Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is a delightful comfort food that warms the soul. This dish is everything you love about traditional pot pie but made effortless by a slow cooker. Imagine tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce all enveloped in a flaky crust. The result is an amazing meal that you can prepare with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to the inviting aroma of a homemade chicken pot pie, knowing that a hearty meal is waiting for you.

If you’ve ever tasted a chicken pot pie, you understand why it is a beloved classic. The combination of flavors and textures creates a comforting warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Best of all, using a crockpot means you can let the ingredients meld together throughout the day, maximizing flavor and texture effortlessly. In this article, we’ll explore why this recipe is so special, how to prepare it, and tips for serving it to impress your guests or family.

This Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is as simple as it is satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll immerse yourself in a culinary adventure that celebrates comfort food at its finest. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this incredible dish!

Preparation and Cooking Time

The convenience of the Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is enhanced by its manageable preparation and cooking times. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
• Total Time: Approximately 6-8 hours and 20 minutes, depending on your cooking setting

These times will help you plan your day, knowing that this comforting dish is just a crockpot away!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps for a mouthwatering result:

1. Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add Vegetables: Layer the chopped onions, sliced carrots, frozen peas, and diced potatoes on top of the chicken.
3. Mix Sauces: In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour Sauce: Pour the mixture over the layered chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. Ensure everything is well coated.
5. Cook: Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and shreddable.
6. Shred Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Mix thoroughly so it blends with the filling.
7. Prepare Crust: As the filling cooks, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pie crust into a pie dish.
8. Combine Crust and Filling: Pour the chicken and vegetable filling into the prepared pie crust. Cover with the second pie crust, crimp the edges to seal, and cut slits in the top for steam to escape.
9. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10. Cool Slightly: Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let the filling set.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving the Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie, here are some tips to make it even more delightful:

1. Presentation: Use a beautiful pie dish to showcase the rustic charm of your pot pie. A well-browned crust adds an inviting touch.
2. Side Dishes: Pair it with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The balance will highlight the flavors of the pot pie.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, on top just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
4. Individual Portions: For a fun twist, consider making individual pot pies in ramekins or small dishes. These individual servings make for a charming presentation at dinner parties.
5. Beverage Pairing: Complement your pot pie with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a light and enjoyable meal experience.

By following these serving suggestions, you can elevate the dining experience and impress your guests or family with this incredible culinary masterpiece!

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select fresh chicken and vegetables. Frozen vegetables work well, but fresh options can enhance taste.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Each ingredient can vary in strength.
• Thicken Filling: If needed, create a thicker filling by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water about 30 minutes before serving.
• Enhance Flavor: Adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of lemon zest can elevate the overall flavor of your pot pie.

Recipe Variation

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ideas to keep the dish exciting:

1. Herb Variations: Change the dried thyme for rosemary or sage for a different aromatic flavor.
2. Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey or even a vegetarian protein like chickpeas or beyond meat product for a plant-based option.
3. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
4. Creamy Mushroom Variation: Add cremini mushrooms for an earthy twist that will add depth to your filling.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep the pot pie covered in the refrigerator when not being served. Properly stored, it should maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

To make the Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie, consider having these tools handy:

• Crockpot: A good quality slow cooker makes a significant difference in how well the flavors meld together.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining your filling ingredients before adding them to the crockpot.
• Pie Dish: For baking the pie crust and serving your delicious dish.
• Shredding Tools: Use two forks for shredding chicken easily right in the crockpot.
• Rolling Pin: If using homemade crust, a rolling pin will be essential for shaping your pie crusts.

Conclusion

The Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is the epitome of comfort food, combining convenience and heartiness in one delicious dish. With simple preparation and the magic of slow cooking, it delivers a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for gatherings or just a quiet night at home. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up the crockpot, and get ready for a culinary treat that will surely become a favorite in your home!