Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot Recipe: The Easiest Comfort Food Ever
There’s a reason why chicken pot pie has been a beloved comfort food for generations. It’s rich, and hearty, and brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights at home. However, making a traditional chicken pot pie from scratch can be a time-consuming process—one that’s not always feasible with today’s busy schedules. That’s where the crock pot comes in to save the day. By using a slow cooker, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of a classic chicken pot pie without the hassle. Just imagine setting it up in the morning and coming home to a savory, ready-to-serve meal that hits all the right notes.
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This article will guide you through making an easy and delicious chicken pot pie crock pot recipe. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or someone who just loves a good home-cooked meal, this recipe will make your life easier. We’ll cover everything from the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and even frequently asked questions to make sure your dish comes out perfect every time.
Why Make Chicken Pot Pie in a Crock Pot?
There are countless reasons why the crock pot is the perfect tool for making a chicken pot pie. Slow cooking not only saves time, but it also enhances the depth of flavor in your dish, creating a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare (because it did—without any extra effort from you). Here’s why you’ll love this crock pot chicken pot pie recipe:
- Convenience: The beauty of using a crock pot is that you can “set it and forget it.” Simply add your ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. You don’t have to babysit the stove or worry about multiple pots and pans.
- Time-Saving: While the crock pot does the cooking, you can focus on other tasks, run errands, or just relax. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you want a low-effort meal.
- Flavor Enhancement: Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld together, infusing the chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce with rich, hearty flavors. The result is a dish that tastes like it’s been lovingly cooked over the stove for hours.
- Versatility: This recipe is easily adaptable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, swap in different vegetables, or even use leftover turkey instead of chicken. The possibilities are endless.
- Easy Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean less time spent washing up after dinner. Since everything is cooked in one pot, you can enjoy your meal without dreading the cleanup.
Ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. The good news is that you don’t need anything fancy for this recipe—most of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this crock pot chicken pot pie.
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5-2 lbs | Can substitute with chicken thighs |
Frozen mixed vegetables | 2 cups | Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans |
Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Use low sodium for a healthier option |
Chicken broth | 1 cup | Low sodium preferred |
Onion, diced | 1 medium | Optional, add extra flavor |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Can substitute with fresh minced garlic |
Thyme | 1 teaspoon | Adds a classic flavor |
Salt and pepper | To taste | |
Crescent rolls or biscuits | 1 can | For the crust |
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, savory filling with tender pieces of chicken and a delicious mix of vegetables in every bite. The crescent rolls or biscuits provide a flaky, golden crust that gives this dish that classic chicken pot pie feel.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Pot Pie in a Crock Pot
Now, let’s get into the cooking process. Follow these steps to create the perfect chicken pot pie in a crock pot. This easy recipe will have your meal ready with minimal hands-on time, and your house will be filled with the delicious aroma of a home-cooked dinner.
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by getting all of your ingredients ready:
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors in the pot.
- Chop the onion if you’re using it. While optional, onion adds a depth of flavor to the dish that complements the other ingredients.
- Measure out the frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and seasonings so they’re ready to go.
2. Assembling the Chicken Pot Pie in the Crock Pot
Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to layer them in the slow cooker:
- Place the diced chicken at the bottom of the crock pot. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables, chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper, then gently stir everything together to combine without compacting the ingredients. This step ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Cooking the Chicken Pot Pie
The beauty of this recipe is that the crock pot does all the hard work for you. Here’s how to cook it:
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
- Stir occasionally if possible, though this isn’t necessary. It helps to distribute the heat and flavors evenly.
4. Adding the Crust
No chicken pot pie is complete without a delicious crust. Here’s how to finish your dish:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the crescent roll or biscuit packaging.
- Bake the rolls or biscuits as directed. If you prefer, you can bake the dough directly on top of the crock pot filling if your slow cooker is oven-safe.
- Place the cooked rolls or biscuits on top of the chicken pot pie mixture just before serving. This gives the dish a classic pot pie appearance with a flaky, golden-brown crust.
Tips for the Easiest Chicken Pot Pie Ever
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken pot pie crock pot recipe turns out perfectly:
- For a thicker consistency: If you find the filling to be a bit too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Try ingredient substitutions: This recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have available. For example, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen or substitute turkey for chicken if you have leftovers.
- Add extra flavors: Enhance the dish by adding ingredients like mushrooms, potatoes, or even a dash of white wine. Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, can also add a bright, fresh touch.
- Make ahead for easy meal prep: You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. The next morning, simply transfer everything to the crock pot and start cooking.
Nutritional Information
While chicken pot pie is traditionally a rich and hearty dish, there are ways to keep an eye on the nutritional content and make adjustments if necessary. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
To make this dish lighter, consider using reduced-fat cream of chicken soup or substituting part of the chicken broth with skim milk. Using low-sodium versions of the soup and broth can also help reduce the sodium content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To help you get the most out of this chicken pot pie crock pot recipe, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup in a crock pot chicken pot pie?
You have a few options:
- Make a homemade cream sauce: Combine butter, flour, and chicken broth to create a roux, then add milk or cream for thickness. This allows you to control the ingredients and flavors.
- Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: This is a great alternative if you enjoy mushrooms and want to add a bit more depth to the dish.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used in this recipe:
- Chop the vegetables into small, even-sized pieces to ensure they cook through evenly.
- Increase the cooking time slightly if the vegetables are dense, such as potatoes or carrots.
How can I make the filling thicker?
If your crock pot chicken pot pie turns out too watery, here are a few ways to thicken it:
- Add cornstarch: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add instant potato flakes: This will help absorb some of the excess liquid without altering the flavor of the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s easy to adapt to a gluten-free diet:
- Use gluten-free biscuits or crescent rolls for the crust.
- **Make
Learn how to make the easiest chicken pot pie crock pot recipe with this step-by-step guide. Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort using your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights!