Craving the comforting taste of chicken pot pie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Using a crock pot allows you to enjoy this classic dish with minimal prep and maximum flavor. The slow cooking process melds the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and creamy filling perfectly, resulting in a hearty meal the whole family will love.
What Makes Chicken Pot Pie in a Crock Pot Special?
When you cook chicken pot pie in a crock pot, you gain several advantages:
- Convenience: Add all the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Enhanced Flavor: Slow cooking brings out the richness of the chicken and vegetables.
- Time-saving: Perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal with little effort.
You can even customize your chicken pot pie by using leftovers. If you’re wondering about how to prepare chicken best, check out Should I Cook Chicken Before Adding to Gumbo? For tips on handling chicken in slow-cooked meals.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Here are the basic ingredients for this simple recipe:
- 3 boneless chicken breasts (or use thighs for a richer flavor)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a thicker filling)
- 4 diced potatoes
- 16 oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz refrigerated biscuits (for topping)
Want to add even more flavor? You might consider pairing this with a dish like Chicken and Sausage Gumbo for a Southern-inspired meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preparation:
- Dice your potatoes and vegetables. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning.
- Layer in the Crock Pot:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add the diced potatoes, mixed vegetables, celery, and onions.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup and milk over the top.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken breasts toward the end, shred them, and return to the pot.
- Serve:
- Bake your biscuits as directed on the package.
- Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture in bowls and top with warm biscuits.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Avoid a Watery Filling: If your pot pie is too watery, add a cornstarch slurry (1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1 cup cold water) for 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
- Rich Flavor: Substitute milk with heavy cream for a more decadent filling.
- Customize the Topping: Use puff pastry or pie crust instead of biscuits if you prefer a different texture.
Variations of Chicken
This recipe can be customized based on what you have in your pantry or dietary preferences:
- Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Different Vegetables: Substitute other vegetables like green beans or squash for a unique twist.
FAQs for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Why is my chicken pot pie watery?
Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the filling. - Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, but make sure to chop them small enough to cook evenly. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, but avoid freezing raw potatoes. Instead, use diced hash browns.
With minimal effort and a few hours of slow cooking, crock pot chicken pot pie is the perfect meal for busy days or when you’re craving comfort food. Whether you make the recipe as is or try one of the many variations, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare this delicious dish.
For more inspiration, explore how slow cooking enhances other dishes like this Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe for a flavorful twist.