Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie brings the comforting, hearty flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie into an easy, hands-off recipe. This dish features tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all simmered together in the slow cooker and topped with a flaky crust. With minimal prep time, you can enjoy a warm, filling meal without much effort.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I wanted something comforting but didn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The result was pure comfort food—rich, savory, and so satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a warm, flavorful meal that’s perfect for the whole family. You can even use leftovers for a quick lunch the next day!

What’s great about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out the vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste. Whether you serve it with a side of bread or a simple salad, this slow cooker chicken pot pie will be a hit every time!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Busy weeknights
• Comfort food cravings
• Cold weather meals
• Meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Here’s why Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie will become your new favorite:

• Easy to Prepare: Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce makes this a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Flaky Crust: The buttery, flaky pie crust topping gives this dish the classic pot pie feel, with no need to bake the whole pie.
• Minimal Hands-On Time: Most of the cooking time is spent in the slow cooker, giving you more time to relax or focus on other tasks.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen carrots (or 1 cup of mixed vegetables)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for slow cooking, as they become tender and juicy after hours in the slow cooker.
• Frozen Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots are convenient and add color and flavor to the dish without needing fresh prep work.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds richness to the sauce and gives the dish that classic pot pie flavor.
• Pie Crust: The pre-made refrigerated pie crusts provide a flaky, buttery topping that’s easy to use and adds a delicious finish to the pot pie.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. You don’t need to cut them into pieces, as they will shred later.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the frozen peas, carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
3. Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream (or milk) over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix everything together.

Cook the Filling:

4. Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the vegetables should be soft.

Shred the Chicken and Assemble:

5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Add the Pie Crust:

7. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a flat surface. If using two crusts, place one on top of the slow cooker mixture. If your slow cooker is too small for the crust to sit on top, you can bake the crust separately and serve it alongside the filling.
8. Cook the Crust: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

Serve:

9. Serve: Once the crust is golden and flaky, serve your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie directly from the slow cooker. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is best served hot and can be paired with a variety of side dishes:

• With Salad: Serve the pot pie with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
• With Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds some crunch and is perfect for dipping into the creamy filling.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans would pair nicely with this comforting meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving more comfort, mashed potatoes make a perfect side for the chicken pot pie.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is perfect every time:

• Use Thighs for Extra Flavor: Chicken thighs have more flavor and stay juicier in the slow cooker compared to chicken breasts, so feel free to use them if you prefer.
• Skip the Pie Crust: If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the crust entirely and serve the creamy chicken mixture on its own or over mashed potatoes.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley added at the end can enhance the flavor of the filling.
• Use Homemade Soup: If you prefer to avoid canned cream of chicken soup, you can make your own from scratch using a simple roux and chicken stock.
• Make Ahead: The filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding the crust and cooking.

Recipe Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Here are 10 variations you can try for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie:

• Turkey Pot Pie: Swap the chicken for leftover turkey for a Thanksgiving-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Pot Pie: Use vegetable broth, and replace the chicken with a variety of mushrooms and extra vegetables like potatoes or zucchini.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie: Use gluten-free pie crusts or skip the crust altogether and serve the filling over rice or mashed potatoes.
• Chicken and Biscuits: Instead of pie crust, top the mixture with biscuit dough and cook until golden and fluffy.
• Spicy Chicken Pot Pie: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy twist.
• Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the filling before cooking.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pot Pie: Add sliced mushrooms to the filling for extra depth of flavor and creaminess.
• Curry Chicken Pot Pie: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the filling for a mild, aromatic flavor.
• Sweet Potato Chicken Pot Pie: Swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory combo.
• Low-Fat Chicken Pot Pie: Use low-fat milk and a light cream of chicken soup to make a healthier version.

Freezing and Storage for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

• Freezing: To freeze the filling, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the slow cooker or oven, topping with fresh pie crust.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie easier:

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping the vegetables and chicken easy.
• Pie Dish (Optional): If your slow cooker is too small for the pie crust, you can bake the crust separately in a pie dish and serve it alongside.
• Tongs or Forks: Use tongs or forks to shred the chicken once it’s cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will require a longer cooking time. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I skip the pie crust?
   Yes, you can skip the pie crust and enjoy the dish as a creamy chicken and vegetable stew. You could also serve it over rice or mashed potatoes.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, corn, or green beans to suit your tastes.
4. Can I use almond milk instead of heavy cream?
   Yes, you can use almond milk or any other milk alternative in place of heavy cream for a lighter version of the dish.
5. How can I make the crust more golden?
   If you prefer a more golden crust, you can brush it with a bit of melted butter before cooking.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, easy, and flavorful meal that will become a family favorite. With its creamy filling, tender chicken, and flaky crust, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious meal, this recipe is both versatile and satisfying. Whether served with a side of salad, mashed potatoes, or just as it is, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to gatherings with friends and family. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or enjoying it on a weekend, this chicken pot pie is sure to bring comfort and joy to any occasion.

I’d love to see how your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!