If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big, friendly hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place. I absolutely love this Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe because it’s a classic made from scratch with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a luscious homemade gravy all wrapped in flaky pie crust. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you want to impress your family with a true comfort food winner, this recipe has got you covered. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your pot pie turns out golden, cozy, and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Homemade Flavor: Unlike store-bought versions, every bite bursts with fresh ingredients and rich, homemade gravy.
- Double Crust Delight: The flaky top and bottom crusts make it satisfyingly crunchy and soft all at once.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this—perfect for special Sundays or casual weeknight dinners.
- Flexible and Adaptable: You can swap veggies, use turkey instead of chicken, or try different crusts to fit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get that perfect balance of creamy filling and crisp crust, the ingredients here work together like a well-rehearsed band. I always recommend fresh veggies for the best flavor, and using a homemade or all-butter pie crust really takes this Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe to the next level.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Both work well; thighs stay juicier, but breasts cook quickly and stay tender.
- Carrots and celery: These classic veggies add sweetness and crunch—slice them evenly for even cooking.
- Unsalted butter: Real butter helps build that rich, silky gravy base.
- Yellow onion: Choose a small one for a subtle sweetness that complements the filling.
- Garlic: Just a touch to deepen the flavor without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens the gravy; make sure to whisk it well to avoid lumps.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning is key—adjust to your taste during cooking.
- Dried thyme leaves: The herb that really makes the pie sing with cozy, earthy notes.
- Chicken broth/stock: I recommend reduced sodium to control saltiness.
- Half-and-half: Gives the filling creaminess without being too heavy; you can substitute with a combo of milk and cream if needed.
- Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end, peas pop with freshness and color.
- Egg wash: That simple mixture of egg and milk gives the crust the most beautiful golden-brown shine.
- Optional fresh thyme sprigs: For garnish and a touch of elegance.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is how you can make it truly yours. Over the years, I’ve tinkered with different veggies and toppings, and honestly, it’s such a versatile comfort meal.
- Vegetable swaps and additions: Sometimes I add diced Yukon gold potatoes or mushrooms sautéed with onions for extra heartiness.
- Protein switching: Turkey is a fantastic alternative—especially after holidays—and it works beautifully in this pie.
- Crust alternatives: Use puff pastry on top for a flaky twist or biscuits as the topping for a rustic feel.
- Dairy tweaks: Half-and-half can be swapped for a mix of whole milk and cream if that’s what you have on hand.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
I usually make the pie crust the night before because chilling it is key for flakiness. Whether you go homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s well chilled—this makes rolling out much easier and helps the crust hold its shape in the oven. Roll out one disc for the pie base, and keep the second chilled until you’re ready for the top crust.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chicken, carrots, and celery in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring it to a boil and let it bubble away for 10 minutes—that’s just enough time to get everything tender and flavorful without drying the chicken out. Drain and set aside while you work on the rest.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
In a skillet, melt the butter then add onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are nice and translucent and the butter starts to brown slightly. This little caramelization adds so much flavor. Whisk in the flour and seasonings, then gradually stir in chicken broth and half-and-half. Let it simmer gently until the gravy thickens to a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to a spoon—about 10 minutes. Taste it and add a pinch more thyme or seasoning if it needs a boost.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lay your bottom crust in the pie dish and gently tuck in the edges. Spoon in the chicken and veggies, sprinkle frozen peas over the top, then pour the luscious gravy evenly over everything.
Roll out the second crust and place it carefully over the pie, trimming any excess dough. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal it up and slice a few small vents on top—you want that steam to escape so your crust stays crisp. Brush the entire top with egg wash for that beautiful golden glow.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie for 32 to 38 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. After 20 minutes, shield the edges with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning—that little trick saved me from many burnt crust disasters! Let the pie rest at least 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the filling set and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Chill Your Dough Well: I learned that keeping the dough cold makes rolling smoother and the crust crispier after baking.
- Don’t Skip the Steaming Vents: Those tiny slits in the top crust prevent sogginess by letting steam escape.
- Use Reduced Sodium Broth: This lets you control seasoning and prevents the filling from becoming too salty.
- Protect the Crust Edges: Cover with foil halfway through baking so edges stay golden and don’t burn.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I often garnish my pot pie with a couple of fresh thyme sprigs because they look pretty and add a light herbal scent just before serving. A little sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top can also brighten up each slice.
