Classic Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

The Cozy Classic Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this classic chicken pot pie that promises warmth in every golden, flaky bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty dish through careful technique and love.

Tender chicken nestles among vibrant vegetables beneath a buttery crust that crackles with promise.

Fragrant herbs and rich, creamy sauce blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Each forkful carries memories of family dinners and cozy evenings around the table.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical, turning ordinary weeknight cooking into an extraordinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this timeless recipe that connects generations through its delicious simplicity.

What’s Special About Classic Chicken Pot Pie

  • Craft a Family Favorite: Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this dish brings everyone together around the table with its irresistible appeal.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn basic culinary skills like creating a roux, roasting chicken, and assembling a perfect pie crust, making you a confident home cook.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, experiment with seasonings, or add your personal touch to make this classic recipe uniquely yours, ensuring endless delicious variations.

Everything You Need for Classic Chicken Pot Pie

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: The star ingredient that provides tender, juicy meat for the classic pot pie.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Celery: These aromatic vegetables create a flavorful base for the filling.
  • Carrots, Peas: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition and texture to the pot pie.
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth roux for the creamy sauce.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce and helps bind the filling together.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture in the filling.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
Crust and Topping:
  • Pie Crusts: Provide a flaky, golden exterior that holds the delicious filling.
  • Egg: Used as a wash to create a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step-by-Step Guide to Classic Chicken Pot Pie

Step-by-Step Guide to Classic Chicken Pot Pie

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F and grab a 9-inch pie dish. Set this aside for later deliciousness.

Step 2: Roast Chicken

Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and sprinkle with seasonings. Roast in the oven until perfectly cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Let the chicken cool for a bit, then use two forks to pull apart into tender, bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in onions and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent.

Step 5: Create Flavor Base

Dust the vegetables with flour, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to build a rich flavor foundation.

Step 6: Develop Creamy Sauce

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Whisk constantly to create a silky, smooth sauce that will make taste buds dance.

Step 7: Add Colorful Vegetables

Introduce carrots and peas to the sauce, letting them simmer until tender and vibrant.

Step 8: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

Gently fold the shredded chicken into the vegetable mixture, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 9: Prepare Pie Crust

Drape the first pie crust into the dish, trimming edges and creating a slight overhang for that homemade look.

Step 10: Fill the Pie

Pour the luscious chicken and vegetable filling into the crust, spreading evenly to create the perfect ratio of filling to crust.

Step 11: Top and Seal

Cover with the second pie crust, crimping edges to create a beautiful seal. Cut a few small vents to let steam escape.

Step 12: Create Golden Finish

Whisk an egg and brush over the top crust, promising a gorgeous golden shine.

Step 13: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles with excitement.

Step 14: Rest and Serve

Pull the pie from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing a breeze.

Easy Tips for Cooking Classic Chicken Pot Pie

  • Perfectly Shred Chicken: Use two forks to pull apart roasted chicken, creating tender, uniform pieces that blend seamlessly into the filling.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Brush bottom crust with egg white before adding filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the base crisp and flaky.
  • Silky Smooth Sauce: Whisk constantly when adding broth and cream to avoid lumps, ensuring a velvety, lump-free sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of fresh thyme to the vegetable sauté for an extra layer of rich, aromatic complexity.
  • Vegetarian Swap Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or a mix of hearty mushrooms like portobello and cremini for a delicious plant-based alternative.

Creative Takes on Classic Chicken Pot Pie

  • Southwest Fiesta Pot Pie: Replace thyme with chili powder, add diced green chilies, black beans, and corn to the filling. Top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy Mexican-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pot Pie: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and basil into the sauce. Mix in artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pot Pie: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the onions and celery. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce and sprinkle fresh thyme for an earthy, rich variation.
  • Curry Coconut Chicken Pot Pie: Stir in mild curry powder and replace heavy cream with coconut milk.

Perfect Pairings for Classic Chicken Pot Pie

  • Savor Complementary Flavors: Elevate your classic chicken pot pie experience with these perfect pairings.
  • Crisp Green Salad Partner: Toss a light, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pie's richness and add fresh contrast.
  • Wine Harmony Selection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, savory chicken filling and balance the buttery crust.
  • Refreshing Side Beverage: Serve chilled apple cider or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon to cleanse the palate and provide a bright, zesty counterpoint to the hearty pie.

Classic Chicken Pot Pie Storage and Reheat Guide

  • Store leftover chicken pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap the entire uncooked pot pie tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake directly from the frozen state, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Cut cooled pot pie into individual servings, wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. This method allows for easy reheating of single servings without thawing the entire pie.

Your Questions About Classic Chicken Pot Pie Answered

  • How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat and preventing any risk of foodborne illness.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of roasting my own?

Yes, you can substitute roasted chicken with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds extra flavor to your pot pie.

  • What if I don't have a pie dish?

A 9-inch square baking pan or cast-iron skillet works perfectly as an alternative to a traditional pie dish for this recipe.

  • How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-bake the bottom crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling, and ensure your filling isn’t too liquid to help maintain a crisp crust.

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Classic Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Classic Chicken Pot Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this classic chicken pot pie recipe that whisks home cooks straight to grandma’s kitchen. Flaky golden crust cradles tender chicken, creamy sauce, and colorful vegetables, promising a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1/2 cup onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced

Pastry and Seasoning:

  • 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme, then roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken from oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions and celery until translucent and softened.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux, preventing lumps from forming.
  6. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  7. Add carrots and peas to the sauce, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  8. Fold shredded chicken into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  9. Line the pie dish with one pie crust, trimming excess edges and creating a slight overhang.
  10. Pour the chicken and vegetable filling into the pie crust, spreading evenly.
  11. Cover the filling with the second pie crust, crimp edges to seal, and cut several small vents on top.
  12. Whisk the egg and brush over the top crust for a golden, glossy finish.
  13. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
  14. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by gradually adding broth and cream, creating a silky, luxurious consistency that coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or sage during the vegetable sautéing stage.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same creamy texture without compromising taste.
  • Make the pot pie ahead of time by preparing the filling and assembling the pie up to 24 hours in advance, then baking fresh when ready to serve for maximum flavor and crisp crust.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 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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