Chicken Pot Pie in a Crock Pot: A Cozy, Hands-Free Meal

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Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort dish, and making it in a crock pot takes the convenience to another level. By using your slow cooker, you can achieve a rich, flavorful filling with tender chicken and vegetables while saving time and effort. Below, we’ll walk you through a summary of how to make crock pot chicken pot pie, including tips to customize it for your preferences.

Ingredients (High-Level Overview)

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Vegetables: Carrots, peas, potatoes, onions, or a frozen vegetable mix
  • Cream sauce: Made from chicken broth, heavy cream, or condensed cream of chicken soup
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, or poultry seasoning
  • Biscuits or Pie Crust: Optional topping for serving, baked separately and added later

General Method for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cube the chicken and chop any fresh vegetables.
  2. Layer in the Crock Pot: Add chicken, vegetables, seasoning, and broth or condensed soup to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  3. Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: If the filling is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  5. Add Toppings: Serve the chicken pot pie filling over baked biscuits or pie crust for a traditional pot pie experience.

Pro Tips for Customizing Your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternatives.
  • Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor.
  • Shortcut Option: Use a bag of frozen vegetables to save time on prep.
  • Crispy Topping: Bake biscuits or puff pastry separately and add just before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Inspiration and Variations

Several online resources offer detailed step-by-step recipes for crock pot chicken pot pie. You can explore options tailored to specific dietary needs or flavor preferences:

  • AllRecipes: Provides a simple version that uses cream soup as a base.
  • Delish: Offers a twist on traditional chicken pot pie with biscuits.
  • Taste of Home: Features variations with more herbs and vegetables for added depth.

For more detailed instructions and ideas, visit the full recipe sources here or here.

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Full Recipe Walkthrough

Let’s dive into a detailed version of Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of chicken, vegetables, and creamy broth with the convenience of slow cooking. Below, you’ll find specific step-by-step instructions and variations to suit different preferences.

Detailed Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1 ½ – 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Vegetables:
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup diced potatoes
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 cup peas (add near the end for freshness)
  • Cream Base:
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • Herbs and Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cornstarch Slurry (for thickening):
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Toppings: Baked biscuits or puff pastry

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
  • Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Chop all vegetables, ensuring the potatoes are diced small enough to cook thoroughly.
  1. Layer the Crock Pot:
  • Place chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onions in the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients.
  • Pour the chicken broth and cream (or cream of chicken soup) over the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  1. Cook:
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shredded.
  1. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
  • If the filling is thinner than desired, add the cornstarch slurry. Stir well, then cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on high until the mixture thickens.
  1. Add Peas and Adjust Seasoning:
  • In the last 30 minutes, stir in the peas to retain their vibrant color and freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  1. Serve with Toppings:
  • While the filling finishes cooking, bake biscuits or puff pastry according to package instructions.
  • Spoon the hot chicken mixture into bowls and top with the freshly baked biscuits or pastry for a flaky, delicious crust.

Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken: For an even faster version, add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last hour of cooking.
  • Try gluten-free biscuits: If you’re gluten-sensitive, use gluten-free biscuit dough for your topping.
  • Add extra vegetables: Mushrooms, celery, or sweet corn can provide additional flavor and texture.
  • Boost the flavor with bacon: Add crumbled bacon to the mixture near the end for a smoky twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Gently warm the filling on the stovetop or in the microwave. Bake fresh biscuits for serving if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~400-500
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 18g

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe offers all the comforts of the classic dish with minimal effort. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is both versatile and forgiving, letting you adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. With a rich and flavorful filling topped with flaky biscuits or puff pastry, it’s a dish that guarantees satisfaction every time.

For more detailed inspiration and additional tips, check out sources like AllRecipes and Delish, where variations of this dish are featured.

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