pillsbury chicken pot pie

How to Make Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie: Easy Recipe Guide

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Nothing says home quite like the comforting aroma of a chicken pot pie baking in the oven. With a golden, flaky crust enveloping a rich, creamy filling of chicken and tender vegetables, this dish is both nostalgic and utterly satisfying. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make a delicious Pillsbury chicken pot pie, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, sharing essential tips and a few creative variations. By the end, you’ll be serving up a piping-hot pot pie that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. Using a ready-made Pillsbury pie crust keeps things simple and saves time, making this a perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering.

IngredientQuantityNotes
Pillsbury Pie Crust1 (top & bottom)Provides a flaky, golden crust
Cooked Chicken Breast2 cupsDiced or shredded for easy blending
Mixed Vegetables (frozen or fresh)1 ½ cupsPeas, carrots, corn, green beans – any favorites!
Chicken Broth1 cupLow-sodium preferred
Heavy Cream½ cupAdds creaminess
Onion, diced½ cupOptional, but adds a depth of flavor
Butter2 tbspFor sautéing
Flour2 tbspTo thicken the filling
Salt and PepperTo tasteAdjust based on preference
pillsbury chicken pot pie

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Preparing the Filling

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Vegetables

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion if you’d like a hint of savory sweetness, and cook until it turns translucent. Add your mixed vegetables, whether fresh or frozen, and cook until they begin to soften. This initial cooking step helps deepen the flavors and ensures that the vegetables are perfectly tender in the final pie.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

Once your veggies are ready, sprinkle the flour over them, stirring continuously to coat. This will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes until it reaches a thick, gravy-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add the cooked chicken, stirring everything until it’s well combined. Set the filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the crust.

Assembling the Pot Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Unroll your Pillsbury pie crust and line the bottom of a pie dish. Gently press the crust into the dish, ensuring that it covers the bottom and sides evenly.

Step 2: Fill the Pie

Pour your prepared chicken and vegetable filling into the bottom crust. Spread it out evenly, making sure every bite will have a balanced blend of ingredients.

Step 3: Seal and Vent the Pie

Place the second pie crust on top of the filling. Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Use a knife to cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking the Pie

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pie for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the filling set and makes for easier slicing.

Tips for Perfect Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

  • Choose the Best Ingredients
    Opt for high-quality chicken broth and vegetables for the most flavor. Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt level in the dish, and fresh vegetables add a wonderful texture.
  • Prevent a Soggy Crust
    To keep the bottom crust crisp, consider pre-baking it for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling. This extra step helps prevent a soggy bottom, ensuring that your pot pie holds up perfectly.
  • Taste as You Go
    For a perfectly seasoned filling, taste the mixture before adding it to the pie crust. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to make sure the flavors are just right.

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to switch things up, try one of these variations:

Crescent Roll Pot Pie

Instead of using a traditional pie crust, try Pillsbury crescent roll dough for a lighter, flakier crust. Simply press the crescent rolls into the pie dish, add your filling, and bake as usual.

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Use a muffin tin to create individual mini pot pies. This version is perfect for parties, kids, or meal-prepped lunches. Each mini pie has its own crust, making them easy to serve and enjoy.

Vegetarian Pot Pie

For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like potatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

For the best experience, serve your pot pie with a simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables. The lightness of a salad pairs perfectly with the rich, hearty pie, balancing out the meal.

Storage Tips:
Store any leftover pot pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven to keep the crust crispy. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

FAQ Section

What is the best way to reheat Pillsbury chicken pot pie?

The oven is the best option for reheating as it keeps the crust crispy. Set it at 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes or until the pie is warmed through.

Can I make Pillsbury chicken pot pie in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use a different Pillsbury crust?

Absolutely! Pillsbury crescent roll dough, biscuit dough, or even puff pastry can work as substitutes, each offering a unique texture.

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling to help keep it crisp.

What vegetables can I add to chicken pot pie?

Feel free to get creative with vegetables! Potatoes, green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers all work well in a pot pie.

Conclusion

Creating a Pillsbury chicken pot pie is easier than you might think, and the results are well worth it. With its flaky crust and hearty filling, this dish is a comforting classic that’s sure to bring joy to the table. Whether you’re making it for a quiet night in or a festive family gathering, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. So go ahead and give it a try, and discover why this dish has stood the test of time.