Introduction
There’s something truly comforting about a homemade chicken pot pie, and when you throw it in the crock pot, it becomes the ultimate cozy dinner! This hearty dish brings together tender chicken, seasonal veggies, and a creamy filling all wrapped in a flaky pie crust. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you need some comfort food, this recipe is a warm hug for your taste buds. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (low) / 4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (low) / 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Top the chicken with the diced carrots, potatoes, chopped onion, and frozen peas, creating a colorful layer of veggies.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is done, shred it directly in the crock pot using two forks — it should fall apart easily.
- Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and place them over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the crock pot, covering it completely.
- Cut several slits into the crust to allow steam to escape, ensuring a perfectly baked top.
- Cover again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown.
Notes or Tips
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the crock pot. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, like corn or green beans, to customize this dish. If you prefer a thicker filling, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the last hour of cooking.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is all about the slow cooking technique, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. If you’re short on time, you can also prepare the chicken and veggies on the stovetop to hasten the cooking process. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes! Frozen chicken breasts work well in this recipe; just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the crock pot in the morning for a ready-to-go dinner.
What should I serve with chicken pot pie? A light side salad or some crusty bread pairs wonderfully to soak up that delicious filling.
Conclusion
This crock pot chicken pot pie embodies the spirit of comfort food. With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, it’s perfect for a family dinner or cozy night in. Give it a try, and enjoy the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen — it’s sure to become a family favorite!