Looking for a comforting meal that nourishes and delights? Chicken pot pie might be just what you need. This classic dish combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a flaky crust into a meal that feels like a warm hug.
In this healthier version, you get the same great taste with less guilt.

Start with simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. You’ll use shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and some aromatic spices to create a rich and filling pie.
A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour in the crust gives a balance of flavor and texture. This homemade approach allows you to control both the taste and the nutrition.
What's great about chicken pot pie is its flexibility to fit different diets. Need a gluten-free option? Swap in some gluten-free flour. Prefer a dairy-free version? Use coconut or almond yogurt and a butter alternative. This recipe offers all the flavor while meeting various dietary needs, making it possible for everyone to enjoy.
Table of Contents
History and Origin of Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food with roots stretching back to ancient times. It has evolved through various cultures, adapting to new ingredients and techniques.
Early Variations
The earliest form of pot pie is traced back to ancient Greece, where a dish called "plakous" featured a pastry-enclosed filling. During the Middle Ages, these pies gained popularity across Europe. Initially, chicken pot pies were crustless, featuring meats and roots often wrapped in thick pastry.
In the American colonies, the dish became a staple by the 1700s. European settlers introduced their recipes, adapting them with local ingredients. The first printed American recipe appeared in "The Virginia Housewife" in the early 1800s, signifying its growing culinary importance.
Modern Adaptation
In the United States, chicken pot pie has undergone significant changes, evolving into a dish with many regional versions. Ingredients like carrots, peas, and herbs became common additions. The introduction of refrigeration in the early 1900s helped pot pies become a widespread and convenient meal.
Today, homemade chicken pot pies often feature a creamy filling, typically thickened with flour and enriched with milk. While traditional recipes use a buttery crust, variations may include biscuit dough or even cornbread toppings. Each version celebrates the rich history of this comforting dish while embracing modern tastes and conveniences.
Essential Ingredients

When making chicken pot pie, selecting quality ingredients is key to ensuring a flavorful and satisfying dish. Key choices include the type of chicken, a mixture of vegetables, and the right pie crust.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is a popular choice for chicken pot pie. They provide a good amount of protein while having a mild flavor that blends well with other ingredients. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer meat with a richer taste. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and then shred or dice it for easy mixing. Low-sodium chicken broth enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken moist, preventing the pot pie from becoming dry.
Selecting Vegetables
A mix of carrots, peas, celery, potatoes, and onions creates a hearty filling. These vegetables add nutrition and a variety of textures to the dish. Dice the carrots, celery, and potatoes so they cook evenly. Peas can be added last, as they cook quickly. Onion and garlic are sautéed first to bring out their flavors. Adding dried thyme and rosemary will enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper to season your vegetables just right.
Pie Crust Selection
The crust is as important as the filling for a great chicken pot pie. Combine whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a balanced taste and texture. Cold butter is essential to achieve a flaky crust. Mix it with Greek yogurt and cold water to form a dough. Ensure the dough is rolled out smoothly before placing it over the filling. Make a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking, ensuring a perfect, crispy finish.
Preparing the Chicken Pot Pie
To make a great chicken pot pie, start by cooking a flavorful filling with tender chicken and vegetables. Craft a delicious crust that is both flaky and buttery. Finally, assemble the pie with care and bake it to perfection. Enjoy the comfort of this classic dish.
Making The Filling
Start with cooked and shredded chicken breast. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook these vegetables until they become tender.
Next, sprinkle whole wheat flour over the veggies and stir, letting it cook for about a minute. This step helps create a thick sauce for your pot pie. Slowly pour in low-sodium chicken broth and almond milk. Stir the mixture until it thickens into a creamy filling.
Add the shredded chicken, along with peas, dried thyme, and rosemary, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the filling simmer for a few minutes to deepen the flavors, then set it aside while you prepare the crust.
Crafting the Perfect Crust
Combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt in a bowl. Add cold, cubed unsalted butter, and mix using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs. This ensures the crust will be delightfully flaky.
Stir in Greek yogurt and cold water, using enough water to bring the dough together without it becoming sticky. Roll the dough on a floured surface into a shape that fits your pie dish. A well-crafted crust is crucial for that classic buttery texture.
Remember, keeping the ingredients cold is key to a flaky crust. The butter should remain in small pieces within the dough rather than melting.
Assembling the Pie
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the prepared chicken filling into your pie dish. Carefully place the rolled-out crust over the top, trimming any excess dough and crimping the edges for a neat finish.
Make several small slits in the crust. This allows steam to escape as your pie bakes, ensuring a crisp top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
Making a chicken pot pie involves perfecting the baking process, ensuring your crust is golden, and finding ways to prepare parts of it ahead of time. Focus on the details for a dish that's satisfying and delicious.
Baking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the filling by cooking the onions, garlic, and vegetables until they're soft. Add flour for thickening, followed by chicken broth and almond milk. Stir in the cooked chicken, peas, and herbs.
Pour the filling into the pie dish, then work on the crust. Roll out the dough, cover the dish, and crimp the edges. Don’t forget to cut slits in the top for steam to escape.
Place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and flaky. Using a baking sheet helps catch any spills and makes cleanup easier. Let it cool a bit before serving so it sets nicely.
Achieving a Golden Crust
A golden crust is both appealing and tasty. To achieve this, start with a well-made dough, ensuring it's rolled out evenly. Use chilled butter and yogurt when mixing your dough to keep it flaky.
Before placing your pie in the oven, brush the top with an egg wash. Mix one beaten egg with a tablespoon of water or milk. This will give the crust a beautiful golden finish and add a bit of shine.
Keep an eye on the pie while it bakes. If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center continues to cook through.
Make-Ahead Strategies
Save time by preparing some components ahead of time. You can make the filling a day or two before and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just spoon it into the pie dish.
For the crust, prepare the dough and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for a short time to make rolling it out easier.
You can also assemble the entire pie, wrap it tightly, and freeze it before baking. When needed, bake directly from frozen at a slightly lower temperature, around 350°F (175°C), and increase the bake time by about 10-15 minutes. This way, you can always have an easy chicken pot pie ready for busy days.
Serving and Preservation

