If you’re on the hunt for comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, you *have* to try this Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. It’s everything you want in a pot pie—the flaky crust, the rich and creamy filling loaded with tender chicken and veggies—and honestly, it’s pretty straightforward to make. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the homemade feel was so achievable without eating up my entire afternoon. Trust me, once you nail this, it’ll become a go-to for cozy dinners, and your family will thank you endlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Everything comes together with pantry basics and a few fresh veggies you likely have on hand.
- Creamy & Comforting: The filling is just the right balance of rich creaminess and hearty chicken that warms you up fast.
- Kid-Approved & Family Favorite: My loved ones go crazy for this pot pie, and yours will too.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep ahead or freeze, making busy weeknight dinners a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be using fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce that’s thickened just right to lock in flavor. Plus, the double pie crust adds that irresistible flaky touch. Here are some tips on picking ingredients that really shine in this Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness, plus it melts beautifully for sautéing your veggies.
- Yellow onion: Adds depth and sweetness—make sure it’s finely chopped for even cooking.
- Carrots: Thin slices cook quickly and bring just the right amount of natural sweetness.
- Celery: Gives a subtle crunch and balances the softness of the other components.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brightens the whole dish with its aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent—no substitutions here if you want the perfect creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: Use warm broth to make whisking easier and to infuse the filling with savory flavor.
- Heavy cream: Again, warm cream blends effortlessly, giving that luscious creaminess.
- Fresh thyme: Nothing beats fresh herbs for aroma—chopped finely to spread throughout the filling.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: To season perfectly and bring out the flavors.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Leftover roast chicken works wonderfully here, or you can poach chicken breasts for a tender result.
- Frozen green peas: Add a pop of color and subtly sweet bursts in every bite.
- Pie crusts: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought double crust; it’s important to have enough to fully encase that creamy filling.
Variations
What I love about this Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs. I always encourage experimenting—you might discover a brand new family favorite.
- Vegetarian Version: I once tried this swapping chicken for mushrooms and adding extra peas and carrots; it still turned out insanely creamy and satisfying.
- Use Puff Pastry Instead of Pie Crust: Puff pastry makes for a delightfully flaky and buttery top, giving the pie an elegant twist when guests come over.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Try a gluten-free flour blend for thickening and gluten-free crusts if you need to skip gluten but still want that creamy goodness.
- Spice it Up: Adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper gives a subtle kick and deeper flavor that I sometimes sneak in.
How to Make Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables to Build Flavor
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir frequently and let them cook for about 5 minutes until the carrots begin to soften. This step is where your filling develops that lovely base flavor, so don’t rush it. I like to keep the heat at medium-high so everything sweats nicely without browning too much.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked veggies and stir continuously for about 2 minutes—the cooking here removes the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce later. Next, slowly pour in your warm chicken broth and warm heavy cream while stirring to prevent lumps. Add fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until thickened. You’ll see the filling transform into that luscious, creamy texture that makes pot pie so irresistible.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken and Peas, Then Cool
Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas until everything is evenly combined. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the filling to a bowl, then let it cool for about 20 minutes. Cooling is crucial—it helps prevent a soggy bottom crust when you bake. Patience here pays off big time in pie texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie with the Crusts
While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll one pie crust into a 12-inch circle and place it in your 9-inch deep pie pan, pressing the dough along the sides. Fill with your cooled chicken mixture, spreading it out evenly. Roll out the second crust into an 11-inch circle and lay it over the filling. Trim excess dough to within an inch of the edge, then fold and crimp the two crusts together to seal. I brush the top crust with heavy cream before cutting slits for steam vents—that little touch gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen and keeps it crisp.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!
Bake the pot pie on a rimmed baking sheet for 20 minutes at 425°F, then lower the oven temperature to 350°F and bake about 40 more minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling bubbles around the edges. Once out of the oven, let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing—that cooldown lets the filling thicken up just right. Sprinkle with flaky salt and a bit more thyme if you like, then dig in. I can’t tell you how many times this simple ritual made an ordinary night feel special.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Warm Liquids: I always warm my chicken broth and cream first to avoid lumps and keep the sauce silky smooth.
