Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is the perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort. The creamy, savory filling paired with a flaky crust makes it an ideal dish for family dinners, cozy evenings, or even meal prepping. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this easy crock pot recipe will become a go-to favorite.
Why Choose a Crock Pot for Chicken Pot Pie?
Using a crock pot to make chicken pot pie offers several advantages over traditional cooking methods. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop more deeply, ensuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s also incredibly convenient—just set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days when you don’t have time to tend to the stove.
For more tips on mastering slow cooker meals, check out this helpful guide from The Kitchn.
Benefits of a Crock Pot:
- Ease of use: Minimal prep and effort required.
- Improved taste: Slow simmering helps the ingredients blend harmoniously.
- Convenience: No need to babysit the dish; it cooks on its own.
If you’re wondering about the best practices for handling and preparing chicken, be sure to review the USDA Chicken Safety Guidelines for tips on safe food preparation.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious crock pot chicken pot pie:
- Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts or thighs)
- Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Potatoes (optional)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, thyme, garlic
- Flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- Pie crust or biscuit dough (for topping)
Tip: You can customize this dish based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For example, swap out heavy cream for a low-fat or dairy-free version to lighten up the recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by prepping the chicken. You can use diced or shredded chicken depending on your preference. If you’re in a pinch, even frozen chicken can be used. Cut your vegetables into small, uniform chunks for consistent cooking.
2. Layering the Crock Pot
Begin by placing the chicken at the base of the crock pot. Then, layer the vegetables on top. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) to give the mixture its signature creamy consistency.
3. Cooking the Pot Pie
Set your crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The longer cooking time will allow the chicken to become tender and the flavors to fully develop.
4. Adding the Crust
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare your crust. You can use pre-made pie crust, biscuit dough, or even puff pastry. Place it on top of the mixture and allow it to cook for the remaining time. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake the crust separately in the oven.
5. Thicken the Sauce
If the sauce is too runny, you can thicken it with a mixture of flour or cornstarch stirred with water. Let it cook for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Add firmer vegetables (like potatoes) early in the process and softer ones later.
- For a crispier crust: Bake the topping separately and place it on the pot pie just before serving.
- Adjusting consistency: If your pot pie is too runny, thicken with cornstarch or flour.
Delicious Variations to Try
Healthier Options
To make a lighter version of this dish, you can swap out heavy cream for a lighter alternative like almond milk or coconut cream. You can also increase the vegetable content and reduce the amount of chicken for a more plant-forward approach. For more information on the health benefits of vegetables, check out WebMD’s Guide.
Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the chicken with tofu, jackfruit, or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. Use plant-based cream and broth to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Once the chicken pot pie is fully cooked, it’s time to serve! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a stand-alone dish: It’s filling enough to be the main course.
- With a side salad: Balance the richness with a fresh green salad.
- Garnish: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Keep leftovers sealed tightly in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can store individual servings in the freezer for as long as 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Reheating: If you stored your crust separately, reheat it in the oven to maintain its crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken in a crock pot chicken pot pie?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but the cook time will be longer. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I cook the crust directly in the crock pot?
Yes, you can add the crust directly on top of the chicken and vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking. However, it may not get as crispy as baking it separately.
What type of chicken works best for crock pot chicken pot pie?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs tend to stay juicier during the long cooking process.
Can I freeze crock pot chicken pot pie before cooking it?
It’s best to freeze after cooking rather than before. The texture of the vegetables and dairy can change if frozen before cooking.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food, made easier and more convenient through the use of a slow cooker. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal for the family or a dish to prepare ahead of time, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to fit any need. By trying different variations or using healthier ingredients, you can create a meal that suits your preferences while still enjoying that classic chicken pot pie flavor.