Chicken pot pie is a comforting all-in-one meal that pairs flaky homemade crust with savory filling. Learn ways to serve, store, and preserve its goodness for future meals. Whether fresh from the oven or stored for later, this guide ensures you enjoy every bite.
Proper Serving Suggestions
Chicken pot pie is best served immediately after it has cooled for a few minutes. This gives the filling time to set, making it easier to slice.
Consider serving your pot pie with a simple leafy green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness to your meal. This balances the rich and hearty nature of the pie.
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can enhance its appearance and taste. Portion wisely: one slice of chicken pot pie can be quite filling due to its hearty ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and a delicious homemade crust.
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken pot pie properly.
Allow the pie to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Keeping it well-wrapped helps maintain moisture and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Use airtight containers if you're storing individual slices. This makes reheating easier and minimizes space in your fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers.
The texture and smell should remain pleasant.
Freezing and Reheating Advice
To freeze chicken pot pie, portion it out if you prefer individual servings. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to protect against freezer burn.
For a whole pie, wrap the entire dish the same way.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic and re-cover with foil. Bake until the internal temperature is fully reheated.
Slices generally take about 20 to 30 minutes, while a full pie takes longer.
Microwaving is possible for smaller servings, though it might affect the crust's texture. Always thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight if possible for even reheating.
RECIPE: Healthy Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- ¼ cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
Crust
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup cold water
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Filling Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook until soft.
- Stir in flour for a minute.
- Slowly add chicken broth and almond milk. Stir until thick.
- Add chicken, peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let simmer briefly. Set aside.
Crust Preparation
- Mix whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in butter until mixture looks like crumbs.
- Stir in Greek yogurt and cold water. Form dough, adding water if needed.
- Roll out dough to fit your pie dish.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill pie dish with chicken mixture. Cover with crust.
- Trim edges and cut slits in the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Modifications for Dietary Requirements
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for filling and crust.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut or vegan butter, and non-dairy yogurt.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Replace potatoes with cauliflower. Use almond or coconut flour for crust.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When making chicken pot pie, you might wonder about the best type of chicken to use, whether you need to pre-bake the crust, or how to keep the filling from getting watery. These questions, along with tips for using different ingredients, are commonly discussed by both new and seasoned cooks.
What type of chicken should I use? Can I use leftover chicken?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Leftover chicken also works well and adds flavor without extra cooking.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use options like almond milk, regular milk, or any milk alternative that suits your diet.
How do I cook the chicken for the filling?
Cook the chicken in your choice of broth or water until it's no longer pink. Let it cool, then shred or chop it for the filling.
How do I make the filling thicker?
To thicken the filling, you can add a bit more flour or use cornstarch. Make sure to mix it in thoroughly to avoid lumps.
What are the essential herbs and spices for a traditional Chicken Pot Pie?
Traditional spices include thyme and rosemary. These herbs give the pie its classic aroma and flavor.
How do I make the crust flakier?
For a flakier crust, use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. You can also try adding a bit of Greek yogurt.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, using a store-bought crust can save time. Just make sure it's a good fit for your pie dish.
Is it necessary to prebake the bottom crust of a Chicken Pot Pie?
Prebaking isn't necessary but can help keep the crust from becoming soggy if that’s your preference.
What constitutes an authentic old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pie recipe?
An old-fashioned recipe typically includes a rich filling of chicken, peas, carrots, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a homemade or hearty crust.
What are the key differences between a chicken pie and a chicken pot pie?
Chicken pies might not have a top crust or a creamy filling typically found in pot pies. Pot pies generally have a full pastry top and bottom with a creamy filling.
How can you prevent a Chicken Pot Pie from becoming watery?
Using the right amount of flour or cornstarch, and ensuring your filling isn’t too liquidy before baking, can prevent made-too-soupy pot pies.
What ingredients are typically included in pot pie gravy?
Pot pie gravy usually includes chicken broth, cream or milk, flour to thicken, and seasonings like salt and pepper.
How do I serve the pot pie? What side dishes are perfect for this pot pie?
Serve it warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers? Can I freeze the chicken pot pie?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze pot pie as well. Just ensure it's fully cooled before wrapping it tightly.
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