Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

A homemade chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food—flaky, buttery crust filled with a creamy, savory mixture of tender chicken, vegetables, and herbs. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or when you need a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.

Making a chicken pot pie from scratch may seem like a labor of love, but with a few simple steps, it comes together beautifully. The filling is rich and flavorful, combining shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onions, and peas in a velvety sauce. A hint of fresh thyme enhances the dish, giving it a warm, homestyle taste that pairs perfectly with the golden, crisp crust.

This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted chicken or even Thanksgiving turkey. The filling can be made ahead of time, making it easy to assemble and bake when you’re ready. Whether you serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this chicken pot pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

For the best results, use a homemade or high-quality store-bought pie crust. Brushing the top with heavy cream before baking gives it that signature golden-brown color and crisp texture. Let the pie rest before slicing to allow the filling to set properly, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced with flaky pastry and creamy goodness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped sweet onion (about ½ onion)
• 1 cup thinly sliced carrots (about 2 carrots)
• ½ cup chopped celery (about 1 stalk)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cup chicken broth, warmed
• ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• Heavy cream for brushing
• Double pie crust

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the carrots begin to soften, stirring frequently.
2. Add Flour: Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
3. Make the Sauce: While stirring, slowly pour in the warm chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine with Chicken and Peas: Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas until well combined. Pour the filling into a bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Assemble the Pie: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pie crust to a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a deep 9-inch pie plate, pressing it into the edges. Spoon in the cooled filling.
7. Top with Second Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and lay it over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough within 1 inch of the pie plate edge, tuck under the edges, and crimp as desired. Brush the top crust with heavy cream for a golden finish. Cut a few slits in the top to vent steam. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet.
8. Bake the Pie: Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F. Then, reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for another 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with flaked salt, black pepper, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Variations

• Turkey Pot Pie: Substitute the chicken with turkey for a post-holiday twist.
• Vegetarian Pot Pie: Replace chicken with mushrooms and add extra vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Herb Twist: Try adding fresh parsley, dill, or sage for a different flavor profile.

Tips

• Use leftover roasted chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Make the filling in advance and refrigerate it to make assembling the pie quicker.
• Brush the crust with a mixture of heavy cream and egg yolk for a beautifully golden top.
• Let the pie rest before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.

This easy homemade chicken pot pie is the definition of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table!