Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Craving a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family? Look no further than this Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe! It combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. If you're a fan of traditional chicken pot pie but want a hands-off cooking method, this recipe is for you. Read on for everything you need to know to create a delicious, hassle-free crock pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

What is Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a simplified version of the classic chicken pot pie, which typically involves baking a pie crust over a creamy chicken and vegetable filling. In this slow cooker version, all the ingredients simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld while the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Instead of baking a traditional crust, we’ll add easy alternatives that still give you that satisfying bite of crusty goodness without the extra effort.

Ingredients List for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for a delicious Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, but chicken breasts work just as well.
• 1 cup of diced carrots: Fresh or frozen works great.
• 1 cup of diced celery: Adds a nice crunch and flavor.
• 1 cup of frozen peas: These sweet little bursts of green add a pop of color and taste.
• 2 potatoes, diced: Yukon gold or russet potatoes are the best choices.
• 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic makes everything better, doesn’t it?
• 3 cups of chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought.
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup: For that rich and creamy base.
• 1 cup of milk or half-and-half: To enhance the creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon of thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous flavor.
• 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning: Optional but highly recommended.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough or pre-made pie crust: This will serve as the "crust" element of your pot pie.

Substitutions and Variations

Sometimes you may not have all the ingredients on hand, or maybe you want to switch things up for a unique twist. Here are some substitution ideas and variations you can try:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Thighs are more forgiving when slow-cooked and tend to stay juicier.
• Rotisserie chicken: If you're in a pinch, you can use already-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the crock pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes: For a sweeter, nutrient-rich option.
• Canned vegetables: If you're short on fresh or frozen veggies, canned peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables can be a quick solution.
• Dairy-free milk: For those who are lactose intolerant, you can substitute regular milk or cream with almond milk or coconut milk for a creamy base.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or a gluten-free pie crust alternative.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow this simple guide to make your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie from scratch.

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and dice your carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions. Set them aside.
2. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot: Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crock pot. Then, add the diced carrots, celery, peas, potatoes, and onion over the chicken.
3. Make the Creamy Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot.
4. Season with Salt and Pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on Low or High: Cover the crock pot with a lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The chicken should be tender, and the vegetables should be soft.
6. Shred the Chicken: Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts or thighs and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir everything together.
7. Add Biscuit Topping: In the last hour of cooking, either drop spoonfuls of refrigerated biscuit dough on top of the mixture or bake pre-made pie crust pieces separately and add them when serving.
8. Final Cook Time: If you’re adding biscuit dough directly into the crock pot, allow them to cook until they’re fluffy and cooked through (about 30-45 minutes).

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

For those who want a visual breakdown of the process, here’s a step-by-step overview of how to cook Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie:

1. Layer the Ingredients: Start with the chicken at the base and layer on the veggies.
2. Create the Sauce: Pour the creamy chicken broth mixture over the ingredients.
3. Set the Crock Pot: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
4. Shred and Return Chicken: After cooking, shred the chicken and stir everything together.
5. Add Biscuit Topping: In the last hour, add biscuit dough to the top.
6. Serve Hot: Once biscuits are golden, serve immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a slow cooker, there are a few common mistakes that can be made. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie turns out perfectly every time.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Even in a slow cooker, chicken can dry out if cooked too long. Make sure to follow the recommended cook times.
• Not Shredding the Chicken Properly: Make sure to shred the chicken while it's still warm, as it will break apart more easily.
• Undercooking the Biscuits: If you’re adding biscuit dough to the top, be sure to cook them for long enough. Raw dough can ruin the dish.
• Too Much Liquid: Avoid adding extra liquid beyond what’s called for, or your pot pie might turn into a soup.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a big role in the dining experience. Here are some tips on how to make your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie look as good as it tastes.

• Golden Biscuit Topping: If using refrigerated biscuit dough, try to get them golden and fluffy before serving. The crispy edges add visual appeal and contrast with the creamy filling.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme can brighten up the dish and give it a burst of color.
• Serve in Individual Bowls: Ladle portions into individual bowls for a neat, comforting presentation.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is best served piping hot. Scoop hearty portions into bowls or onto plates, making sure to include plenty of veggies, chicken, and biscuit topping in each serving. Pair with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

For a more formal presentation, try serving your chicken pot pie with the following ideas:

• Bake Separate Pie Crust Pieces: Instead of cooking biscuits in the crock pot, bake small pie crust rounds separately and serve them on top of each bowl. This adds a rustic, homemade look.
• Cast Iron Skillet: After cooking in the crock pot, transfer the filling to a cast iron skillet and bake a pie crust over the top for a traditional pot pie appearance.

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can chop all your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just toss everything in the crock pot and go.
• Add a Dash of Hot Sauce: For a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the creamy base.
• Check Biscuit Doneness: If cooking the biscuits in the crock pot, make sure to check their doneness by inserting a toothpick to ensure they’re cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish without a crock pot?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the same steps but use a large Dutch oven on the stovetop, cooking on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour before adding your biscuit topping.

How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin for your liking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, and stir it into the pot. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Can I freeze Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the filling. Just make sure to freeze it before adding any biscuit or pie crust toppings. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this recipe offers all the flavors of traditional chicken pot pie with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals in advance, this crock pot version is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the suggested variations to make it your own!

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