Chicken Pot Pie Cracker Barrel Style Recipe

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Cracker Barrel Style Recipe – Just Like The Original

Cracker barrel’s legendary chicken pot pie has sparked countless culinary adventures for comfort food enthusiasts.

Hearty flavors blend seamlessly in this classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Memories of homestyle cooking drift through every creamy bite of this nostalgic recipe.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this comforting meal as a true crowd-pleaser.

Rich, velvety filling nestled beneath a golden, flaky crust makes each spoonful irresistible.

Home cooks can easily recreate this beloved restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this timeless comfort classic.

Why Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Brings The Cracker Barrel Comfort

  • Craft Comfort Cuisine: Dive into a heartwarming dish that brings restaurant-style magic right to your kitchen with minimal professional cooking skills needed.
  • Customize Your Feast: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra vegetables or different protein options to make this recipe uniquely yours.
  • Family Gathering Champion: Perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or cozy meals that bring everyone around the table with a delicious, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
  • Quick and Satisfying Meal: Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, filling dinner that requires basic cooking techniques and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crusts: Store-bought or homemade crusts that will create a flaky and delicious exterior for the chicken pot pie.
Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein in this comforting dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that provide a flavor base and depth to the pot pie filling.
  • Frozen Peas, Frozen Carrots, Frozen Corn: Mixed vegetables that add color, nutrition, and texture to the filling.
  • Potatoes (Optional): Hearty addition that can make the filling more substantial and creamy.
Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth roux for the sauce.
  • Flour: Used to thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the sauce's liquid base.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the rich and creamy texture of the filling.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the pot pie.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and bring out the dish's flavors.
Optional Topping:
  • Egg: Used to create a golden and shiny crust when brushed on top of the pie.

How To Bake Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Step-By-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F. This will create the perfect cooking environment for your pot pie.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Base

In a large skillet, melt butter until it’s bubbling. Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped celery

Cook these until they’re soft and fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for several minutes.

Step 3: Build the Hearty Filling

Stir in the delicious mix of:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Frozen peas
  • Frozen carrots
  • Frozen corn
  • Diced potatoes (optional)

Shake in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined and remove from heat.

Step 4: Shape the Pie Foundation

Gently roll out one pie crust and nestle it into a 9-inch pie pan. Make sure the crust hugs the edges perfectly. Pour the chicken mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Create the Perfect Pie Top

Drape the second pie crust over the filling. Pinch and crimp the edges to seal in all the goodness. Cut a few slits on top to let steam escape. For an extra golden finish, brush the crust with a light egg wash.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Pull the pie out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier. Slice into this comforting masterpiece and savor every bite of your homemade pot pie!

Helpful Tips For Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Success

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or sherry to the filling for a more complex, rich taste that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Brush the bottom pie crust with egg white before adding filling to create a moisture barrier that keeps the crust crisp.
  • Veggie Variety Hack: Swap frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal produce for a more vibrant and nutritious pot pie experience.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day ahead, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make this comfort classic accessible to all dietary needs.

Different Ways To Make Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Your Own

  • Vegetarian Veggie Pot Pie: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, use gluten-free pie crust, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Pie: Substitute potato and pie crust with cauliflower base and almond flour crust, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, replace butter with olive oil, and select dairy-free pie crust for those with lactose sensitivities.

What To Pair With Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

  • Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, zesty mixed greens salad with vinaigrette to cut through the pie's richness and add fresh crunch.
  • Buttery Chardonnay: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine that complements the creamy chicken filling and balances the dish's richness.
  • Tangy Cranberry Sauce: Add a small side of homemade cranberry sauce for a bright, tart contrast that enhances the pot pie's savory flavors.
  • Roasted Garlic Green Beans: Prepare simple roasted green beans with garlic to provide a healthy, light vegetable side that doesn't compete with the pot pie's robust taste.

How To Store Chicken Pot Pie Recipe So It Stays Tasty

  • Store leftover chicken pot pie in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pie completely before covering to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm refrigerated pie at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent crust from burning. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the crust.
  • Reheat individual slices for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stopping halfway to ensure even heating. Add a small splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs About Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are perfect options. They’re already cooked, tender, and add great flavor to the pot pie filling.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use a gluten-free pie crust. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

  • Is it possible to prepare this pot pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

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Chicken Pot Pie Cracker Barrel Style Recipe

Chicken Pot Pie Cracker Barrel Style Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Chicken Pot Pie celebrates classic comfort from Cracker Barrel with golden pastry and rich, creamy filling. Savory chicken, tender vegetables, and buttery crust promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen carrots
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup diced potatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 cup diced celery

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F, creating the ideal environment for a perfectly golden and crispy pot pie crust.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions and celery until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour into the skillet, creating a smooth roux by stirring constantly for one minute to develop a rich flavor base.
  4. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and fold in shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  6. Carefully place the first pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently to cover the entire surface and edges.
  7. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly to create a consistent filling.
  8. Cover the filling with the second pie crust, crimping the edges to create a tight seal and prevent filling from leaking.
  9. Cut several strategic slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
  10. Optional: Brush the top crust with egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden-brown finish.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the filling begins to bubble.
  12. Remove from oven and let the pie rest for 10 minutes, allowing the filling to set and making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth when shredding meat for the filling.
  • Replace heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture.
  • Customize vegetable mix by adding seasonal or leftover vegetables like zucchini or green beans for nutrition boost.
  • Enhance crust by sprinkling dried herbs or grated parmesan on top before baking for extra crispy and flavorful layer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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