Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food that brings all the delicious flavors of a traditional pot pie with the ease of slow cooking. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a flaky crust for the ultimate cozy meal.
Using a crock pot allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a rich and savory filling. Plus, it’s an excellent option for busy weeknights—just set it and forget it!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, ingredient choices, thickening techniques, and expert cooking tips to make your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie absolutely perfect.
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Table of Contents
Why Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a Must-Try Recipe
What Makes Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie So Good?
Chicken pot pie has been a beloved dish for generations. But using a crock pot (slow cooker) instead of a traditional oven offers many benefits:
- Hands-Free Cooking – Set it and forget it! No need to constantly monitor the oven.
- Juicier Chicken – Slow cooking keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- Enhanced Flavors – The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Minimal Prep – Just chop ingredients, throw them in the crock pot, and let it do the work.
Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
A great chicken pot pie requires fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Protein (Chicken Choices)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean and mild, perfect for slow cooking.
- Boneless chicken thighs – Juicier and more flavorful.
- Rotisserie chicken – Great for an easy shortcut.
Vegetables
- Classic Mix: Carrots, peas, celery, potatoes.
- Optional Additions: Mushrooms, green beans, sweet corn.
Broth & Cream
- Chicken broth – Creates a flavorful base.
- Heavy cream or milk – Adds richness to the filling.
Seasonings & Herbs
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder – Essential for depth of flavor.
- Thyme & rosemary – Perfect for a classic pot pie taste.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken (breasts or thighs) | 2 lbs |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup |
| Celery, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Potatoes, cubed | 1 cup |
| Peas (frozen) | 1 cup |
| Onion, chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Flour | 1/4 cup |
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken & Vegetables
- Add chicken, vegetables, seasonings, and broth to the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
Step 4: Thicken the Filling
- In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour with 1 cup heavy cream.
- Stir into the crock pot and cook for 30 minutes on high, until thickened.
Step 5: Prepare the Crust
While the filling thickens, bake the crust:
- Use store-bought pie crust, puff pastry, or biscuit dough.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Spoon the creamy chicken pot pie filling into bowls.
- Top with a flaky pie crust or biscuits and serve!
How to Prevent a Soggy Pie Crust
One of the biggest complaints about pot pie is a soggy bottom crust. Here’s how to avoid that mistake:
Should You Prebake the Bottom Crust?
Yes! Blind baking the bottom crust before adding the filling prevents it from getting soggy.
Additional Tips for a Crispier Crust:
✔ Brush with Egg Wash – Creates a protective layer.
✔ Let the Filling Cool – A hot filling can make the crust soggy.
✔ Bake Separately – Cook the crust in the oven for the best texture.
Why Is My Chicken Pot Pie So Liquidy?
A runny pot pie filling happens for several reasons:
- Too much broth – Reduce the liquid if needed.
- Not enough thickener – Use flour, cornstarch, or a roux.
- Not cooled enough – The filling thickens as it sits.
How to Fix a Watery Filling
- Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir into the crock pot.
- Let the filling sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Best Wine Pairings for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
What Wine Pairs Well with Chicken Pot Pie?
✔ White Wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
✔ Light Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Gamay
What Can I Use Instead of Wine?
✔ Chicken broth – Best substitute
✔ Apple cider vinegar + water – Adds acidity
✔ White grape juice – For a touch of sweetness
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie
Is Chicken Pot Pie Good for Digestion?
Yes! Homemade versions avoid preservatives and heavy fats, making them easier to digest.
Healthier Ingredient Swaps
✔ Almond milk instead of heavy cream
✔ Whole wheat crust for fiber
✔ Reduce salt for lower sodium
Expert Cooking Tips
When to Add Cream to Crock Pot Soup?
✔ Add in the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling.
How to Get a Crispy Bottom Crust?
✔ Bake it separately, then place it under the filling before serving.
Expert Cooking Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Making the perfect Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie requires more than just following a recipe. Small tweaks and expert techniques can elevate your dish, making it even creamier, more flavorful, and perfectly textured. Below are some pro cooking tips to help you avoid common mistakes and make your slow cooker pot pie absolutely perfect.
When to Add Cream to Crock Pot Soup?
Many people add cream or dairy too early, which can result in curdling or a thin, watery consistency. To prevent this, follow these steps:
✔ Add cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking – This prevents separation and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
✔ Use heavy cream instead of milk – Milk is more likely to curdle, while heavy cream holds up better under heat.
✔ Warm the cream before adding – Adding cold dairy to a hot crock pot can cause lumps. Warm it slightly before stirring it in.
✔ Stir continuously after adding cream – This helps incorporate it evenly into the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best home cooks can make mistakes when preparing Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:
1. Using Too Much Liquid
Mistake: Adding too much broth or liquid can make the filling too watery.
Fix: Start with less broth and add more later if needed. The slow cooking process releases moisture from the chicken and vegetables, naturally thinning the sauce.
2. Not Thickening the Sauce Properly
Mistake: Skipping the flour or cornstarch step results in a runny filling.
Fix: Before serving, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir it into the crock pot. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
3. Overcooking the Vegetables
Mistake: Adding soft vegetables too early can make them mushy.
Fix: Add quick-cooking veggies like peas, corn, and green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them tender but not overcooked.
4. Cooking the Crust Inside the Crock Pot
Mistake: Some recipes suggest adding raw pie crust or biscuits directly to the slow cooker, which leads to a doughy, soggy texture.
Fix: Always bake the crust separately in the oven. Then, add it as a topping before serving.
5. Not Seasoning Enough
Mistake: Slow cooking can mute flavors, leading to a bland dish.
Fix: Add extra herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Taste the filling before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
FAQ – Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Should You Prebake the Bottom Crust of a Chicken Pot Pie?
Yes! Prebaking the bottom crust (blind baking) is essential to prevent it from getting soggy when the filling is added.
How to Blind Bake:
Roll out the pie crust and place it in a baking dish.
Prick the surface with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Line it with parchment paper and add baking weights (or dried beans).
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Let it cool before adding the filling.
This technique creates a barrier between the crust and the creamy filling, keeping the texture crisp and flaky.
How Do You Get a Crispy Crust on the Bottom of a Pie?
To ensure a crispy bottom crust, follow these tips:
✔ Prebake the crust (blind bake) before adding the filling.
✔ Use an egg wash on the crust before baking to create a protective layer.
✔ Bake the pie on the lower rack of the oven for even heat distribution.
✔ Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the crust stay firm.
How Do You Keep the Bottom Pie Crust from Getting Soggy?
A soggy bottom crust can ruin an otherwise perfect pot pie. Here’s how to prevent that from happening:
✔ Brush the crust with egg wash or melted butter before baking.
✔ Use a thickened filling—runny filling seeps into the crust.
✔ Bake at a high temperature (375°F or higher) to ensure crispness.
✔ Place the baking dish on a preheated baking sheet—this helps the bottom crust cook faster.
What Can I Use Instead of Wine in Chicken Pot Pie?
Some recipes call for white wine to enhance flavor, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, try these alternatives:
✔ Chicken broth – Best for maintaining depth of flavor.
✔ Apple cider vinegar + water (1:1 ratio) – Mimics the acidity of wine.
✔ White grape juice – Adds a slight sweetness.
✔ Lemon juice – Provides a fresh, tangy taste.
These substitutes will give your dish the right balance of acidity and flavor without wine.
