When you think of comfort food, chicken pot pie might be one of the first dishes that comes to mind. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy filling topped with a buttery, flaky crust. However, traditional chicken pot pie can be time-consuming. That’s where crock pot chicken pot pie comes in—a simplified version that offers the same delicious taste with far less effort.
Using a crock pot for this dish not only saves you time and energy but also allows the flavors to develop slowly, making each bite just as comforting and flavorful as the classic dish. In fact, if you’ve been searching for a way to make a delicious homemade chicken pot pie without the hassle, this is the perfect recipe for you.
Why Choose Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?
A crock pot, or slow cooker, is an excellent kitchen tool for creating flavorful meals with minimal effort. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld together over time, resulting in rich, deep flavors. Here are just a few reasons to opt for a crock pot version of chicken pot pie:
- Convenience: You simply toss everything into the crock pot and let it cook, freeing up your time for other tasks.
- Enhanced Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the chicken and vegetables to soak in the flavors of the broth and seasonings.
- Energy Efficiency: Using a crock pot consumes less energy than using an oven, making it an eco-friendly option.
In comparison to other slow-cooked meals like this cube steak recipe for crock pot, crock pot chicken pot pie also stands out as a family favorite with a more balanced flavor profile, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and casual get-togethers.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this dish so appealing. You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge already.
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This creates the base of the creamy filling.
- Milk: You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or even heavy cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans) are the easiest option. Fresh vegetables, like chopped onions, celery, and diced potatoes, work well too.
- Garlic & Poultry Seasoning: Essential for adding depth and flavor.
- Biscuits: Pre-made refrigerated biscuits are a convenient option, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own from scratch or try bisquick-based recipes.
Optional Additions:
- Chicken Thighs: Swap out chicken breasts for thighs to enhance the richness of the dish.
- Heavy Cream: For a creamier consistency, replace the milk with heavy cream.
- Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: For a healthier twist, consider making your own soup base. Here’s a guide on how to make homemade cream of chicken soup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Making crock pot chicken pot pie is as simple as layering the ingredients and setting the timer. Follow these steps to create a perfect meal every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all of your ingredients. If you’re using fresh vegetables, chop them up into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. If you’re using frozen vegetables, there’s no need to thaw them in advance.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Then, pour the cream of chicken soup over the chicken, followed by the milk and seasonings. Scatter the vegetables on top, ensuring they are spread out evenly. You can also add fresh garlic or a bay leaf for added flavor.
Step 3: Set the Crock Pot
Set the crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The long cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the vegetables and seasonings.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together to combine the meat with the vegetables and sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Biscuits
While the crock pot finishes cooking, bake the biscuits according to the package directions. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own biscuits or even try using frozen hash brown patties in an air fryer as a creative topping.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, ladle the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture into bowls and top each serving with a freshly baked biscuit. For a more indulgent touch, you can brush the biscuits with melted butter before serving.
Delicious Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Variations and Customizations
This crock pot chicken pot pie recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Protein Substitutions
If you prefer a different type of protein, you can easily substitute chicken breasts with turkey or even leftover smoked chicken thighs. Turkey works especially well around the holidays when you have leftovers to use up.
Vegetarian Option
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with tofu, tempeh, or a combination of mushrooms and beans for a hearty, plant-based meal.
Dairy-Free Version
For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, substitute the milk and cream with almond milk or coconut milk. You can also use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or create your own using plant-based ingredients.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While this recipe is straightforward, a few common issues can arise. Here are solutions to some of the most frequent challenges home cooks face when making crock pot chicken pot pie.
Watery Filling
If your chicken pot pie filling turns out too watery, you can easily thicken it by creating a cornstarch slurry. Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crock pot. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the filling reaches the desired consistency.
Curdling Dairy
Milk and cream can sometimes curdle during slow cooking. To prevent this, add the milk or cream during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. If you’re using non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk, this step becomes even more critical.
Under-cooked Vegetables
Fresh vegetables can sometimes take longer to cook in a crock pot. Therefore, if you’re using raw carrots, celery, or potatoes, chop them into small, even pieces and cook on high to ensure they soften properly. Alternatively, try using frozen vegetables, which will cook faster and more evenly.
Side Dishes to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
While crock pot chicken pot pie is a meal in itself, it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy filling of the pot pie.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor.
- Homemade Bread: In the absence of biscuits, you can serve the chicken pot pie filling with slices of crusty bread or homemade rolls.
Looking for more side ideas? Try experimenting with air fryer sweet potato cubes for a crispy, low-carb alternative.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
One of the best things about crock pot chicken pot pie is how well it stores and reheats. It’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make extra servings and save them for later.
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, first, place the chicken and vegetable filling in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. Meanwhile, biscuits can be stored separately at room temperature in an airtight container.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling in the microwave or on the stovetop. To keep the biscuits fresh, reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to retain their crisp texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze crock pot chicken pot pie, place the filling in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move the container to the refrigerator the night before you plan to reheat. You can bake fresh biscuits while the filling warms up, or you can freeze them separately if desired.
FAQs About Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables are a great option. Just be sure to chop them into small, even pieces to ensure they cook properly in the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk. You can also use a dairy-free version of cream of chicken soup.
What should I do if the filling is too watery?
To thicken the filling, first, stir in a cornstarch slurry and then cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes. As a result, the filling will thicken as it simmers.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! If you have leftover rotisserie or smoked chicken thighs, simply shred it and add it to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Crock pot chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a hearty family dinner or using up leftover chicken, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to impress.
Looking for more recipes like this? Try experimenting with crock pot cube steak recipes for a similar slow-cooked meal that’s packed with flavor.