Easy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce all enveloped in a flaky crust. This dish not only offers a delightful blend of flavors but also provides the convenience of slow cooking, allowing you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. With this recipe, you can come home to a warm and filling dinner ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends and family. The best part? You can customize it based on your personal preferences! Whether you choose to add more vegetables or adjust the spices to your liking, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this classic dish in your crock pot.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
• Fresh Carrots: Choose firm carrots that are bright in color; they add sweetness and texture to the pot pie
• Frozen Peas: These are convenient and add a pop of color; no need to thaw them before use
• Onion: A medium onion adds depth of flavor; chop it finely for even distribution throughout the dish
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness of the dish

For the Sauce:

• Cream of Chicken Soup: This serves as the base of the sauce; opt for a low-fat version if you’d like to lighten it up
• Dried Thyme: A key herb that enhances the overall flavor profile; fresh thyme can be used if available

For the Crust:

• Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts: Super convenient; simply roll them out over the top of your filling before cooking

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chopping your onions and carrots.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot

Place the diced chicken into your crock pot followed by chopped onions, carrots, frozen peas, dried thyme, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup with chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture over your layered ingredients.

Step 4: Cook on Low Setting

Cover your crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for about six hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Add Pie Crust

After cooking time is complete, carefully place rolled-out pie crust over the top of the mixture inside the crock pot.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Cover again and let cook on high heat for an additional hour or until the crust is golden brown.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
• Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight in spices or broth

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

This Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling for your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie a day in advance. Chop the vegetables and cook the chicken before combining them in an airtight container. This prep should take about 30 minutes.
• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it, where it can last for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for about 3–5 minutes until hot. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Suggestions for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Use the Right Chicken Cut

Choosing the correct cut of chicken is crucial for your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie. While many people opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts due to their convenience, using thighs may yield a more flavorful and moist dish. Thighs have higher fat content, which helps them remain tender during the slow cooking process. If you prefer white meat, consider mixing in some thigh meat for better results. Additionally, ensure that the chicken pieces are uniformly sized to promote even cooking. This attention to detail can make a significant difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor profile.

Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken

Browning your chicken before adding it to the Crock Pot is an often-overlooked step that can significantly enhance the overall taste of your Chicken Pot Pie. Searing the chicken creates a Maillard reaction, which adds depth and richness to the dish. To achieve this, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook each piece of chicken until golden brown on all sides before transferring it to the slow cooker. This extra step may take a few minutes but will elevate your dish from good to great, providing a deliciously savory flavor throughout.

Avoid Overcooking Your Vegetables

While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking vegetables can lead to mushy textures that detract from your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie experience. To prevent this, consider adding sturdier vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the beginning of cooking while reserving softer ones like peas until the last hour. This method allows each vegetable to maintain its integrity and adds a pleasing contrast in texture within your pie filling. Remember that timing is key; pay attention to when each type of vegetable should be added for optimal results.

Use Quality Broth or Stock

The broth or stock you choose plays a pivotal role in defining the flavor of your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie. Opt for high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock if possible; this will impart a rich and savory base for your dish. Avoid low-sodium options unless you plan on adjusting salt levels later on, as bland broth can result in a lackluster pie filling. Adding fresh herbs or seasonings can also elevate the overall taste profile. A well-seasoned broth ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?

To prepare a delicious Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie, gather essential ingredients such as boneless chicken (preferably thighs), carrots, celery, potatoes, peas, onion, garlic, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. You’ll also need chicken broth as a flavorful base and cream or milk to add richness to the sauce. For seasoning, use salt and pepper according to taste. Lastly, consider using refrigerated pie crusts or biscuit dough for topping your pot pie. These ingredients combine beautifully to create a comforting meal that everyone will love.

How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?

Cooking time for your Crock Pot Chicken Pie varies depending on your appliance settings and ingredient quantities. Typically, it takes about 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat for everything to become perfectly tender and meld together nicely. Ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving to guarantee food safety. Cooking low and slow allows flavors to develop fully while ensuring that meats remain juicy and vegetables retain some texture.

Can I freeze leftover Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?

Yes! Freezing leftover Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is an excellent way to preserve any extra portions you may have after enjoying this delectable meal. Allow the pot pie filling to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers or freezer bags labeled with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without losing much quality. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in an oven until warmed through.

How do I thicken my crock pot chicken pot pie?

If you find that your filling is too runny after cooking your Crock Chicken Pot, there are several methods you can use to thicken it up effectively. One popular method involves creating a slurry by combining cornstarch with cold water; gradually stir this mixture into the hot filling until it thickens up as desired. Alternatively, you could remove some liquid from your pot pie and reduce it on the stove before returning it back into the mixture for added concentration of flavor as well as thickness.

Conclusion for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

In summary, crafting an exquisite Crock Pot Chicken Pot relies heavily on selecting quality ingredients and following precise preparation steps. Start with choosing appropriate cuts of chicken and don’t underestimate browning them first; these details truly enhance flavor profiles significantly! Pay careful attention when adding vegetables at different intervals so they maintain their textures throughout cooking processes too! Finally remember using premium broths alongside effective thickening techniques will yield delightful results every time you prepare this classic comfort food dish! Enjoying hearty servings of crockpot goodness awaits!