How to Make Chicken Pot Pie with Pillsbury Pie Crust | Easy Recipe
There’s something about homemade chicken pot pie that speaks to the heart. The warmth that fills the kitchen, the irresistible smell of a savory pie baking in the oven, and the comforting taste of creamy chicken, vegetables, and perfectly flaky crust. But if you’re new to making this dish, you might think it’s complicated or time-consuming. This is where Pillsbury pie crust comes to the rescue. You get all the deliciousness without having to make the dough from scratch, saving you time and effort.
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In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through a foolproof Pillsbury chicken pot pie recipe that’s perfect for beginners. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or to impress your guests, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen pro while giving you the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Plus, you’ll learn some helpful tips and tricks along the way to make sure your pot pie comes out just right!
Why Pillsbury Pie Crust is a Game-Changer
If you’ve ever made pie dough from scratch, you know that it can be a bit of a challenge. Between measuring the flour, keeping the butter cold, and rolling out the dough just right, it can take time and patience. That’s why Pillsbury pie crust is such a game-changer. It’s ready to go straight out of the package and guarantees perfect results every time.
- Convenience for Busy Home Cooks: Pillsbury pie crust is pre-made, so you don’t need to worry about mixing or kneading. It’s ideal for those nights when you want a homemade meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Perfect Flaky Texture: You’ll get that beautiful, flaky crust that everyone loves, without the guesswork. Pillsbury has perfected the art of pie crust, so all you have to do is roll it out and go.
- Versatility: Whether you’re making sweet pies like apples or savory pies like chicken pot pie, the Pillsbury pie crust is adaptable for all kinds of recipes. It’s a one-stop solution for pie-making.
Essential Ingredients for Easy Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie
Now that you know why Pillsbury pie crust is your best friend in the kitchen, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for this easy chicken pot pie recipe. Don’t worry, they’re all simple and easy to find, making this dish approachable for cooks of any skill level.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust | 1 box (2 crusts) |
Cooked, shredded chicken | 2 cups |
Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 ½ cups |
Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
Milk | ½ cup |
Butter | 1 tablespoon |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
- Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust: This will be the base and top of your pie. Having it pre-made saves a ton of time, and Pillsbury’s flaky crust ensures that your pot pie will have the perfect texture.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: You can use leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Using frozen veggies like peas, carrots, and green beans makes it easy, but feel free to swap in fresh veggies if you prefer.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds a rich, creamy texture to your filling. It’s a great shortcut for creating that classic pot pie flavor.
- Milk: Helps to create a smooth, creamy filling when combined with the soup.
- Butter, Salt, and Pepper: Add a bit of richness and seasoning to balance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Pot Pie with Pillsbury Pie Crust
This section will walk you through the entire process of making your chicken pot pie. Follow these steps, and you’ll be serving up a delicious homemade meal in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
First things first—you’ll need to roll out the Pillsbury pie crust and prepare your pie dish.
- Take the pie crust out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you’re ready to roll it out. This will make it easier to handle and less likely to crack.
- Unroll one of the crusts and press it into your pie dish, making sure it covers the bottom and sides evenly. You can trim any excess crust that hangs over the edges.
Pro Tip: For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the bottom layer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F before adding the filling. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.
Step 2: Make the Filling Pillsbury Pie Crust
While the crust is getting ready, it’s time to prepare your creamy chicken filling.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked, shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
- Stir until everything is well combined, and season with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of melted butter for added richness.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Now it’s time to assemble your pie and pop it into the oven.
- Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the pie dish, spreading it evenly over the bottom crust.
- Unroll the second Pillsbury pie crust and place it over the top of the filling. Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges for a decorative look.
- Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
Place the pie in a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
Step 4: Let Cool and Serve
Once your chicken pot pie is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the filling a chance to set and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tip: For an extra golden, crispy top crust, brush it with a little beaten egg before baking. This adds a beautiful shine and color to your pie.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Chicken Pot Pie
While this recipe is simple enough for beginners, a few extra tips can help take your chicken pot pie to the next level.
- Avoid Overstuffing the Pie: When filling your pie, make sure not to overstuff it. Too much filling can cause the pie to overflow or make it difficult for the top crust to bake evenly.
- How to Prevent Soggy Crust: As mentioned earlier, pre-baking the bottom crust can help prevent it from becoming soggy. You can also sprinkle a light layer of flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the filling for extra protection.
- How to Get a Crispy, Golden Top Crust: Don’t skip the egg wash! A light brush of beaten egg will ensure your top crust bakes to a beautiful golden-brown color.
Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are endless ways to customize your chicken pot pie. Here are a few variations to try:
Vegetarian Chicken Pot Pie
Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. You can also use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie
If you or someone in your family is gluten-sensitive, you can still enjoy this classic dish. Pillsbury offers gluten-free pie crust, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour.
Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie
For an extra indulgent version, add shredded cheddar cheese to the filling mixture. The cheese will melt into the creamy filling, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Spicy Chicken Pot Pie
Kick up the heat by adding a little cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling. It’s a fun twist on the classic that spice lovers will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To wrap up, let’s tackle some common questions that come up when making Pillsbury chicken pot pie.
Can I make Pillsbury chicken pot pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and pie crust separately, then assemble and bake it later. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire pie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Pillsbury chicken pot pie?
Definitely. You can freeze the assembled pie before baking or after it’s been cooked. For best results, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. If freezing after baking, be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping.
How can I make the pie crust extra crispy?
As mentioned earlier, brushing the top crust with an egg wash before baking will help it get golden and crispy. Pre-baking the bottom crust can also help keep the entire pie crisp.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh vegetables, just make sure to cook them lightly before adding them to the filling. This will ensure they’re tender and fully cooked by the time the pie is done baking.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Easy Homemade Meal Thanks to Pillsbury
Pillsbury chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, and thanks to the convenience of pre-made pie crust, it’s easier than ever to make at home. Whether you’re new to cooking or just short on time, this recipe delivers all the flavors of a classic homemade meal without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
By using Pillsbury pie crust, you can enjoy a flaky, golden crust with a creamy, savory filling that’s sure to please. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the
Whip up a classic chicken pot pie using Pillsbury pie crust in just minutes. Simple ingredients, big flavors—perfect for any home cook.