If you’ve been craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re going to adore this Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—golden, buttery crust with tender chicken and veggies smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. It’s truly one of those dishes that becomes a family favorite, and I’m excited to share all my tips to help you nail it in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-Butter Flaky Crust: It makes the perfect golden top and bottom—flaky, tender, and buttery every time.
- Loaded with Comforting Fillings: Tender chicken breast, carrots, celery, and peas in a creamy, thyme-seasoned gravy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: I love prepping the crust ahead, which makes the whole process easier on busy days.
- Family Approved: My kids and guests go crazy for this classic dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a classic chicken pot pie that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with delicious veggies. I recommend using fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Homemade Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust: Using your own crust makes such a difference; it’s flaky and buttery—in my opinion, store-bought just can’t compete.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness, but thighs add more flavor if you like.
- Carrots: Fresh sliced carrots bring just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Adds a nice bit of crunch and flavor to balance the creamy filling.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for the roux and sautéing, giving that rich buttery flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy.
- Minced Garlic: Just a touch to brighten flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: For thickening the delicious gravy.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Basic but key seasonings; adjust to your taste.
- Dried Thyme Leaves: I love thyme’s subtle earthiness—it really makes the filling sing.
- Chicken Broth/Stock: Reduced sodium is my go-to so I can control saltiness.
- Half-and-Half: Creates a luxuriously creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Frozen Peas: Added at the end for subtle sweetness and color.
- Egg Wash (Egg + Milk): This makes the crust beautifully golden and shiny.
- Optional: Fresh Thyme Sprigs: For garnish and a fresh herb aroma.
Variations
I love that this Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust Recipe is so flexible—you can make it your own by swapping out veggies or adding your favorite herbs. Here are some fun twists I’ve made over the years that you might want to try.
- Add Mushrooms: One time, I tossed in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy vibe, and it took the filling to a whole new level.
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve successfully swapped the half-and-half for coconut milk and used a dairy-free crust—still rich and delicious!
- Herb Variations: Sometimes I add rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aroma—both work beautifully.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: I replaced chicken with hearty potatoes and extra veggies, and my family didn’t miss the meat at all.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust Recipe
Step 1: Make Your Pie Crust Ahead of Time
I always start by preparing my pie crust because a chilled dough makes rolling out so much easier. Whether you use my homemade recipe or the all-butter version, you want to chill those crusts for at least two hours—overnight if possible. This step is a game-changer for that perfect flaky texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Veggies
In a large pot, combine the cubed chicken, carrots, and celery, then cover with water. Bring it to a boil and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This ensures the chicken is tender and the veggies soften just right. Drain everything and set aside—don’t skip this step as it prevents sogginess later.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Gravy
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until the onions are translucent and the butter just starts to brown—that smell alone is irresistible! Next, whisk in flour, salt, pepper, thyme, chicken broth, and half-and-half. Keep whisking to avoid lumps, then let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until thick and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—I often add a little extra thyme for warmth.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). On a floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circle—turning it as you roll to keep things even. Fit it carefully into a 9-inch pie dish, tucking smooth edges and trimming the excess. Then, spoon in the chicken and veggie mixture, sprinkle the frozen peas on top, and pour the thick gravy evenly over everything.
Step 5: Top and Seal the Pie
Roll out the second dough circle just like the first, then cover the filling with it. Trim any extra, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal beautifully. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits on top to let steam escape—this keeps your crust from getting soggy. Brush the entire top with egg wash for that gorgeous golden shine.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 32 to 38 minutes, but here’s a trick I swear by: after about 20 minutes, cover the pie edges with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent them from burning. This little step saved me from many heartbreaks! When the top is golden and crisp, remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing—you’ll thank me because the filling sets up beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust Recipe
- Chill Your Dough Well: Making the crust ahead and keeping it cold prevents shrinking and helps with flakiness.
- Don’t Rush the Gravy: Let it simmer long enough until it’s thick and velvety—this locks in moisture and flavor inside the pie.
- Use a Pie Shield or Foil: Protect those edges from burning for the perfect crust every time.
- Letting the Pie Rest Is Key: Cooling before slicing ensures the filling sets so you get clean, beautiful pieces.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust Recipe
Garnishes
I typically sprinkle a few fresh thyme sprigs on top—it adds a lovely herbal punch and makes the pie look extra inviting. Sometimes, I brush a little extra melted butter over the crust right after baking for that added gleam and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This pot pie stands strong on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Creamy mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls also pair nicely if you want to go big on comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this pie in individual ramekins topped with mini pie crust lids—everyone loved having their own personal pot pie. It’s charming and makes for an impressive presentation without much extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover pot pie in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to five days, and honestly, the flavors often deepen overnight. My family loves having this as a ready-made dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I usually bake the pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping it into the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—it tastes almost as good as fresh.
Reheating
To keep that flaky crust crisp, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering loosely with foil if the crust starts to brown too much. Microwaving works if you’re in a hurry, but the crust won’t stay as flaky.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend homemade crust for the best flavor and texture, store-bought pie crusts work perfectly fine and can save time. Just thaw them fully in the fridge before rolling out.
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What can I substitute for half-and-half in the gravy?
You can use whole milk or heavy cream depending on your preference—milk will make it lighter, and cream richer. For dairy-free options, coconut milk is a good substitute and blends well with the savory filling.
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Can I make this pot pie ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the pot pie, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
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How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-cooking the chicken and veggies, plus having a thick gravy, helps prevent sogginess. Also, chilling your pie crust well before baking and baking at a high temperature initially ensures a crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust Recipe is one of those comforting classics that always brings people together around the table. I’ve found that taking the time to make a rich gravy and buttery crust really pays off in flavor and texture. If you’ve ever struggled with soggy crust or bland filling, trust me—following these steps and tips will change the game for you. Go ahead and make it this weekend; you’ll be amazed at how easy comfort food can be when you make it from scratch. Your family, friends, and even future you will thank you!
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Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hr 50 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 3 hr 25 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cold weather. Featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade gravy all encased in a flaky, buttery double pie crust, it delivers a classic and satisfying meal. The recipe includes making your own pie crusts or using all-butter crusts, with simple instructions for preparing the filling and baking to golden perfection. Ideal for family dinners and excellent for leftovers, this pot pie balances rich flavors and textures for a timeless home-cooked favorite.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Homemade Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust (makes 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 (recommend 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
- Sprigs of fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Prepare either homemade or all-butter pie crust recipe through step 5, including chilling for at least 2 hours. The pie crust recipe makes 2 crusts (one for bottom, one for top). It is recommended to make the dough the night before.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: In a large pot, combine cubed chicken, sliced carrots, and celery. Add enough water to cover, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain the liquid, and set the chicken and vegetables aside.
- Prepare Gravy: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions turn translucent and butter begins to brown lightly. Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, thyme, chicken broth, and half-and-half. Continue cooking and whisking until smooth with no lumps, then simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens to a thick consistency. Adjust seasoning as desired. Remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll one chilled dough disc into a 12-inch diameter circle, turning about a quarter turn every few rolls. Place dough in a 9-inch deep pie dish, smooth and tuck with fingers, trim excess dough with knife or shears.
- Assemble Filling: Spoon the cooked chicken and vegetables into the crust. Evenly scatter frozen peas on top. Pour the prepared gravy over the filling, spreading evenly.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out second dough disc similarly, cover the pie with it, trim excess edges, then crimp edges with a fork to seal. Cut a few small slits in top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust and edges with egg wash using a pastry brush.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in preheated oven for 32–38 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. After 20 minutes, cover edges with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and cool at least 10 minutes before serving. Leftovers keep well for up to 5 days refrigerated and reheat nicely.
Notes
- This pie is a perfect cold weather comfort food with a rich, thick filling and flaky crust.
- Make pie crust the night before and chill well for best results.
- Cover the crust edges partway through baking with foil or a crust shield to prevent burning.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the filling thickens further.
- Use reduced sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
- Optional fresh thyme sprigs make a wonderful garnish and add aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg