Is there anything more comforting than a warm, delicious chicken pot pie? Perhaps one of the best things about chicken pot pie is how versatile and easy it is to make, especially when you use a crock pot. This cooking method not only simplifies the preparation process but also deepens the flavors, giving you a truly home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Here's how you can make a mouthwatering chicken pot pie in a crock pot that will make your family and friends ask for seconds!
Why Crock Pot for Chicken Pot Pie?
The use of a crock pot for making chicken pot pie offers numerous advantages:
- Convenience: Set it and forget it. Your pot pie filling will be ready by the time you get back home from work or errands.
- Flavor: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld together in ways that stovetop cooking might not achieve.
- Tenderness: Chicken becomes incredibly tender, and vegetables cook to perfection without becoming mushy.
Ingredients
Here are the essential ingredients you'll need for a delicious chicken pot pie:
- 1 to 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade pie crust
Steps to Cook Chicken Pot Pie in a Crock Pot
Follow these steps to create your perfect crock pot chicken pot pie:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the vegetables: Onions, carrots, potatoes, and garlic.
- If using cheese, shred it.
2. Set Up the Crock Pot
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Add the broth, butter, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary.
- Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cooking Process
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked, and the vegetables tender.
4. Thicken the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix flour with some of the cooking liquid to create a slurry.
- Pour this mixture back into the crock pot, stirring well to prevent lumps.
- Stir in heavy cream or milk for additional richness.
⚠️ Note: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you might need to adjust the amount of flour or cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes after adding the flour slurry.
5. Add the Biscuits or Crust
- Preheat your oven to 400°F if using biscuits.
- Place cut-out biscuits or pie crust pieces on a baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes for biscuits, or as per the pie crust instructions.
6. Serve
- Once the filling is thick and the biscuits or crust is cooked, serve the chicken pot pie by scooping the filling into bowls, topping each with a biscuit or crust.
Variations
You can customize your chicken pot pie to suit different tastes:
| Add-In | Description |
|---|---|
| Herbs | Add fresh parsley, sage, or tarragon for extra flavor. |
| Vegetables | Include mushrooms, leeks, or green beans for variety. |
| Meat | Try turkey, beef, or even a vegetarian version with tofu or tempeh. |
Now that you’ve got your perfect chicken pot pie, here are some key points to remember:
- Using a crock pot enhances flavor through slow cooking.
- Customization is easy, allowing you to adjust according to your preferences.
- The convenience of set-and-forget cooking makes this meal perfect for busy days.
Can I use frozen chicken?
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Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Allow extra time for the chicken to defrost and cook thoroughly.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
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If you don’t have a crock pot, you can make the pot pie filling on the stovetop or use a Dutch oven, then proceed with the steps for adding the crust.
Can I make it dairy-free?
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Absolutely, use non-dairy milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether.
