Experience the ultimate comfort with this Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie, a hearty and effortless easy dinner recipe crockpot that brings a classic, creamy favorite to your table with minimal fuss for truly satisfying fast dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
There’s nothing quite like a warm, savory pot pie to soothe the soul, and when you can achieve that cozy feeling with the set-it-and-forget-it magic of your slow cooker, it’s a game-changer! This recipe transforms a traditional favorite into an incredibly convenient meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, fulfilling dinner without the constant hovering over the stove. Say goodbye to complicated crusts and lengthy prep; our recipe focuses on flavor, simplicity, and that irresistible creamy goodness. It’s one of the best easy crockpot dinners you can add to your repertoire, especially if you’re exploring more easy crockpot meals. This truly is a delightful example of comfort food classics.
Whether you’re new to slow cooker cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is designed for success, delivering tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your crockpot dishes game with this foolproof chicken pot pie that promises warmth, flavor, and incredible ease.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Effortless Cooking
Cooking smart means having the right tools. Here are a few recommendations that can make preparing this delicious pot pie, and many other meals, even easier:
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Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor: For this recipe, finely dicing your onions, celery, and potatoes can be a breeze. A good Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor saves precious time, making meal prep for any of your weeknight dinners incredibly fast and efficient.
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Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt: While your pot pie simmers, you can use an Air Fryer to quickly crisp up biscuits or even roast extra vegetables to serve alongside your pot pie. Its large capacity is fantastic for family meals.
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Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender: If you prefer to make your own cream of chicken soup from scratch, or simply want to blend a smoother sauce, the powerful Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender is excellent for creating perfectly smooth purees and sauces.
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Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Set of 9: Leftovers from this generous slow cooker dish are fantastic! Store them safely and elegantly in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Set. They are leak-proof and stackable, perfect for meal prep.
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FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine: Extend the freshness of ingredients, or even freeze batches of cooked chicken or chopped vegetables for future slow cooker pot pie creations with a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine. It’s ideal for preventing freezer burn.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Gather these ingredients for your delicious pot pie:
- Proteins: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken)
- Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans), Potatoes (Yukon gold, Russet, red, or diced hash browns), Diced yellow onion, Diced celery, Fresh minced garlic (or garlic powder), Optional: fresh or frozen mushrooms, corn kernels, extra frozen peas
- Liquids & Cream Bases: Low-sodium chicken broth, Condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery/mushroom soup, or homemade), Milk (any type), Heavy cream, Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- Seasonings & Spices: Salt, Cracked black pepper, Dried thyme, Dried rosemary, Onion powder, Poultry seasoning, Garlic powder, Paprika, Dried oregano, Dried basil, Chicken bouillon (or Better Than Bouillon), Optional: Worcestershire sauce
- Thickeners: Cornstarch (for slurry), All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), Dry chicken gravy mix packet (optional)
- Toppings/Crust: Refrigerated biscuits (Grands, crescent rolls, or any brand), Puff pastry, Crushed Ritz crackers (mixed with butter and toasted), Optional: Tater tots, Shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese
- Fats: Butter (dairy-free optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. This forms the foundation of your delicious crockpot soup recipes style dish.
- Season the Chicken and Add Initial Vegetables: Sprinkle the chicken generously with seasonings such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and poultry seasoning. Add diced onions, celery, and potatoes (if using fresh) around the chicken.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup (and/or cream of celery/mushroom soup), chicken broth, and milk. Many recipes also suggest adding a dry gravy mix packet, chicken bouillon, and sour cream at this stage for extra richness. If using fresh garlic, mince and add it here or directly to the slow cooker. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Gently mix the vegetables and soup, but try not to disturb the chicken at the bottom.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is wonderfully tender and cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F). This is the beauty of crock pot cooking!
- Shred Chicken and Add Remaining Vegetables: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it easily using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables (and any additional frozen peas or corn) until well combined. If you started with frozen chicken, add the frozen vegetables an hour or two later to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
- Thicken the Sauce (if desired): If you find the sauce is too thin for your liking, create a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water (e.g., 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water). Stir the slurry into the pot pie mixture and continue to cook, uncovered, on high for another 30 minutes or until the desired thickness is reached. Alternatively, for an even creamier consistency, stir in heavy cream at this stage.
- Prepare Topping and Serve: While your pot pie finishes cooking, prepare your chosen topping. Bake refrigerated biscuits according to package directions for a golden crust. If using crescent rolls or puff pastry, bake them separately. For a delightful Ritz cracker topping, crush the crackers, mix them with melted butter, and toast in a skillet until golden brown. Serve the hot slow cooker chicken pot pie filling in bowls, generously topped with a warm biscuit or other prepared topping for a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy this perfect example of dinner recipes crockpot style!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you thicken slow cooker chicken pot pie?
You can effectively thicken your pot pie by making a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water or broth (e.g., 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) and stir it into the pot pie mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high. Alternatively, a little heavy cream can also add richness and slight thickness.
Can I use frozen chicken in a slow cooker chicken pot pie?
Yes, you absolutely can! If using frozen chicken, add an extra hour or two to the cooking time to ensure it cooks through completely. It’s also a good idea to add frozen vegetables about an hour or so after the chicken starts cooking to prevent them from overcooking and becoming mushy.
Can I make slow cooker chicken pot pie ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can assemble all the base ingredients (chicken, initial vegetables, and sauce) in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before you’re ready to cook. Leftovers also reheat wonderfully in the slow cooker or microwave, making it a perfect option for fast dinner recipes throughout the week.
What kind of chicken is best for this slow cooker pot pie?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are most commonly used because they are easy to prepare and shred after cooking. However, bone-in chicken can also be used for added flavor; just remember to remove the bones before shredding the meat and returning it to the pot.
What if my pot pie comes out watery?
A watery consistency can happen if the chicken or vegetables release a lot of liquid during cooking. Don’t worry, this is easily fixed! Just follow the thickening method mentioned earlier: stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking until your desired thickness is achieved.
Can I omit canned soups and use a homemade sauce?
Absolutely! For a homemade sauce, cook the chicken and initial veggies with just chicken stock. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, return it to the pot. Then, stir in heavy cream and use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture to your desired consistency. This can often result in a fresher, more customized flavor profile.
What are good topping alternatives for slow cooker pot pie?
Beyond refrigerated biscuits, the options are plentiful! Consider homemade biscuits, flaky puff pastry, crescent rolls, creamy mashed potatoes for a shepherd’s pie twist, or a savory Ritz cracker topping (crushed and mixed with melted butter, then toasted) for a delightful crunch. This versatility makes it an excellent choice among crockpot recipes slow cooker enthusiasts.
How do you avoid a soggy crust?
If you’re using a traditional crust that bakes directly on top, the key is to ensure your filling is thick enough to support the dough so it doesn’t sink. However, the most common and easiest method to avoid a soggy crust for slow cooker pot pie is to bake your biscuits, puff pastry, or other toppings separately and serve them on top of the filling just before eating.
What vegetables can I use in this slow cooker dish?
Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans) are a go-to for convenience. Fresh diced potatoes, onions, and celery are also very common and add great flavor. You can certainly use other fresh vegetables, but chop them finely for even cooking and try to avoid those with very high water content if you want a naturally thicker sauce.
How long does slow cooker chicken pot pie last in the fridge?
Leftovers of this delicious dish can be safely refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It makes for wonderful quick lunches or another easy dinner!
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