slightly vary, so watch your crust for the perfect golden finish.
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How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Cooling your filling before placing it in the crust is key. Also, making sure you roll out the crust properly and bake on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips helps maintain crispness. Some folks even brush the bottom crust with egg wash or a thin layer of melted butter before adding filling for an extra barrier.
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Can I add other vegetables to this chicken pot pie?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative—mushrooms, corn, or even diced potatoes work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to make sure everything is tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe always brings me back to cozy evenings with my family gathered around the table. The balance of creamy filling and buttery crust is just classic soul food comfort, but it’s straightforward enough to whip up on a busy night or prep ahead for a weekend treat. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it — your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your crew will thank you.
Print
Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings (one 9-inch pie)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chicken Pot Pie recipe features a rich and creamy chicken filling loaded with vegetables, all enveloped in a flaky, buttery double pie crust. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish combines tender shredded chicken with peas, carrots, and celery in a savory sauce thickened with flour and enriched with heavy cream. The pot pie is baked to golden perfection, delivering warm, homey flavors in every bite. Ideal for make-ahead cooking and freezer-friendly meals.
Ingredients
Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56g)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about ½ onion) (120g)
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots (about 2 carrots) (100g)
- ½ cup chopped celery (about 1 stalk) (50g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (40g)
- 1¾ cup warm chicken broth (420mL)
- ½ cup warm heavy cream (120mL)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (400g)
- 1 cup frozen green peas (170g)
For the Pie Crust and Assembly
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- Heavy cream (for brushing the crust)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the carrots begin to soften.
- Add Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. This helps form a roux that will thicken the filling.
- Make Sauce: Gradually pour in the warm chicken broth and warm heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Peas: Stir the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas into the thickened sauce. Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool for 20 minutes to prevent soggy crust later.
- Preheat Oven: While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a deep 9-inch pie pan, pressing it into the edges and letting excess dough hang over the sides.
- Fill Pie: Spoon the cooled chicken filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Top Crust: Roll out the second pie crust into an 11-inch circle. Place it over the filling. Trim the edges of both crusts to within 1 inch of the pie plate edge, then tuck and crimp to seal. Brush the top crust with heavy cream to encourage browning. Cut a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake at High Temperature: Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F for 20 minutes.
- Reduce and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 40 minutes or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pot pie cool for 20 minutes after baking. If desired, sprinkle with flaked sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and garnish with fresh thyme before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This recipe is freezer-friendly and makes a great make-ahead meal.
- Use homemade or store-bought pie crust depending on your preference to save time or enhance flavor.
- Make sure the filling is cooled before assembling to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Resting the pie after baking helps the filling set, making it easier to slice.
- Feel free to substitute fresh peas if available, but frozen peas work well and are convenient.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 584 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 957 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg