Chicken Pot Pie Recipe – Classic Comfort Food Made Easy

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Few dishes say “home” quite like a warm, golden Chicken Pot Pie. With tender chunks of chicken, a creamy, savory sauce, and flaky pastry crust, this timeless comfort food never goes out of style. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold night or looking for a dish that pleases everyone at the table, this easy pot pie delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The combination of soft vegetables, buttery crust, and rich filling brings warmth to every bite. It’s a classic for a reason—and making it from scratch is easier than you think.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pot Pie

This dish is hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for both family dinners and casual entertaining. The creamy filling is made from scratch but uses straightforward ingredients like chicken broth, milk, and flour to create a luscious sauce without relying on canned soup. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time, and frozen vegetables keep prep simple. The crust bakes up beautifully golden and crisp, giving you that perfect contrast to the creamy center. It’s satisfying, nostalgic, and a total crowd-pleaser.

What You’ll Need – Ingredients List

The beauty of this pot pie lies in its simplicity. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store. You can use homemade or store-bought pie crust depending on how much time you have, and both fresh and frozen veggies work well.

For the Filling:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk (or half-and-half for richer filling)
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Crust:

  • 1 top and bottom pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Nutritional Benefits at a Glance

While Chicken Pot Pie is traditionally seen as a comfort food, it can still offer balanced nutrition when made with whole ingredients. Chicken provides lean protein, while peas, carrots, and corn bring fiber and vitamins. The sauce contains calcium-rich milk, and using a controlled amount of butter keeps the fat content moderate. Opting for a lighter crust or using only a top crust can reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

  • Calories: ~430 per serving (1/6 of a 9” pie)
  • Protein: 23g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Calcium: 10% DV

How Much Time You’ll Need

Chicken Pot Pie comes together in about an hour, making it a great weekend dinner or a cozy weeknight meal with a bit of planning. Using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought crust speeds things up significantly without compromising taste or texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Cool Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour

How to Make Chicken Pot Pie – Step by Step

Making Chicken Pot Pie from scratch is simpler than it sounds, and each step builds flavor into the final dish. The filling comes together in one pan, and the crust bakes to golden perfection in the oven. Follow these instructions for a foolproof classic that looks and tastes homemade.

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Stir in shredded chicken, peas, corn, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  6. Roll out your bottom pie crust in a 9” pie dish. Fill with the chicken mixture and cover with the top crust.
  7. Seal the edges, crimp or press with a fork, and cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Easy Variations & Ingredient Swaps

There are endless ways to customize your pot pie while keeping the classic comfort intact. Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just using up what’s in your fridge, these swaps keep the recipe flexible and fun to experiment with.

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey
  • Substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version
  • Add mushrooms, green beans, or chopped spinach
  • Use puff pastry or biscuit dough instead of pie crust
  • Make mini pot pies in ramekins for individual servings

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Pot Pie stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Just be sure to cool it fully before storing to maintain that flaky crust and creamy filling.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and crust is re-crisped
  • For quicker reheating, microwave in 30-second bursts, but note the crust may soften
  • Freeze baked or unbaked pot pies for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container
  • To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden

Tasty Ways to Serve Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie is a complete meal in itself, but pairing it with light, fresh sides can add balance and brighten up the plate. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting guests, these easy additions round out the comfort.

  • Pair with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Serve with roasted or steamed green beans
  • Add a side of cranberry sauce or pickled onions for contrast
  • Offer a bowl of fruit salad or apple slices for a fresh finish
  • Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a cozy meal

Make It Kid-Friendly

Chicken Pot Pie is a great dish for kids—creamy, mild, and full of familiar flavors. With a few simple adjustments, it becomes even more approachable for younger palates and perfect for picky eaters.

  • Omit onions or garlic if your child is sensitive to stronger flavors
  • Use diced potatoes or sweet corn as extra mix-ins
  • Cut into mini pies using muffin tins or ramekins for fun portions
  • Let kids help press the crust edges or brush with egg wash
  • Serve with fruit or cheese cubes for a fun, well-rounded plate

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Pot Pie

Want that flaky crust and rich, creamy filling every time? These tips make a big difference in the texture and flavor of your pot pie. A few simple tricks ensure it comes out beautifully golden and delicious.

  • Cook the flour fully before adding broth for a smooth sauce
  • Let the filling cool slightly before adding to crust—this prevents sogginess
  • Always vent the top crust so steam can escape
  • Use a pie shield or foil to prevent edges from overbaking
  • Rest the pie 10–15 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices

Final Thoughts – A Classic Worth Making Again and Again

Chicken Pot Pie is more than a meal—it’s a warm, nostalgic hug on a plate. With a flaky, golden crust and rich, savory filling, it checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and satisfaction. Easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for a holiday, this timeless recipe is one to keep in your rotation. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just making extra for the week ahead, it’s guaranteed to bring joy to the table. Try it today and tag your creation with #HomemadePotPie to share the comfort with others.

FAQs

Yes! Store-bought pie crust works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s thawed properly before use.

Cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works best. It’s tender, flavorful, and easy to mix into the filling.

Absolutely. You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Bake the bottom crust for 5–7 minutes before adding the filling to help it stay flaky and crisp.

Yes! Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2–3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

You can use biscuit dough, puff pastry, or even mashed potatoes on top for a crustless variation.