There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about digging into a warm, flaky pie filled with tender chicken and creamy veggies. This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe hits all those cozy notes with a rich filling and buttery crust that’s worth every minute it takes to make.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this pot pie countless times, and what never fails is the perfect balance between the creamy filling and that crisp, golden crust. It's one of those recipes that feels fancy but is totally achievable on a weeknight if you plan ahead.
- Rich, Creamy Filling: The sauce is velvety and full of flavor thanks to a blend of herbs, butter, and a touch of chicken bouillon for depth.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and brings back happy memories.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling or dough in advance, which makes dinner day way easier.
- Customizable: Whether you want to sneak in extra veggies or use a store-bought crust, you can tweak it to what works for you.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient plays a role in making this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe a standout. The potatoes add substance, the herbs bring freshness, and the butter and flour marry everything into a rich sauce. Let’s break down why each one matters and what to look for at the store.
- Chicken: I usually use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time—it’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for pot pie.
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my favorite—they hold their shape well after cooking and add a lovely creaminess.
- Carrots, celery, and onion: The classic trio that builds the base flavor; make sure they’re fresh and crisp.
- Butter and olive oil: Using both gives richness and helps sauté veggies without burning.
- Flour: This thickens the sauce just right; remember to toast it slightly in the fat before adding liquids for best flavor.
- Chicken broth and bouillon: The broth is the foundation of the sauce; adding bouillon powder or base boosts savory notes tremendously.
- Milk: Combined with cornstarch, it creates that luscious creamy texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- Herbs and spices: Parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, and more add complexity and warmth, so don’t skip them!
- Frozen peas: They add a pop of color and sweetness; toss them in frozen to keep their texture nice.
- Pie crust: Homemade is wonderful if you have time, but a good-quality store-bought crust works beautifully too.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe my own depending on what’s in season or what leftover veggies I have on hand. It’s a forgiving recipe that invites creativity without losing its comforting charm.
- Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I swap out peas for green beans or add mushrooms for an earthy note—both go wonderfully with the creamy filling.
- Dairy-Free Option: I’ve experimented with coconut milk and dairy-free butter, and while it changes the flavor, it still turns out tasty and comforting.
- Spice Level: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives it a subtle warmth that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
- Crust Choices: Occasionally, I use puff pastry instead of pie crust for a lighter, flakier top that everyone loves.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough and Chill
Start by making your pie dough or grabbing a store-bought crust if you’re short on time. I usually make mine a day ahead because chilling it firmly makes rolling out easier and results in that flaky, buttery finish. If you don’t have two hours to chill, at least an hour will help.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Potatoes
Microwave the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes with a splash of water until fork tender—this speeds up the cooking and keeps the texture just right. Meanwhile, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter and olive oil until the onions soften and the veggies smell sweet and aromatic, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic last so it doesn’t burn, just a quick saute for 30 seconds is perfect.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then slowly whisk in the chicken broth and the milk mixed with cornstarch. Lower the heat and add all your herbs and chicken bouillon right here. Stir, simmer, and whisk until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency. This is key: don’t rush this step. Your patience here pays off in flavor and texture.
Step 4: Combine Filling Ingredients
Off the heat, stir in shredded chicken, drained potatoes, and frozen peas. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If your mixture looks too thick, add a little broth or milk to loosen it — it should be creamy yet spoonable.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Transfer your filling into a deep 9-inch pie dish. Roll out the chilled dough on floured parchment to an 11-12 inch circle, then gently lay it over the filling. Fold the edges under and crimp or flute as you like. Don’t forget to cut slits on top, so steam escapes in the oven—this keeps your crust from getting soggy.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the top lightly with egg wash for that gorgeous golden finish, avoiding the edges so they brown evenly. Bake at 375°F for 40-55 minutes, watching carefully—you want a deeply golden crust without burning. I sometimes cover edges with foil halfway through baking if they brown too fast.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Give your pot pie about 5-10 minutes to cool—it’s tempting to dig in immediately, but this rest helps the filling set so every slice comes out neat and luscious.
Top Tip
This recipe has lots of moving parts, and I found a few tricks over time that make all the difference. Once you get these down, your pot pie will come out perfectly every time.
- Don’t Skip Chilling Dough: Cold dough is less likely to shrink or get tough during baking. I always make it the day before if I can.
- Toast Your Flour: Cooking the flour in fat briefly before adding liquid prevents a raw flour taste and helps your sauce thicken evenly.
- Use Frozen Peas Straight: Adding them frozen keeps them bright and sweet, plus the heat from the sauce cooks them perfectly without mushiness.
- Cover Pie Edges if Needed: If your crust edges brown too fast, foil them halfway through baking to protect while the center finishes crisping.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving—it adds that cheerful green pop and brightness that balances the richness. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper on top also adds a nice kick.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. I also love serving this pot pie alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy cranberry sauce for some festive flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I’ve made mini pot pies in ramekins or muffin tins—cute, portable, and perfect for portion control. Another time, I used a lattice crust for an elegant touch that impressed my guests without much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate. The pot pie tastes fantastic up to five days after baking—you might even find the flavors deepen overnight.
Freezing
I often freeze unbaked pot pies wrapped in foil, and they keep really well for up to three months. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then pop them in the oven as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer the oven to keep the crust crisp—just cover with foil and warm at 300°F for 20-30 minutes. For a quick fix, the microwave works fine but might leave the crust a bit soft.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms, tofu, or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth along with vegan butter for the sauce. The filling will still be creamy and delicious.
To keep the bottom crust crisp, make sure your filling isn’t too watery. Thicken your sauce well before filling the pie and avoid adding extra liquid. Also, baking on a preheated baking sheet can help the crust crisp up nicely.
Yes! Cool the leftover pie completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When reheating, thaw overnight and warm in the oven to maintain crust crispiness.
I like reheating slices in an air fryer at 365°F for about 5 minutes, which crisps the crust while warming the filling evenly. Alternatively, the microwave works if you’re in a hurry, just be mindful the crust may soften.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that takes a little effort but rewards you with genuine comfort and homemade love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy solo night, I promise it’s worth every step. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked on the flaky crust and that luscious, herb-packed filling before long.
Print
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A comforting classic chicken pot pie featuring a flaky pie crust filled with tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy savory sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 recipe pie crust (or store-bought pie crust)
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (egg wash)
Pot Pie Filling
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 ½ cups shredded chicken (like rotisserie)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- ¾ cup sliced celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons chicken bouillon
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon rubbed sage
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (do not thaw)
Instructions
- Make the Pie Dough: Prepare the pie dough according to your recipe or use store-bought crust. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight up to 5 days to ensure it is firm and easy to work with.
- Prep the Filling Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch until smooth and set aside. Place chopped potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with ¼ cup water, cover, and microwave for 6 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large braiser, saucepan, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for 6-8 minutes until onions soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in chicken broth, the milk-cornstarch mixture (whisk again before adding), chicken bouillon, and all the dried herbs and spices.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently, and continue to simmer until thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust thickness if needed by adding more liquid or simmering longer.
- Combine Filling: Remove from heat and stir in shredded chicken, cooked potatoes, and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust sauce consistency if necessary. Transfer the filling to a 9-inch, 1 ½ to 2-inch deep pie pan.
- Prepare the Top Crust: Roll out the chilled dough on lightly floured parchment paper into an 11 or 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough over the filling, peeling back the parchment paper.
- Form and Flute Edges: Fold the excess dough over itself to create a thick crust edge. Flute or crimp edges with a fork. Cut 6-8 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Lightly brush the top crust with egg wash, avoiding the edges.
- Bake the Pot Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. If edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie crust shield. Add additional slits to vent steam if crust puffs up unevenly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your classic chicken pot pie.
Notes
- Chicken bouillon adds depth and savory complexity to the gravy. Use powder, cubes, or base without pre-dissolving.
- The filling can be made and refrigerated up to 48 hours ahead; reheat gently with extra milk if needed before assembling the pie.
- The pie dough can be refrigerated for 5 days or frozen for 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
- To store leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave (start with 90 seconds, then 15-second increments), air fryer at 365°F for 5 minutes, or oven covered with foil at 300°F for 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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