If you’re craving a warm, hearty dish that combines simplicity with deliciousness, look no further than Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie. This recipe brings together tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce all topped with a flaky pie crust—without the hassle of spending hours in the kitchen. Using a crockpot makes this classic dish even easier to prepare.
Slow-cooking the ingredients allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while the chicken stays moist and tender. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or meal prepping, this dish is a great way to serve up comfort food without the stress. Moreover, it’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for those who prefer less time in the kitchen.
Why Slow-Cooked Chicken Pot Pie is Perfect for Busy Days
When life gets busy, preparing a wholesome meal can feel overwhelming. For that reason, the crockpot is your kitchen’s unsung hero! Using a slow cooker for dishes like chicken pot pie has numerous benefits:
- Hands-Off Cooking: The crockpot does all the work. You just throw in the ingredients, set the timer, and let it work its magic.
- Enhanced Flavor: Slow-cooking allows the flavors of the chicken and vegetables to develop fully, making the dish richer and more delicious.
- Tender Chicken: The low, slow heat of the crockpot ensures the chicken comes out juicy and tender every time.
With minimal prep and no need to babysit the stove, Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. As a result, this recipe is perfect for anyone juggling work, family, and other commitments.
Simple Ingredients for a Hearty Chicken Pot Pie
The beauty of Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The heart of this dish, chicken provides the bulk of the protein.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: These classic veggies add color, texture, and nutrition.
- 1 cup diced potatoes: Potatoes give the dish body and make it extra filling.
- 1 cup diced celery: Adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- 1 cup diced onions: Onions lend depth and sweetness to the dish.
- 2 cups chicken broth: This forms the base of the sauce, keeping the chicken moist and adding flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For creaminess and richness, heavy cream is essential.
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, ensuring the filling is luscious without being runny.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb for pot pies that adds warmth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Enhances the savory aspect of the dish.
- 1 refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry: The flaky topping that turns this crockpot dish into a pie.
This simple list of ingredients can be easily modified to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. For example, if you prefer dark meat chicken, you can swap out the chicken breasts for thighs. Furthermore, if you want more vegetables, feel free to add them!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Pot Pie in the Crockpot
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. To begin with, follow these simple steps to create a delicious, comforting Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie that the whole family will love.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure to prep all your vegetables. Dice the potatoes, celery, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, the peas and carrots can stay as they are if you’re using frozen, which is a convenient option that saves time. Alternatively, if you’re using fresh vegetables, give them a quick blanching before adding them to the crockpot.
The chicken breasts don’t need to be pre-cooked. As they cook in the crockpot, they will absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings, becoming tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures they cook thoroughly and are surrounded by the vegetables and broth, keeping them juicy. Next, add the diced vegetables—potatoes, celery, onions, and peas and carrots—over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth on top, ensuring that the vegetables and chicken are mostly submerged in the liquid.
Then, season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything gently to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook for 6-7 Hours
Set your crockpot on low and let the ingredients cook for about 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high and cook for 3-4 hours. However, the longer, slower cooking process tends to develop the flavors better, making for a richer, more satisfying dish.
As the chicken cooks, it will become tender and start to fall apart. The vegetables will soften, and the broth will take on the flavors of the herbs and chicken, creating a delicious, savory filling.
Shredding the Chicken and Thickening the Sauce
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, use a pair of tongs or two forks to remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the crockpot. After that, stir the shredded chicken into the vegetable and broth mixture so it’s evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour (or cornstarch) to create a slurry. This will help thicken the filling, turning it from a broth-like consistency into the creamy, rich filling you expect from a pot pie.
Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir it into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Let the filling cook for another 30 minutes on low, allowing it to thicken. You should notice the sauce becoming more cohesive and creamy.
Pro Tip: Additionally, for an even richer flavor, consider adding a bit of gravy. If you’re looking for a simple and delicious gravy recipe, you can try this mashed potatoes and gravy recipe, which would make a perfect side for your pot pie.
Adding the Pie Crust and Baking the Pot Pie
Step 6: Add the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). At this point, you’ll need to transfer the chicken and vegetable filling into an oven-safe dish. This step is crucial because, while the crockpot does a great job of cooking the filling, it can’t give you the crispy, flaky crust that makes a pot pie so irresistible.
Roll out your refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry and carefully place it over the top of the dish, covering the filling entirely. Remember to use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the crust is golden and flaky, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot. Finally, scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting, hearty Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Pot Pie
To ensure your Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie turns out perfectly, here are some tips and tricks:
1. Use Dark Meat Chicken for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are a lean, healthy option, using dark meat like chicken thighs can add extra flavor and moisture to your pot pie. Moreover, thighs tend to be more forgiving in the slow cooker and won’t dry out as easily as breasts.
2. Thickening the Filling: If your filling seems too thin even after adding the cream and flour mixture, let it cook uncovered in the crockpot for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow some of the moisture to evaporate and the sauce to thicken naturally.
3. Alternative Crust Ideas: Not a fan of traditional pie crust? Try using puff pastry for a lighter, flakier topping. Alternatively, you can also use biscuit dough for a fun twist—simply spoon dollops of dough over the filling before baking, and you’ll have a unique biscuit-topped pot pie.
4. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to bulk up your pot pie by adding extra vegetables. Mushrooms, corn, or green beans are great additions that complement the creamy chicken filling. You can also substitute the peas and carrots for other vegetables you prefer.
Creative Variations on Classic Chicken Pot Pie
The versatility of Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie makes it a dish that can easily be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to customize your pot pie:
Vegetarian Crockpot Pot Pie: Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or firm tofu to create a vegetarian version. In addition, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and load up on hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Beef Pot Pie: If you love pot pies but prefer beef over chicken, you might want to try this beef pot pie recipe. It’s a delicious twist on the classic, with rich beefy flavors and a satisfying texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crust and a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder to create a gluten-free version of this dish. Additionally, ensure your chicken broth and any other prepared ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Lightened-Up Version: For a lighter version of this recipe, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of pie crust. You can even skip the crust altogether and serve the filling as a stew or over mashed potatoes for a hearty but healthier option.
Your Questions About Making Chicken Pot Pie in the Crockpot, Answered
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. To freeze, simply let the filling cool completely after cooking. Transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven until warmed through. Add the pie crust or puff pastry just before baking to maintain its flakiness.
What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie?
While Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is a meal in itself, you can always serve it with a few complementary sides. Consider adding a fresh, crisp salad or roasted sweet potatoes for extra texture and flavor. Alternatively, garlic bread or buttered rolls can be a great way to soak up any extra sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the crockpot. However, make sure to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. If you’re concerned about food safety, you can thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying a Delicious Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, hearty dish that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. Above all, the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flaky crust is irresistible, making this dish a staple in any kitchen.
With a few easy modifications, you can tailor this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences, ensuring it becomes a favorite in your household. Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy for the ultimate comfort meal, or serve it on its own for a satisfying, all-in-one dinner.
Make sure to give Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie a try—you’ll soon see why it’s one of the best comfort food dishes you can make with minimal effort. Enjoy!