- Cool the Filling Fully: Cooling prevents your crust from getting soggy underneath—it’s a game changer!
- Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: This catches any drips, keeping your oven clean and the pie safe from burning edges.
- Slice Slits Carefully: Enough vents let steam escape but don’t cut too big or the filling can bubble out.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve up this pot pie, a sprinkle of fresh thyme on top adds that wonderful fresh herbal aroma. Sometimes I add a light dusting of flaky sea salt for a little crunch and extra pop of flavor. These finishing touches really elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This pot pie is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts to balance out the richness. Sometimes, I make a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast that my family loves.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve shaped the top crust into cute leaf patterns or used cookie cutters for little chicken shapes before baking—guests always comment on how charming it is! You can also serve mini pot pies in ramekins for individual portions, which is a fun twist that looks super professional.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pot pie stores beautifully. Once cool, I cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crisp—microwaving tends to make it soggy, which is a bummer.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe both pre-baked and fully baked. For pre-baking, wrap the assembled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, just add about 20 minutes to the baking time. If frozen fully baked, reheat in a low oven until warmed through.
Reheating
To bring leftover pot pie back to life, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake until the crust is crispy again. This method keeps it tasty without drying out the filling.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for this pot pie?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the meat and you’re good to go.
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Can I make this pot pie without a double crust?
You can, but the double crust really locks in the creamy filling and gives that classic pot pie look and taste. If you prefer, you could use just a top crust with a casserole dish, but keep an eye on the edges to prevent burning.
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How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
After simmering, the filling should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape slightly when stirred. It shouldn’t be runny, as that can make the crust soggy during baking.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and butter for a dairy-free alternative, but be aware that the flavor and creaminess may change slightly. Also, check your pie crust for dairy ingredients or use a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe has become a staple in my household for all the good reasons—it’s approachable, comforting, and honestly, it just tastes like a warm hug. Whenever I need a dinner that feels like a special occasion but doesn’t require hours of prep, this is the recipe I grab. I can’t wait for you to make it and savor each bite as much as I do!
Print
Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus 20 minutes cooling (about 1 hour 40 minutes total)
- 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 creamy chicken and vegetable filling nestled inside a crisp, flaky double pie crust. Perfectly balanced with fresh thyme and a velvety sauce, it delivers comforting, hearty flavors ideal for a family meal. The pot pie can be made ahead and is freezer-friendly, making it convenient to enjoy anytime.
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)
Assembly & Topping
- Heavy cream, for brushing
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Cook the 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 start to soften.
- Add the flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux that will thicken the filling.
- Make the sauce: While continuously stirring, slowly pour in the warm chicken broth and warm heavy cream. Add the chopped fresh thyme, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Reduce heat to low and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine filling ingredients: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and frozen green peas. Remove from heat and transfer the filling to a bowl to cool for 20 minutes. Cooling helps the filling set for easier assembly.
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll one pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a deep 9-inch pie pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Allow the excess crust to hang over the edge.
- Fill the pie crust: Pour the cooled filling mixture evenly into the pie crust in the pan.
- Top the pot pie: Roll out the second pie crust into an 11-inch circle and place it over the filling. Trim both crusts within 1 inch of the pan edge. Fold the excess edge under itself and crimp to seal. Brush the surface with heavy cream and cut several slits to vent steam during baking. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake the pot pie: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pot pie cool for about 20 minutes before slicing. Optionally, sprinkle with flaked salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
- This Chicken Pot Pie recipe features a creamy chicken filling baked inside a flaky double crust for a comforting meal.
- It can be made ahead and frozen, making it convenient for meal prep.
- Use homemade or good quality store-bought pie crusts for best results.
- Make sure to cool the filling before assembling to prevent soggy crust.
- Using a rimmed baking sheet under the pie helps catch any bubbling filling spills.
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