Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the deliciousness of a traditional pot pie to your table with the ease of slow cooking. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dish special, provide a step-by-step guide to preparing it, and share tips for perfecting your slow cooker chicken pot pie. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe simple and rewarding.
What is Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie?
Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is a slow-cooked version of the classic chicken pot pie. Traditionally, a chicken pot pie is baked in an oven with a flaky pie crust covering a creamy filling made of chicken, vegetables, and a rich sauce. In the slow cooker version of chicken pot pie, the pie crust is replaced with easy-to-make biscuits or crescent rolls, and the filling is cooked slowly to enhance the flavors and tenderize the chicken.
Why Choose a Crockpot for Chicken Pot Pie?
Using a crockpot for this dish has several advantages:
- Ease of Preparation: Simply add the ingredients to the crockpot, set it to cook, and let it do the work while you go about your day.
- Enhanced Flavors: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
- Tender Chicken: The low and slow cooking method ensures that the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy.
For more ideas on easy slow cooker recipes, you might want to explore more easy slow cooker recipes.
Ingredients Needed
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (3 boneless, skinless)
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
- Milk (1 cup)
- Onion (1/2, chopped)
- Potatoes (4, peeled and diced)
- Frozen mixed vegetables (16 oz bag)
- Celery (1/2 cup, chopped)
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Poultry seasoning (1/2 tsp)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Buttermilk biscuits (16 oz, 8 count)
Substitutions and Alternatives for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- If you prefer, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones. This is a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand.
- For a healthier option, consider making your own cream of chicken soup from scratch instead of using the canned version.
- If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
To understand the benefits of using fresh vegetables in your cooking, learn why fresh vegetables are better.
Preparation: Step-by-Step Guide for Easy Chicken Pot Pie in a Crockpot
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes. Chop the onion and celery into small pieces. If you’re using fresh vegetables, prepare them as needed.
- Prepare the chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer, or thaw them if you prefer.
2. Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- The chicken breasts should be placed in the crockpot’s bottom.
- Add the chopped onions, celery, potatoes, and frozen mixed vegetables.
- Pour the can of cream of chicken soup over the top.
- Add the milk, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Set the crockpot: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it on low, the more the flavors will develop.
- Shred the chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
4. Prepare the Biscuits for Chicken Pot Pie
- Bake the biscuits: Towards the end of the cooking time, bake the buttermilk biscuits according to the package instructions.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken pot pie filling into bowls and top each serving with a warm biscuit.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
Crockpot chicken pot pie is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
Using Different Types of Chicken for Slow Cooker Pot Pie
- Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. The dark meat adds more depth to the dish.
- Rotisserie Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use it in this recipe. Simply add the shredded chicken during the last hour of cooking to warm it through.
Incorporating Other Vegetables or Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker Pot Pie
- Heavy Cream: For a creamier filling, you can replace the milk with heavy cream. Add it during the last hour of cooking to avoid curdling.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers. Simply remember to adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Making the Dish Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuits or crescent rolls, and ensure that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the biscuits, are also dairy-free.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
- With Biscuits: The classic way to serve crockpot chicken pot pie is with a warm biscuit on top. You can either make your own biscuits from scratch or purchase store-bought ones.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: For a twist on the traditional presentation, serve the chicken pot pie filling over a bed of mashed potatoes.
- With Crescent Rolls: Crescent rolls are a flaky and buttery alternative to biscuits that pair beautifully with the creamy filling.
Pairing with Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pot pie.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy side options that add color and freshness to the meal.
Presentation Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Serve the pot pie in individual bowls for a cozy, comforting meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
Thicken the Sauce in Your Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
If your slow cooker chicken pot pie filling is too runny, you can easily thicken it with a cornstarch slurry:
- Cornstarch Slurry: Mix ¼ cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water or chicken broth until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Add this mixture to the crockpot and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can follow the same process with flour instead of cornstarch if you prefer.
Avoid Common Issues with Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Curdled Milk: If you’re using milk, add it during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from curdling.
- Undercooked Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are fully submerged in the liquid during cooking to help them cook evenly. If they remain undercooked, you can try cutting them into smaller pieces or precooking them before adding them to the crockpot.
Enhance the Flavor of Your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley during the last hour of cooking for a burst of flavor.
- Extra Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Some people prefer adding more garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Storage and Reheating Your Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
Storing Leftovers of Your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Refrigeration: Remaining food can be kept in the fridge for up to five to seven days if it is sealed tightly.
- Freezing: This dish is also freezer-friendly. To freeze, transfer the filling (without the biscuits) to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheating option, place a portion of the filling in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Add a fresh biscuit or crescent roll on top before serving.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: If you prefer, you can reheat the filling on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
Freezing and Reheating the Entire Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- If you want to freeze the entire dish, including the biscuits, consider using diced hash browns instead of fresh potatoes. This will allow the dish to freeze and reheat better.
Frequently Asked Questions About (FAQs)
To make this dish healthier, consider using homemade cream of chicken soup, reducing the amount of added salt, and using fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones. You can also opt for low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative.
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option for this dish. Simply add the shredded chicken during the last hour of cooking to allow it to warm through without overcooking.
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make your own by combining chicken broth, milk, and a roux made from butter and flour. This homemade version can be seasoned to your liking and is often healthier than the canned version.
To make a vegetarian version of crockpot chicken pot pie, substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Alternatively, you can use additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or a medley of root vegetables, to add substance to the dish. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a similar vegetarian option.
If your sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, the best way to thicken it is by using a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water or chicken broth until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Add this mixture to the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Absolutely! This dish is very forgiving and can be prepped ahead of time. You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. The next morning, simply place the crockpot insert into the base and turn it on. Alternatively, you can prepare the entire dish, freeze it, and then cook it straight from the freezer by adding some cooking time.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the warmth and heartiness of a traditional pot pie with the convenience of slow cooking. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. With its rich, creamy filling and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
By following this guide, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand in your pantry. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, you’re sure to end up with a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Call to Action
Now that you’ve learned how to make crockpot chicken pot pie, why not give it a try? Share this recipe with your friends and family, or make it for your next gathering. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other easy slow cooker recipes to add to your meal rotation.
We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below or share your version of crockpot chicken pot pie on social media. Happy cooking!
