If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this pot pie comes together with a golden, flaky double crust encasing tender chicken and a rich, savory filling that’s packed with veggies and creamy gravy. When I first tried making a double crust, I was a little nervous about sealing it perfectly, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, this recipe becomes a family favorite you’ll want to make over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Double crust perfection: The flaky, buttery crusts create a beautiful golden package that’s both crispy and tender.
- Rich, creamy filling: The homemade gravy is thick, flavorful, and clings perfectly to each bite of chicken and veggies.
- Comfort food classic: Perfect for chilly nights or weekend dinners when you want something satisfying and homemade.
- Flexible and customizable: Use chicken breasts or thighs, add your favorite veggies, and tinker with seasonings to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe balances fresh ingredients with pantry staples to create that classic pot pie taste you love. The homemade or store-bought all-butter crust makes the pie extra rich, while the mix of chicken, carrots, celery, and peas keeps the filling hearty and nutritious. Here’s what I recommend grabbing before you get started.
- Pie crust: I suggest homemade or an all-butter store-bought variety for maximum flakiness.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Thighs add more flavor, but breasts give a leaner option. Both work great.
- Carrots: Fresh and sliced for slight sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Adds that subtle aromatic crunch that complements the carrots.
- Unsalted butter: For cooking onions and making the roux perfect.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Just a little for a fragrant background note.
- All-purpose flour: To thicken the creamy gravy just right.
- Salt and pepper: Basics to bring out all the flavors.
- Dried thyme: My go-to herb here for a gentle earthy touch.
- Chicken broth: Low sodium helps control the saltiness in your filling.
- Half-and-half: For richness in the gravy without heaviness.
- Frozen peas: Slightly sweet profile that balances the savory elements.
- Egg and milk (for egg wash): Gives the crust its irresistible golden shine and crispness.
Variations
I love that this Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe can easily be personalized. Depending on the season or what’s in your fridge, changing up the veggies or protein makes it fit your lifestyle without losing any of that homemade charm.
- Veggie swap: I sometimes use green beans or mushrooms instead of peas to switch it up and get different textures.
- Use rotisserie chicken: When short on time, shredded store-bought chicken works perfectly and speeds things along.
- Herb variations: Fresh rosemary or sage can add a lovely twist if you have those herbs handy.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy.
How to Make Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pie crust
Make your pie crust ahead of time—honestly, I like to do it the night before so it has plenty of chilling time. Whether you’re rolling out homemade dough or using a store-bought all-butter version, be sure it’s well chilled before rolling it out. This prevents shrinkage and helps the crust stay flakey. Don’t forget, you’re rolling out two crusts here: one for the bottom and one for the top.
Step 2: Cook the chicken and veggies
In a large pot, combine cubed chicken, sliced carrots, and celery. Cover everything with water and bring it to a boil, then let it boil for 10 minutes. This step cooks the chicken and softens the veggies, making the filling tender and flavorful. Once done, drain and set aside. This quick poaching keeps the proteins juicy and ready for the gravy.
Step 3: Make the creamy gravy
Using a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent—a few minutes is all you need. Then whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and thyme to make a roux. Add the chicken broth and half-and-half gradually, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let this simmer on medium-low until the sauce thickens into a creamy gravy—usually about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the thick filling is what makes this pot pie so satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble your pot pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Roll out your bottom crust on a floured surface and carefully transfer it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges neatly. Fill the crust with your cooked chicken and veggies mixture, scatter frozen peas on top, then pour the thick gravy evenly over everything.
Step 5: Add the top crust and bake
Roll out the second crust and carefully lay it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Use a small sharp knife to cut several slits in the top crust—this lets steam escape so your crust won’t get soggy. Brush the crust with egg wash, which helps it bake to a beautiful golden brown. Bake for 32–38 minutes, placing foil over the edges after 20 minutes to keep them from burning. Let your pot pie rest for 10 minutes before serving to give the filling time to set.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilled dough is easier to roll and prevents shrinking while baking, which is a little trick I only learned after a few frustrating attempts!
- Make sure your gravy is thick: I always simmer mine until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, so the filling isn’t runny when sliced.
- Protect the pie edges: Covering with foil halfway through baking is a game-changer to prevent burning.
- Use an egg wash for a shiny crust: Brushing egg wash gives your pie that bakery-quality finish that folks notice right away.
