7 Best Chicken Pot Pie Recipes Creamy and Comforting

What Makes a Great Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Comfort Food

Okay, let's be real. Chicken pot pie is basically a hug in a dish. It's that warm, comforting food that instantly makes you feel better, no matter what's going on. But what exactly makes a *great* chicken pot pie? It's more than just chicken and veggies in a creamy sauce. It's about the perfect balance of flavors, the texture of the crust, and that overall feeling of cozy satisfaction. We're talking about a dish that's both hearty and flavorful, easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for a special occasion. So, let’s dive into what elevates a chicken pot pie from good to absolutely unforgettable, exploring key elements like the creamy filling, the perfect crust, and the quality of ingredients.

The Creamy Chicken Filling Recipes for Best Chicken Pot Pie

The heart of any chicken pot pie is, of course, the filling. This is where you get to play with flavors and textures. A great filling should be creamy, but not soupy. It should have a good balance of vegetables and chicken, and a flavor that's rich and satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cook chicken specifically for the pie. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay moist better than chicken breasts, but either will work. Aim for about 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken.
• Vegetables: The classic combo is carrots, peas, and potatoes, but you can add other vegetables like celery, mushrooms, green beans, or corn. Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient option, but fresh vegetables will give you a better flavor and texture. Aim for about 2-3 cups of chopped vegetables.
• Sauce: The sauce is what brings everything together. A classic sauce is made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor. Some recipes call for a roux (butter and flour cooked together) to thicken the sauce, while others use cornstarch. A touch of sherry or white wine can also add depth of flavor.

Perfect Chicken Pot Pie Crust Recipes: Flaky or Biscuit

The crust is just as important as the filling. A good crust should be flaky, buttery, and golden brown. There are two main types of crusts: flaky pastry crust and biscuit crust. Both have their advantages and disadvantages:

• Flaky Pastry Crust: This is the classic pot pie crust. It's made with flour, butter, shortening, salt, and cold water. The key to a flaky crust is to keep the ingredients cold and to avoid overworking the dough. You can buy pre-made pie crusts, but making your own is definitely worth the effort.
• Biscuit Crust: This is a quicker and easier option. It's made with flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and sometimes cheese or herbs. The biscuit dough is dropped or spread over the filling and baked until golden brown. This crust is less flaky than pastry crust, but it's still delicious and satisfying.

7 Amazing Chicken Pot Pie Recipes You Have To Try

Alright, enough talk! Let's get to the recipes. Here are 7 of the best chicken pot pie recipes you can find, each with its own unique twist:

1. Classic Chicken Pot Pie: This is your go-to recipe for a traditional chicken pot pie with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy filling.
2. Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie: A quick and easy version with a biscuit crust, perfect for weeknights.
3. Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry: Uses store-bought puff pastry for an extra-flaky and impressive crust.
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie: The filling is made in the slow cooker, making it a super convenient option.
5. Individual Chicken Pot Pies: Made in ramekins for a cute and portion-controlled meal.
6. Chicken Pot Pie Soup: A deconstructed version of the classic dish, perfect for a lighter meal.
7. Chicken Pot Pie with Sweet Potato Crust: Adds a unique and healthy twist with a sweet potato crust.

Must-Have Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients: Brands and Where to Buy

To make the perfect chicken pot pie, you need the right ingredients. Here are some of my favorite brands and where to find them:

• Chicken Broth: Swanson is a reliable brand that’s widely available. You can find it at most grocery stores like Kroger, Walmart, and Target. For a richer flavor, consider using Better Than Bouillon chicken base mixed with water. It’s available at many grocery stores and online at Amazon.
• Frozen Vegetables: Birds Eye is a classic brand for frozen vegetables. Their mixed vegetables are perfect for pot pie. Available at most grocery stores.
• Pie Crust: For store-bought, Pillsbury is a good option. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. If you want to make your own, use high-quality butter like Kerrygold for the best flavor. Kerrygold is available at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and some larger grocery stores.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs work in a pinch. McCormick is a reliable brand for dried herbs, available at most grocery stores.

Chicken Pot Pie Baking Tools: Top Brands for Your Kitchen

Having the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen. Here are some of my favorite tools for making chicken pot pie:

• Pie Dish: A good pie dish is essential. Pyrex glass pie dishes are durable and affordable. Available at most grocery stores and online. For a more decorative option, consider a ceramic pie dish from Emile Henry. These are available at specialty kitchen stores and online.
• Rolling Pin: A good rolling pin is essential for making pie crust. A French rolling pin (tapered at the ends) is a good option. Available at most kitchen stores and online.
• Pastry Blender: A pastry blender is used to cut the butter into the flour when making pie crust. Available at most kitchen stores and online.

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Cost Comparison: Store-Bought vs Homemade

Making chicken pot pie from scratch takes time and effort, but is it worth it compared to buying a pre-made pie? Let's break down the cost:

• Store-Bought Chicken Pot Pie: A frozen chicken pot pie from the grocery store typically costs between $5 and $10. Brands like Marie Callender's are widely available.
• Homemade Chicken Pot Pie: The cost of making a homemade chicken pot pie depends on the ingredients you use. Assuming you have some ingredients on hand (like flour and butter), the cost of the chicken, vegetables, and broth will likely be between $10 and $15.

While store-bought pot pies are cheaper, homemade pot pies are generally more flavorful and satisfying. Plus, you have control over the ingredients.

Chicken Pot Pie Serving Suggestions: What to Serve With It

Chicken pot pie is a hearty meal on its own, but it's even better when served with the right sides. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the rich pot pie.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Cranberry Sauce: A small scoop of cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the savory pot pie.