There’s nothing quite like the cozy, comforting flavors of Chicken Pot Pie. But when you're pressed for time, making a traditional pot pie from scratch can feel daunting. That's where the Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie comes in! This slow cooker version captures all the creamy goodness of the classic dish, but with less effort and hands-on time. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce come together to create a comforting meal—all cooked in your trusty crock pot. Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!
What is Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?
Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a slow cooker version of the classic pot pie, minus the labor-intensive crust. Instead of baking in the oven with a pie crust, the chicken, vegetables, and sauce cook slowly in a crock pot until everything is tender and flavorful. Toward the end, biscuits or puff pastry are baked separately and served on top to create that traditional, flaky pot pie experience.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, as it requires minimal prep time, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder (with the exception of baking the biscuits), making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients List for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make a warm and comforting Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
For the Topping:
- 1 can of refrigerated biscuits (or homemade biscuits)
- OR 1 sheet puff pastry (for a flaky crust option)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Extra black pepper
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is highly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients:
- Protein Substitutes: While chicken breasts or thighs are traditional, you can easily substitute them with turkey, or even make this dish vegetarian by using chickpeas or tofu.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy cream alternative. Use a vegan biscuit recipe or skip the biscuits for a lighter option.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap or add vegetables. Green beans, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes can be great additions. You can also adjust the frozen peas and corn with other vegetables like frozen green beans or even broccoli.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to change the flavor profile. Fresh herbs can also be added toward the end for a burst of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for thickening and pair with gluten-free biscuits or a gluten-free puff pastry for a fully gluten-free meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie in your slow cooker:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave the breasts whole (they will shred easily after cooking).
- Prepare the vegetables: peel and slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, slice the celery, and dice the onion. Set aside.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
- Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, garlic, peas, and corn to the crock pot.
- Sprinkle the thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot.
Step 4: Cook on Low
- Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- About 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by whisking together the flour and a few tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl.
- Stir the slurry into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for another 30 minutes on Low while you prepare the biscuits or puff pastry.
Step 6: Bake the Biscuits or Puff Pastry
- For Biscuits: Preheat your oven according to the biscuit package instructions. Bake the biscuits as directed, and once golden, set them aside.
- For Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Step 7: Shred the Chicken (Optional)
- If you left the chicken breasts whole, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot before serving.
Step 8: Serve
- Spoon the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture into bowls.
- Top each serving with a biscuit or a piece of puff pastry for that delicious pot pie experience.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra black pepper if desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie, here are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results:
- Skipping the Thickener: Forgetting to thicken the sauce can result in a runny filling. Adding a flour slurry or cornstarch is essential for a thick, rich sauce.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if cooked too long. If using chicken breasts, try to check for doneness around the 6-hour mark on Low.
- Not Pre-Baking the Topping: Whether you use biscuits or puff pastry, always bake them separately. Putting raw dough directly in the slow cooker won’t allow it to cook properly, resulting in a soggy texture.
- Overcrowding the Crock Pot: Be sure not to overfill your slow cooker, as it can affect how evenly everything cooks. If your slow cooker is smaller, you may want to scale back the recipe slightly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Family Style: Serve the chicken pot pie directly from the crock pot with a basket of warm biscuits or puff pastry on the side. Let everyone help themselves.
- Individual Bowls: Ladle the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture into individual bowls, then top each with a freshly baked biscuit or a piece of puff pastry for a classic pot pie presentation.
Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and flavor. You can also add a crack of freshly ground black pepper on top.
- Side Suggestions: Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the pot pie. A side of garlic bread or crusty French bread also pairs nicely.
Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Tips
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the crock pot or on the stovetop and bake fresh biscuits or puff pastry.
- Freezing Tip: The chicken pot pie filling freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you like your pot pie extra creamy, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or even stir in a bit of cream cheese during the last hour of cooking for a richer texture.
- Using Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the crock pot with the vegetables, reducing the cook time to 2-3 hours on Low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but keep in mind that it will increase the cooking time slightly. Always make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
2. Can I cook this recipe on High?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook this dish on High for 3-4 hours. Just make sure to check the chicken for doneness and that the vegetables are tender.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce, and pair it with gluten-free biscuits or skip the biscuits altogether for a gluten-free meal.
4. What can I do if the sauce is too runny?
If the sauce is too runny, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crock pot and let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe brings all the comforting flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie into an easy, hands-off slow cooker meal. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it's perfect for any occasion. Pair it with freshly baked biscuits or puff pastry to create a complete, cozy meal the whole family will love. Give this recipe a try, and let the slow cooker do the work for you while you enjoy the delicious results!
PrintCrock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
This crock pot chicken pot pie recipe delivers all the classic flavors of chicken pot pie with the ease of a slow cooker. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce are slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with buttery biscuits, this dish makes for the ultimate comfort food and a family favorite. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) / 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours (low) / 4-5 hours (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (optional topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add cubed chicken, mixed vegetables, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the crock pot.
- Stir in the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, bake the refrigerated biscuits according to package instructions.
- Stir the crock pot mixture, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot with biscuits on top or on the side.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the crock pot.
- Frozen vegetables can be used for convenience.
- Substitute the biscuits with puff pastry or pie crust for a different topping option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1000mg
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