Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie: A Comforting Classic Made Easy

Jonas October 21, 2024


Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food that brings together flaky, buttery pie crust and a creamy chicken filling packed with vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a dish that can impress at a family gathering, this pot pie is perfect. Thanks to the convenience of Pillsbury pie crust, you can skip the hassle of making dough from scratch, saving time while still enjoying a homemade feel. Let’s explore how to make this easy, delicious chicken pot pie!

Table of Contents

Why Choose Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie?



Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is a timeless dish that combines comfort and convenience. Here’s why this dish stands out:

  1. Easy and Time-Saving: Using Pillsbury pie crust simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on making a rich, creamy filling without the extra work of homemade dough.
  2. Family-Friendly: This pot pie is a hit with both kids and adults alike. The savory chicken and vegetable filling encased in a flaky crust makes it an irresistible meal.
  3. Versatile: You can customize the filling to suit your family’s preferences by adding different vegetables or even swapping chicken for turkey or beef.

Ingredients for Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

To make this comforting classic, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (you can use mixed vegetables as well)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp thyme (optional)

For the Crust:

  • 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts (contains 2 crusts)

Step-by-Step Recipe: Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce.
  • Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking to combine. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the shredded chicken, peas, carrots, corn, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder and thyme. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust

  • Roll out one of the Pillsbury pie crusts and fit it into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
  • Spoon the chicken mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Add the Top Crust

  • Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it over the filling. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal them, then trim any excess dough. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers for a decorative finish.
  • Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

  • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills, then bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  • If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

  • Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.

Enjoy your Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie warm, and savor the rich flavors of the flaky crust and creamy chicken filling!

Customizing Your Chicken Pot Pie

One of the great things about Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is how easy it is to customize to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

1. Swap the Chicken:

  • If you prefer, you can use cooked turkey or leftover roast beef instead of chicken. This is a great way to use up holiday leftovers!

2. Change Up the Veggies:

  • While peas, carrots, and corn are classic pot pie veggies, you can add or substitute other vegetables like green beans, diced potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

3. Make It Creamier:

  • For an even richer filling, replace the milk with heavy cream or add a splash of half-and-half.

4. Add Cheese:

  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese into the filling for a cheesy twist on the classic pot pie.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Pot Pie

1. Use Leftover Chicken:

  • Using leftover or rotisserie chicken saves time and makes this recipe even easier. It also adds a deeper flavor to the filling.

2. Avoid Soggy Crust:

  • To prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy, you can prebake it for about 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.

3. Make It Ahead:

  • You can prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, just assemble the pie with the crust and bake it fresh.

4. Freeze for Later:

  • This pie freezes well. Assemble the pot pie but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 400°F (204°C) for about 45-50 minutes, covering the edges of the crust if they brown too quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie with a different type of pie crust?

Yes, while Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust is a convenient option, you can use homemade pie crust or any other store-bought brand if you prefer. Just make sure the crust is chilled before rolling it out.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this recipe by using gluten-free pie crust and substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the filling.

3. How do I store leftover chicken pot pie?

Store any leftover pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave until heated through.

4. Can I freeze cooked chicken pot pie?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken pot pie. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven until warmed through.

5. Can I make mini chicken pot pies with this recipe?

Absolutely! You can divide the filling among smaller ramekins or use a muffin tin to make mini chicken pot pies. Just cut the Pillsbury pie crust into smaller circles and adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to make, thanks to the convenience of Pillsbury pie crust. With its flaky, golden crust and rich, creamy filling packed with chicken and vegetables, this pot pie is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try out this classic recipe and enjoy the warm, homey flavors in every bite!





Jonas

Posted by Jonas

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