How to Serve Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a few fresh thyme sprigs on top after baking—it smells incredible and adds a fresh, herbal note. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a little chopped parsley also brightens the presentation and enhances the flavor.
Side Dishes
This meal is mighty satisfying on its own, but I often serve it with simple sides like a crisp green salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts. Mashed potatoes are great if you really want extra comfort on the plate, but honestly, the pie usually steals the show!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual pot pies in ramekins for dinner parties—that way everyone gets their own personal pie. You can even use puff pastry for the top crust to make it really dramatic and flaky. I once added a cozy note card with a mini pie cut-out for a holiday dinner, and it was a total hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are fantastic with this pot pie! I store them covered in an airtight container in the fridge, and the filling actually thickens up overnight, which tastes even better the next day. You’ll want to reheat gently to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pot pie unbaked before, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then baked it straight from the freezer (just add extra baking time). It holds up surprisingly well, so you can make it ahead and have a delicious meal ready to go for busy nights.
Reheating
For leftover pot pie, I reheat it in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain the crust’s crispiness. Microwaving makes the crust soggy, which is a bummer, so the oven is definitely the way to go if you want that fresh-from-the-oven feel again.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this pot pie?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully here and can save you prep time. Just add it in during assembly and adjust cooking time since the chicken is already cooked.
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What’s the best way to prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-baking (blind baking) the bottom crust for a few minutes helps keep it crispy. Also, using a thickened gravy as in this recipe reduces excess moisture soaking into the crust.
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Can I substitute the half-and-half with milk or cream?
You can use whole milk for a lighter filling or heavy cream for an even richer pot pie, adjusting the amount slightly depending on your preference for thickness.
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How long does this pot pie keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe has become a go-to comfort food in my house, especially when I want to impress without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. The flaky crust plus the creamy filling makes everyone go crazy, and it’s one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration every time you bake it. If you try it, I think you’ll agree—it’s worth every minute and every bite. So roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making this cozy classic your own!
Print
Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hr 50 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 3 hr 25 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, hearty classic perfect for cold weather. It features tender chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy gravy encased in a flaky homemade all-butter pie crust. The filling is thick and flavorful, with a mix of carrots, celery, peas, and herbs. Baked to golden perfection, this pot pie makes for a satisfying family meal and leftovers reheat wonderfully.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Homemade Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust, enough for 2 crusts (1 bottom and 1 top)
Filling
- 1 pound (450g) skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 cup (about 130g) sliced carrots (about 2 carrots)
- 1/2 cup (about 40g) sliced celery
- 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp; 71g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (45g) chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a small onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) chicken broth/stock (preferably reduced sodium)
- 2/3 cup (160ml) half-and-half
- 1 cup (125g) frozen peas
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk
Optional Garnish
- Sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Follow your chosen homemade or all butter pie crust recipe through step 5, including chilling the dough for at least 2 hours. This dough makes two crusts – one for the bottom and one for the top of the pie.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: In a large pot, combine cubed chicken, sliced carrots, and celery. Add enough water to cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Make Gravy: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook onions and garlic until the onions turn translucent and butter starts to brown lightly. Whisk in flour, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until thickened to a gravy consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disc to about 12 inches in diameter. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish with 1.5–2 inch sides. Smooth and tuck the dough, trimming excess edges.
- Assemble Filling: Spoon the boiled chicken and vegetable mixture into the crust. Scatter frozen peas over the top and pour the thickened gravy evenly over everything.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disc to the same size as the first. Cover the pie with it, trimming excess dough around edges. Crimp edges with a fork to seal. Cut small slits on top to vent steam.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top crust and edges with the beaten egg and milk mixture to achieve a golden glaze when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 32–38 minutes until the crust is golden brown. After 20 minutes, protect the edges with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent overbrowning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken further as it cools, perfect for a comforting meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat as desired.
Notes
- This double crust chicken pot pie is ideal for cozy, cold-weather comfort food meals.
- Using homemade all-butter pie crust adds extra flakiness and flavor, though store-bought crust can be substituted if preferred.
- Ensure the gravy is thick and lump-free for the best filling texture.
- Protecting the crust edges during baking prevents them from burning while the middle crust perfectly browns.
- Leftovers taste excellent the next day as the filling further thickens and flavors meld.
- For visual guidance, refer to step-by-step photos and suggestions for making a foil pie crust shield for baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg