The Best Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, flaky goodness of a homemade chicken pot pie. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy family dinner, this dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a golden crust for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide will walk you through every step of creating the best chicken pot pie recipe. Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and practical advice to make this recipe truly your own.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the creamy filling and flaky crust.
Customizable: From vegetables to seasonings, you can tweak the recipe to match your taste.
Easy-to-Make: Simple ingredients and clear instructions make it approachable for all skill levels.
Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use leftover chicken or turkey.

Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Pot Pie

The secret to a delicious traditional chicken pie lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Filling:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works great!)
1 cup peas
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup diced onions
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Crust:

2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade; puff pastry can be used for a flaky top layer)
1 egg (beaten, for brushing the crust)

How to Make Chicken Pot Pie

1: Prepare the Filling

Cook the Chicken: Boil or roast chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through. Let cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery, carrots, and peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add Liquids: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Add milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
Season: Mix in salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Fold in the cooked chicken and remove from heat.

2: Assemble the Pie

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Crust: Roll out the bottom crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough.
Add the Filling: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
Top with Crust: Lay the second pie crust over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top to let steam escape.
Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with beaten egg for a glossy finish.

3: Bake

Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Customizing Your Chicken Pot Pie

One of the best things about chicken pot pie is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize your pie:

Vegetarian Pot Pie

Replace chicken with mushrooms, green beans, and diced potatoes.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Spicy Pot Pie

Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a kick of heat.

Gluten-Free Pot Pie

Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Use a gluten-free crust or omit the crust entirely and top with mashed potatoes instead.

Cheesy Pot Pie

Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the filling for extra richness.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Pot Pie

Refrigerating Leftovers

Let the pie cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 40-50 minutes.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated pie in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
For frozen pie, bake at 400°F until fully heated through.

What to Serve with Chicken Pot Pie

While chicken pot pie is hearty on its own, these sides pair perfectly:

Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for extra texture.
Mashed Potatoes: Double the comfort with creamy mashed potatoes.

Fun Facts About Chicken Pot Pie

Historical Origins: Chicken pot pie originated in medieval England as a way to preserve meat.
Regional Twists: Some U.S. regions serve pot pie as a stew topped with biscuits instead of pastry.
Holiday Favorite: Turkey pot pie is a popular way to use Thanksgiving leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can use homemade pie crust, puff pastry, or even a biscuit topping as a substitute for the refrigerated pie crusts. Just ensure it is rolled out to fit the pie dish properly and can seal the edges well.

Can I make this chicken pot pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie up to one day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and bake it when you’re ready. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can I freeze chicken pot pie?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.

What can I substitute for whole milk?

If you don’t have whole milk, you can use 2% milk, half-and-half, or even unsweetened almond milk.

Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?

Definitely! You can customize the filling with vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or green beans.

What should I do if the filling is too runny or thick?

If the filling is too runny, first, simmer it longer to allow it to thicken. However, for a filling that remains thin, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water, and then stir it into the mixture while simmering. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, you can loosen it up with a splash of chicken broth or milk.

Customizing Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipes

Check out these recipes for more comforting dishes:

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, homey taste of homemade chicken pot pie. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Ready to make it? Snap a photo of your creation and share it on Pinterest or tag us online we’d love to see your masterpiece!