Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

The creamy, savory filling of tender chicken and hearty vegetables topped with a flaky, golden crust makes this Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie the ultimate comfort food. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

What makes this dish even more special is its versatility. You can customize the vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or even add your favorite herbs to make it your own. Serve it with a simple green salad or enjoy it as a stand-alone meal that’s guaranteed to please the whole family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 refrigerated pie crust

Directions:

1. Place the chicken, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
3. After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks inside the slow cooker.
4. In a bowl, whisk the heavy cream and flour until smooth, then pour into the slow cooker. Stir to combine and let cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and place it over the filling in an oven-safe dish.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (Slow Cooker + Oven) | Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes

Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

History and Origins of Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie has its roots in Europe, particularly England, where savory pies have been a part of culinary traditions for centuries. These pies were originally made with thick pastry crusts to seal and preserve the filling. Over time, the dish traveled to America, where it became a beloved comfort food. The addition of creamy fillings, hearty chicken, and vegetables solidified its reputation as a staple for cold weather or family dinners.

Why Use a Crockpot?

The slow cooker method brings modern convenience to this classic dish, allowing busy cooks to enjoy the same rich flavors without constant attention. By cooking the chicken and vegetables slowly, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that tastes like it has been simmering all day – perfect for busy families.

Customization Options

1. Vegetables: Swap out the carrots and peas for green beans, mushrooms, or corn for a different flavor profile.
2. Crust: While a pie crust is traditional, you can use puff pastry or even biscuits for a more modern twist.
3. Herbs: Experiment with rosemary, parsley, or dill for added freshness and depth.

Pro Tips for Success

• Thickening the Sauce: Be sure to whisk the flour and cream well before adding it to the crockpot to avoid lumps. If the filling isn’t thick enough, you can add a cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.
• Perfect Crust: To ensure a crispy crust, bake the pie topping separately and place it on top of the filling before serving. This avoids the crust becoming soggy.
• Meal Prep: Cook the filling ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months. When ready to serve, reheat and top with freshly baked crust.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For extra indulgence, serve with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or garlic bread.

Nutritional Highlights

This dish offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a well-rounded meal. You can lighten it up by using low-fat cream or swapping heavy cream for milk.

Interesting Facts

• The first recorded recipe for a pot pie dates back to ancient Rome, where it was made with a variety of meats.
• In colonial America, pot pies were often cooked with a layer of cornbread instead of pastry.
• Today, chicken pot pie is considered a quintessential comfort food in the United States, often featured in family gatherings and holiday meals.

The Appeal of Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

This slow-cooked version of the classic Chicken Pot Pie combines the hearty comfort of a traditional recipe with the convenience of modern cooking. It’s a one-pot wonder, perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The creamy chicken filling, infused with herbs and paired with tender vegetables, is topped with a golden crust that brings a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

What Makes This Recipe Unique

1. Hands-Off Cooking: By using a crockpot, you can prepare the filling while you focus on other tasks, making it ideal for busy days.
2. Rich Flavor Development: Slow cooking enhances the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and spices, ensuring a deep, savory taste in every bite.
3. Versatility: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, whether it’s making it gluten-free, dairy-free, or incorporating additional vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients Breakdown and Their Role

• Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs provide protein and become incredibly tender after slow cooking.
• Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and peas are classic additions, offering a mix of sweetness and heartiness. Feel free to add green beans, mushrooms, or celery for variety.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory base that ties the dish together.
• Heavy Cream and Flour: Create a luscious, creamy filling that defines the dish.
• Herbs and Spices: Garlic powder, thyme, and paprika provide depth and elevate the dish beyond basic seasoning.
• Pie Crust: A flaky topping is the crowning touch, offering that quintessential pot pie experience.

Cooking Tips for Perfection

1. Layer Wisely: Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking and to infuse the vegetables with its juices.
2. Stir the Thickener Well: The cream and flour mixture should be smooth before adding it to the pot to prevent lumps.
3. Golden Crust: If baking the crust separately, brush it with an egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.

Recipe Variations

1. Low-Carb Option: Replace the pie crust with a cauliflower mash or serve the filling over steamed broccoli.
2. Vegan-Friendly: Substitute chicken with jackfruit or tofu, use vegetable broth, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
3. Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top of the crust before baking for an added layer of indulgence.

Serving Ideas

Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is a meal in itself, but you can pair it with:

• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
• Rustic bread or biscuits to soak up the creamy filling.
• Steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans for extra greens.

Fun Facts to Include

• Origins of Pot Pie: Pot pies date back to medieval England, where they were filled with meats, vegetables, and even sweet fruits, often encased in thick pastry for preservation.
• Crockpot Innovation: The slow cooker was invented in the 1940s as a tool to replicate the traditional Jewish Sabbath stew, cholent, making it one of the first kitchen appliances designed for convenient, hands-off cooking.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Families

With its blend of comforting flavors and ease of preparation, this recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a favorite among kids and adults alike, and leftovers reheat beautifully for another day’s meal. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the size of your gathering.