Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie: A Delicious Comfort Food

Chicken pot pie is a classic meal that combines the comforting flavors of tender chicken, warm vegetables, and savory sauce, all wrapped in a flaky crust. The slow cooker version is especially appealing as it allows you to prepare a hearty dish with minimal effort. You can enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home while the meal slowly cooks. This dish is not only perfect for busy weeknights but also for family gatherings or cozy weekend dinners.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to love this Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You just need to toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work. There’s no need to stand over the stove or fuss about constantly checking on the food.

Second, the slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. When you come back to your kitchen after hours, the warmth and the smell of this cooking meal will make your mouth water.

Third, this dish is a complete meal in one pot. It combines protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it satisfying without needing any side dishes. Finally, this Chicken Pot Pie is customizable. You can adjust the ingredients based on your family’s favorites or what you have on hand. It’s perfect for using up leftover vegetables or even for experimenting with different seasonings.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Creating this delicious meal is simple and straightforward. Below, you’ll find a list of the ingredients you need and clear directions to guide you through the cooking process.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup of diced potatoes
• 1 cup of chopped onions
• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts

Directions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Start by adding the chicken breasts or thighs directly to the slow cooker. You can use either dark or white meat, depending on your preference.

2. Add the frozen peas and carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped onions. Sprinkle the vegetables on top of the chicken. Frozen peas and carrots make it easy since you don’t need to chop them. The diced potatoes add a nice texture to the pot pie.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. The chicken broth adds moisture, ensuring your dish is not dry. The seasonings elevate the flavors, making the pie bursting with yummy taste.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through. Cooking on low will tenderize the chicken even more, while the high setting is perfect if you need it ready sooner.

5. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker. Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and put it back in the cooker.

6. Stir in the heavy cream. This step adds a rich and creamy texture, making your pot pie feel luxurious. Mix it well so that the cream combines with the other ingredients.

7. Roll out the pie crust and place it over the slow cooker. You can buy pre-made pie crusts, which saves time instead of making your own. Gently lay the rolled-out crust on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.

8. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the crust is golden and flaky. This is the final step where the crust cooks to perfection. It will turn golden brown, giving you the classic pot pie look.

9. Serve hot and enjoy! After cooking, carefully lift off the lid and serve your delicious pot pie hot. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

When serving your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie, you want to make sure everyone gets a bit of everything. You can dish it out in bowls where each portion has some chicken, vegetables, and a piece of the crust.

Serving it with a simple salad on the side can add some freshness to your meal. A crunchy green salad with a light dressing pairs well with the rich flavors of the pot pie. Additionally, you can provide options for hot sauce or fresh herbs as garnishes on the table, allowing each person to customize their serving.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is essential to keep your meal fresh. Let the pot pie cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer any remaining pot pie to an airtight container.

You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to follow the same procedure by allowing it to cool and then storing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

To reheat, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish or reheat it in the oven until it is heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it up.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Here are some tips to help you make the best Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie:

• Choose the right cut of chicken. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay tender compared to chicken breasts. However, if you prefer lean meat, breasts will work just fine.

• Add more vegetables. Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your taste. You can add corn, green beans, or even mushrooms for a little extra flavor.

• Taste and adjust seasonings. Before adding the cream, taste your mixture and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Some may prefer more thyme or garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a hint of spice.

• Don’t skip the cream. It adds richness that complements the other ingredients perfectly. If you want a lighter version, you can try using half-and-half instead.

• Make it gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free pie crust or topping it with mashed potatoes instead.

Variation

If you’re looking for variations on this classic recipe, here are a few ideas:

• Potato Topping: Instead of pie crust, use mashed potatoes to create a shepherd’s pie style dish. Just spread the mashed potatoes on top and bake in the oven for about 20-30 minutes to get a crispy top.

• Creamy Variation: For a creamy sauce, mix in a can of cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce to the mixture instead of using just the heavy cream.

• Herb Flavors: Try adding different herbs such as rosemary, basil, or parsley to change up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. However, make sure the chicken is placed in the cooker for an adequate amount of time. It is typically recommended to cook raw frozen chicken on low rather than high to ensure it cooks thoroughly.

How can I thicken my chicken pot pie filling?

If you find your filling is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the hot mixture. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just combine all ingredients (except for the pie crust) and refrigerate. When ready, pour it into the slow cooker and proceed with cooking.

With this Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie recipe, you have a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy every bite of this classic dish!

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

A comforting meal combining tender chicken, warm vegetables, and savory sauce wrapped in a flaky crust, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs Use either dark or white meat based on preference.
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots No need to chop them, adds convenience.
• 1 cup diced potatoes Adds nice texture to the pot pie.
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 3 cups chicken broth Ensures dish isn't dry.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream Adds a rich and creamy texture.
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts Pre-made saves time.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add the frozen peas and carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped onions.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
6. Stir in the heavy cream.
7. Roll out the pie crust and place it over the slow cooker.
8. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the crust is golden and flaky.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For storage, let the pot pie cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It lasts in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or can be frozen for about 2-3 months. To reheat, use a microwave or oven until heated through.