So Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe (Detailed)
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- Cooked chicken:
- Use ½ a chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 to 1 ½ cups).
- Tip: Rotisserie chicken leftovers work best. Remove the skin and bones and chop the meat finely for even distribution.
- For a shortcut: Use canned chicken (well-drained) or pre-cooked frozen chicken.
- Cream of soup base:
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup.
Optional Variation: Replace one can with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for variety. - Add ¼ cup milk or chicken broth to thin the mixture slightly if needed for a creamier filling.
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup.
- Vegetables:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) mixed vegetables, well-drained.
- Alternative: Use 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans), thawed.
- For fresh options: Chop and lightly steam carrots, peas, and green beans.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) mixed vegetables, well-drained.
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Adjust based on your preference and the saltiness of the soup.
- Crescent rolls:
- 1 can (8 rolls) refrigerated crescent dough.
- For a larger batch (9×13-inch pan), use 2 cans.
- 1 can (8 rolls) refrigerated crescent dough.
- Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) to sprinkle under the crescent rolls for added flavor.
- Cooking spray or butter:
- To grease the pan.
Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish (depending on batch size).
- Large mixing bowl.
- Silicone spatula or spoon for stirring.
- Pastry brush (optional, for butter on crescent rolls).
- Aluminum foil (optional, to prevent over-browning).
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease the bottom and sides of your dish with cooking spray or a light coat of butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken.
- Cream of chicken soup (and optional cream of mushroom/celery).
- Mixed vegetables.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the soup coats all the chicken and veggies evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Season:
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Optional Additions:
- Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese for a richer filling.
- Add a pinch of thyme, parsley, or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Pot Pie
- Spread the Filling:
- Pour the prepared filling into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Top with Crescent Rolls:
- Open the crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it.
- Place the triangles on top of the filling, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Pinch any gaps closed to create a more uniform crust (optional).
- Optional Step:
- Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with melted butter or a beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
Step 4: Bake
- Initial Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes.
- Check after 15 minutes to ensure the crescent rolls are browning evenly.
- Prevent Over-Browning (Optional):
- If the rolls are browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the bake time.
- Final Check:
- The pot pie is ready when:
- The crescent rolls are golden brown and flaky.
- The filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- The pot pie is ready when:
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Rest Before Serving:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
- Portion and Enjoy:
- Use a spatula to scoop portions onto plates. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Batch Size:
- For a smaller serving, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish.
- For larger gatherings, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan.
- Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing:
- Freeze the unbaked filling in an airtight container. Thaw, assemble with fresh crescent rolls, and bake when ready.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes:
- Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or fruit for a complete meal.
- Optional Garnish:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top before serving.
This detailed version of Chicken Pot Pie ensures a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and budget-friendly. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!