A delicious chicken pot pie doesn’t need to take hours. This simplified version brings the comforting classic to your table in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
The secret to this quick pot pie lies in using frozen mixed vegetables and rotisserie chicken for the filling. A sheet of puff pastry serves as the perfect lid, eliminating the need for a bottom crust. The pastry bakes into a golden, flaky layer that’s just as satisfying as traditional pie dough. Plus, the entire dish is prepared in a cast iron skillet, making it a convenient one-pot meal that’s both efficient and comforting.
Ensure the filling is bubbling before placing the puff pastry on top. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked, non-soggy crust. If you have someone to help, speed things up by having them shred the chicken while you prepare the roux and filling on the stove.
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie GhazaliWhat You'll Need
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 ½ cups frozen vegetable blend
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2 cups chicken broth
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½ cup heavy whipping cream
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3 cups shredded, cooked chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken) (12 ounces)
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2 teaspoons fresh thyme
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½ (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed (1 sheet)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven, melt butter, and mix in flour:
Set your oven to 425°F. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth.
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie GhazaliIncorporate the rest of the filling ingredients and bring to a boil:
Mix in the vegetables, broth, cream, chicken, and thyme, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie GhazaliCover the skillet with puff pastry:
Take the skillet off the heat and lay a sheet of puff pastry over the top.
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie GhazaliBake the pot pie:
Bake in the preheated oven until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling, approximately 18 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy.
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie GhazaliLet the pot pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set, ensuring clean and neat servings.
Variations for Chicken Pot Pie
- Cube your chicken: Diced chicken is a great alternative if you prefer it over shredded or pulled chicken.
- Use turkey leftovers: This recipe is perfect for repurposing leftover turkey from holiday meals.
- Use veggie leftovers: Chop up any leftover steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, carrots, or fennel, and add them to the filling. Greens like kale or spinach also work well.
- Add a glossy finish: Brush the puff pastry with egg white before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for mushrooms or a plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version.
- Prepare ahead: Assemble the filling a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the puff pastry and extend the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
5 More Simple Chicken Recipes to Explore
- Quick Chicken Curry
- Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
- Lemon Herb Slow-Roasted Chicken
- Baby Kale Chicken Caesar Salad
- Salsa Verde Chicken Soup
Common Questions Answered
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What is chicken pot pie?
Chicken pot pie is a classic American dish featuring a creamy chicken and vegetable filling, topped with a flaky puff pastry crust.
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Is chicken pot pie healthy?
Yes, chicken pot pie can be nutritious. It provides lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins and fiber from the vegetables.
