Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, offering a savory filling of tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a flaky crust. But what if you could enjoy the same hearty meal with half the effort? Enter the Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie! Using a slow cooker simplifies the cooking process and frees up your time, while still delivering all the flavor you crave. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is a must-try. Read on for a full breakdown of how to make the perfect crock pot chicken pot pie that will satisfy your taste buds!

What is Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a slow-cooked version of the traditional chicken pot pie, made using a crock pot or slow cooker. Rather than baking everything in the oven with a pastry crust on top, the filling is cooked slowly in the crock pot, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. For a topping, you can opt for biscuits, puff pastry, or crescent rolls baked separately and placed on top of the finished dish.

Ingredients List for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you'll need to create this delicious crock pot chicken pot pie. The beauty of this dish is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find. Here's what you'll need:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken thighs offer more flavor, but breasts are a leaner option.
• 4 cups of chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half: This will create the creamy texture of the filling.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a savory base to the pot pie.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a rich, aromatic depth to the dish.
• 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots: You can use fresh vegetables as well, but frozen saves time.
• 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced: Potatoes give the dish heartiness and texture.
• 3 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a little crunch and freshness.
• ¼ cup of all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the filling.
• 1 tablespoon of dried thyme: Adds warmth and an earthy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of dried parsley: For freshness and a pop of color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning according to your preferences.
• Biscuits, puff pastry, or crescent rolls (for topping): You'll bake these separately for that signature crust topping.

Ingredients List for Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional ingredients make a fantastic crock pot chicken pot pie, you can always mix things up. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor to the dish, so if you prefer a richer taste, swap out chicken breasts for thighs.
• Dairy-Free Cream: If you're lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or a non-dairy creamer.
• Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix or cornstarch for thickening the filling.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or tarragon for a slightly different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it's time to start cooking. The best part about making chicken pot pie in a crock pot is how effortless it is. Simply add the ingredients to the pot and let the slow cooker do the work. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare your crock pot chicken pot pie.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the vegetables—potatoes, onions, celery—and mincing the garlic. If you're using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, chop those as well.
2. Layer the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crock pot. Layer the chopped vegetables (potatoes, onions, celery, garlic) and the frozen peas and carrots over the top of the chicken.
3. Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Then, pour in the chicken broth.
4. Slow Cook the Filling: Cover the crock pot and cook the mixture on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to cook through, infusing the entire dish with flavor.
5. Shred the Chicken: After the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the flour with the heavy cream until smooth, creating a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir well to combine. Let the mixture cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
7. Prepare the Biscuit Topping: While the filling finishes thickening, bake your biscuits, puff pastry, or crescent rolls according to the package instructions. These will serve as the "crust" for your crock pot chicken pot pie.
8. Assemble the Dish: Once the filling has thickened and the biscuits are ready, serve the filling in bowls and top each serving with a freshly baked biscuit or pastry.

How to Cook Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

For those who prefer a quick glance at the cooking process, here’s a condensed version of the step-by-step guide:

1. Layer chicken and veggies in the crock pot.
2. Add seasoning and chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
5. Mix flour and cream, then stir it into the crock pot.
6. Let the filling thicken for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Bake the biscuits, puff pastry, or crescent rolls.
8. Serve the filling with the baked topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making crock pot chicken pot pie, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can become dry if cooked for too long. Be sure to check the chicken around the 6-hour mark if cooking on low.
• Adding the Cream Too Early: If you add the cream at the beginning, it may curdle during cooking. Always add the cream mixture towards the end to keep the filling smooth and creamy.
• Forgetting to Thicken the Sauce: Without thickening the sauce with a flour or cornstarch slurry, the filling may be too runny. Don't skip this step!
• Undercooked Biscuits: Ensure your biscuits or puff pastry are fully baked before placing them on top of the filling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving crock pot chicken pot pie. Even though this is a homestyle, rustic dish, there are ways to elevate its appearance.

1. Serve in Bowls: Use deep, wide bowls to serve the chicken pot pie filling. This helps contain the rich sauce and vegetables while allowing for a beautiful biscuit topping.
2. Top with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of each serving for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Individual Portions: If you're hosting guests, you can bake mini puff pastries and serve each person their own individual portion of chicken pot pie filling topped with a personal-sized crust.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

To serve crock pot chicken pot pie, spoon the filling into individual bowls, then top each serving with a baked biscuit, puff pastry, or crescent roll. This method ensures everyone gets a hearty portion of the creamy chicken filling and a warm, flaky topping.

Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

• Rustic Look: Keep it simple by placing the filling in a large, rustic serving dish and letting guests help themselves, topping their bowls with biscuits from a separate basket.
• Elegant Plating: Serve the chicken pot pie in small, elegant bowls with a single, perfectly round puff pastry topping for a more refined presentation.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an added touch, garnish each serving with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of green.

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Tips

• Double the Recipe: This dish freezes well! Double the ingredients and freeze half for a future meal.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken pot pie filling a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat before serving with fresh biscuits or pastry.
• Vary the Topping: Try different toppings like cornbread, mashed potatoes, or even a pie crust for fun variations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and add it during the last hour of cooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative or cornstarch, and use gluten-free biscuits or pastry.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food made easier with the help of a slow cooker. The slow-cooking process enhances the flavors, while the creamy filling and crispy biscuit topping deliver all the satisfying textures you love. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or customize it with substitutions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and let your crock pot do all the work! Enjoy!

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