Easy Chicken Pot Pie is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something comforting and memorable. With tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and a flaky golden crust, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels like a hug in every bite. This dish comes together quickly, especially if you use rotisserie chicken, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal. Whether you’re craving a classic family dinner or need a reliable recipe that everyone will love, this chicken pot pie delivers warmth and satisfaction without the stress. Simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
A Comfort Classic Made Simple
This recipe keeps the heart of homemade chicken pot pie but trims the fuss, so you get a dinner that tastes special without taking hours.
Perfect for Busy Evenings
With shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables, you’ll have dinner ready in less than an hour.
Family-Friendly Flavor
The creamy filling and golden crust are a combination no one at the table will resist.
Versatile for Any Kitchen
Whether you bake in a deep pie dish or a cast iron skillet, the result is still hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken makes this step quick and easy, but any leftover cooked chicken works.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans add both sweetness and texture.
- 1 small onion, diced – Brings depth of flavor to the creamy filling.
- 1 cup chicken broth – The base liquid that keeps the filling savory.
- 1 cup milk – Combines with the broth to create a creamy sauce. Whole milk gives the richest texture.
- ⅓ cup butter – Used to sauté the onion and build the roux.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce so your filling isn’t runny.
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts – A reliable shortcut for that flaky golden crust.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme for a classic, cozy flavor.
Optional Swaps
- Chicken breast: Cook and shred it if you prefer lean meat.
- Puff pastry: Use instead of pie crust for a buttery, flaky top.
- Diced potatoes or mushrooms: Stir into the filling to make it even heartier.
- Fresh herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or parsley if you like different flavors.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and coated in the sauce.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Spoon the hot filling into the crust. Place the second crust on top, crimp the edges to seal, and cut a few small slits in the center to let steam escape.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch spills) and bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling firm up so it doesn’t spill out when you serve.
Why It Works
The Roux Creates Creaminess
The base of butter and flour is what turns this pot pie into comfort food. As the flour cooks, it loses its raw taste and blends with butter to create a nutty, smooth foundation. When the broth and milk are whisked in, the mixture thickens into a luscious sauce that hugs every piece of chicken and vegetable.
Chicken Brings Richness
Shredded chicken adds both flavor and substance. Every bite offers tender strands of protein that soak up the creamy sauce. Using cooked chicken also saves time while giving the filling a hearty backbone.
Vegetables Add Balance
Pot pie is indulgent, but the vegetables balance it out beautifully. Peas bring sweetness, carrots add color, and green beans bring a mild bite. Frozen vegetables keep things practical, but they still taste fresh once baked in the sauce.
The Crust Seals in Comfort
A double crust is more than just pretty—it’s a shield that locks in all that bubbling filling. The bottom crust gives structure, while the top bakes into a golden, flaky lid. That first crack of the crust with a fork is what makes pot pie unforgettable.
Oven Heat Ties It Together
Baking at a high temperature crisps the crust while the filling thickens and bubbles inside. The heat creates contrast—crispy, golden pastry on the outside and creamy comfort on the inside. That balance is what makes this dish so satisfying.
Variations
Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie
For the ultimate shortcut, use rotisserie chicken. It’s already juicy, seasoned, and ready to shred, which cuts prep time in half.
Lazy Chicken Pot Pie
Skip the pie crust and top the filling with canned biscuits or crescent roll dough. It bakes into a bubbly, golden topping in no time.
One Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Cook your filling in a cast iron skillet, then cover with puff pastry or pie crust and bake in the same pan. Less cleanup, same cozy flavors.
Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
Let the slow cooker do the work. Simmer the filling for hours until tender, then top with biscuits and finish in the oven for that classic crust.
Quick Chicken Pot Pie
Make individual portions by dividing the filling into ramekins and topping each with pastry. They bake quickly and make serving a breeze.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Runny Filling
If you don’t let the roux cook and thicken, the filling will spill out like soup. Take your time whisking until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Soggy Bottom Crust
No one loves a gummy crust. Blind-baking (pre-baking) the bottom layer for 8–10 minutes helps it stand up to the creamy filling.
Overseasoning
Since broth and chicken often contain salt, it’s easy to overdo it. Always taste the sauce before adding more seasoning.
Uneven Baking
A solid top crust without vents traps steam, leaving the inside undercooked. Slits let the steam escape and give the crust that rustic, home-baked look.
FAQ
Can I make chicken pot pie ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pie, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed.
Can I freeze chicken pot pie?
Absolutely. Wrap it well and freeze before baking. When ready, bake from frozen at 425°F, adding 15–20 minutes to the bake time.
Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie?
Yes, cooked chicken breast works just as well. Boil, roast, or pan-fry the breast, then shred it before adding.
Can I make this without a bottom crust?
Definitely. Many home cooks prefer a top crust only. It bakes faster, and the dish turns into a cozy chicken pot pie casserole.n top crust.
notes Final Encouragement
Dinner doesn’t have to be fancy to feel meaningful. When you pull this pie from the oven, the smell alone will bring everyone into the kitchen. The joy on their faces as they dig in—that’s the real reward. So next time life feels heavy, remember that something as simple as a pot pie can bring comfort, warmth, and togetherness.

Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9-inch Pie Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or any leftover chicken
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn, green beans
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk whole milk preferred
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts top and bottom
- salt and pepper to taste
- thyme a pinch, dried or fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Add shredded chicken and frozen vegetables to the sauce. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Fit one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the hot filling into the crust. Top with the second crust, seal the edges, and cut slits in the top to vent.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.