Side Dishes
Since the pot pie is so hearty, I like pairing it with simple green salads or roasted seasonal veggies—think green beans with garlic or a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For a cozy meal, mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try making individual pot pies in ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—guests love getting their own personal pie. You can also decorate the top crust with cut-out shapes or lattice designs for a fun and festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pot pie is one of those magical dishes that actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded. I store mine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, and it reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave—just keep an eye to not overcook the crust.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing both the assembled unbaked pot pie and leftovers. If freezing unbaked, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil—thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. For already baked slices, freeze in airtight containers; thaw and reheat slowly in the oven to keep the crust flaky.
Reheating
I reheat leftover pot pie in a 350°F oven wrapped loosely with foil for about 20 minutes or until hot. For a crisp crust touch, remove the foil the last 5 minutes. Microwaving works too, but you might lose some crust crispness.
FAQs
-
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Using refrigerated pie crusts is a great shortcut. Just make sure to thaw them properly and handle gently while rolling. The flavor won’t be quite the same as homemade, but it’s still delicious and cuts prep time significantly.
-
Is it okay to skip the bottom crust?
Yes, you can skip the bottom crust if you prefer a lighter pie. Just mix the gravy with the chicken and vegetables, then bake with only the top crust. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and bake slightly longer, watching for the crust to turn golden.
-
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The filling and gravy can be made a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then assemble and bake the day you’re serving. This saves time and helps flavors meld beautifully.
-
How can I avoid a soggy crust?
The key is to make sure you cook the filling ingredients enough to remove excess water before baking and to bake the pie at a high enough temperature. Venting the top crust also helps steam escape, keeping the crust flaky.
Final Thoughts
This Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is close to my heart because it reminds me of cozy family dinners and the joy of cooking from scratch. It’s a recipe that welcomes you in with comforting flavors and the warm aroma of a golden crust. If you’re looking for a dish that feels like home, give this recipe a try—I promise you’ll make it again and again, just like I do!
Print
Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie recipe features tender chicken, carrots, celery, and peas in a rich, creamy thyme-flavored gravy, all encased in a perfectly flaky homemade pie crust. Ideal for a comforting dinner, this classic pot pie can be made ahead for convenience and offers delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Homemade Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust (enough for top and bottom crusts)
Filling
- 1 pound (450g) skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 cup (about 130g) sliced carrots (about 2 carrots)
- 1/2 cup (about 40g) sliced celery
- 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp; 71g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (45g) chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a small onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) chicken broth/stock (preferably reduced sodium)
- 2/3 cup (160ml) half-and-half (or substitute half heavy cream and half whole milk, or all whole milk)
- 1 cup (125g) frozen peas
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk
Optional Garnish
- Sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust: Make either homemade pie crust recipe through step 5, including chilling for at least 2 hours. Usually made the night before. This provides both bottom and top crusts.
- Cook chicken and vegetables: In a large pot, combine chicken, carrots, and celery. Add enough water to cover, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the gravy: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until onions are translucent and butter lightly browned. Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, thyme, chicken broth, and half-and-half. Cook and whisk until smooth with no lumps, then simmer on medium-low until very thick, about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning as desired. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Roll out bottom crust: On a floured surface, roll one chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Place carefully into a 9-inch deep pie dish, smooth it out and trim excess dough.
- Assemble pie: Spoon chicken and vegetable mixture into crust. Scatter frozen peas on top and pour gravy evenly over.
- Roll out top crust: Roll second dough disc into 12-inch circle. Cover pie with this crust, trim edges and crimp with a fork to seal. Cut small slits in top crust for steam release and brush with egg wash.
- Bake the pie: Bake for 32–38 minutes or until crust is golden brown. After 20 minutes, cover edges with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let cool at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy leftovers refrigerated up to 5 days and reheat as desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing: Prepare filling and gravy 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate. Pie crust dough can be stored refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, thaw overnight before use. Both unbaked and baked pot pie freeze well for 2–3 months.
- Pie Crust Alternatives: Store-bought refrigerated or frozen pie crusts can be used instead of homemade.
- Skip Bottom Crust: You can make a single crust pot pie by skipping the bottom crust and lowering oven temperature to 375°F (191°C). Mix gravy with chicken/veggies before baking.
- Topping Variations: Use puff pastry instead of top crust, or biscuit topping instead (omit bottom crust). Note puff pastry underside may be soggy.
- Half-and-Half Substitute: Use half heavy cream and half whole milk, or all whole milk for gravy thickness. Avoid lower-fat milk.
- Filling Variations: Use leftover meats like turkey or add vegetables like corn, diced Yukon gold potatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini, but keep total veggies moderate to ensure enough gravy.
- Herbs & Seasoning: Add fresh parsley, rosemary, sage, celery seed, or extra thyme to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg