How To Make Chicken Pot Pie In Crock Pot [COMPLETE GUIDE]

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food, and making it in a crock pot adds an extra level of convenience. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together while creating a hearty, satisfying meal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making a delicious chicken pot pie in a crock pot, from selecting the ingredients to troubleshooting common issues.

Quick Answer: How Long To Make Chicken Pot Pie In Crock Pot

If you’re in a hurry, the quick answer to the cooking time for chicken pot pie in a crock pot is approximately 4-6 hours on high heat or 8-10 hours on low heat. However, this can vary based on the specific recipe and your crock pot. We’ll delve into the details of cooking times in the upcoming sections.

Selection

Chicken

When making chicken pot pie in a crock pot, it’s crucial to choose the right type of chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. If you’re looking for convenience, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great option. However, using chicken thighs can add a rich flavor to the dish.

Vegetables

Typically, traditional chicken pot pie contains a mix of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions. While you can use fresh vegetables, frozen ones are convenient and work well in the crock pot. Additionally, you might want to consider incorporating other vegetables such as celery, potatoes, or mushrooms.

Pie Crust

For the topping, a flaky pie crust complements the creamy filling of the pot pie. You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience, or if you prefer a homemade touch, consider making your own.

Preparation

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic chicken pot pie in a crock pot:

• 1 pound of chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 1 cup of diced carrots
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1/2 cup of diced onions
• 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 refrigerated pie crusts

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

Prepping The Ingredients

1. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Dice the carrots and onions.
3. If using fresh vegetables, ensure they are washed and chopped to the desired size.

Crock Pot Cooking Times For Chicken Pot Pie

Crock pot cooking times are crucial to ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are cooked to perfection without becoming overdone. Here’s a general guideline for cooking times based on the heat setting:

• High Heat: 4-6 hours
• Low Heat: 8-10 hours

It’s important to note that different crock pots may vary in terms of cooking times, so it’s essential to monitor the dish as it cooks, especially the first time you try a new recipe.

How To Make Chicken Pot Pie In Crock Pot

Step 1: Sautéing The Chicken

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
2. Sauté the seasoned chicken pieces until they are browned on all sides. This step helps to seal in the flavor and moisture of the chicken.

Step 2: Assembling The Ingredients In The Crock Pot

1. Transfer the sautéed chicken to the crock pot.
2. Add the diced carrots, onions, and frozen peas.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and dried thyme. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.

Step 3: Cooking The Pot Pie

1. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the heat to your desired setting (high or low) based on the cooking time guidelines.
2. Allow the chicken pot pie to cook to perfection, ensuring that the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Adding The Pie Crust

1. About 30 minutes before the chicken pot pie is ready, roll out the pie crust and place it over the crock pot, allowing the edges to drape over the sides.
2. If you’re using a top crust, make sure to make a few slits in it to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

1. Let the pot pie cook for the remaining time, allowing the pie crust to become golden brown and flaky.
2. Once it’s done, carefully remove the crock pot insert, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Overcooking

If you find that the chicken or vegetables are overcooked, adjust the cooking time for the next batch. It’s always advisable to check the pot pie periodically to avoid overcooking.

Soggy Crust

To prevent a soggy pie crust, you can pre-bake the pie crust slightly before placing it on top of the crock pot. This helps maintain its flakiness despite the moist environment in the crock pot.

Seasoning

If you find that the flavors are not as pronounced as desired, consider adjusting the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs towards the end of the cooking process.

Making chicken pot pie in a crock pot is a convenient way to enjoy this classic dish with minimal effort. By carefully selecting the ingredients, prepping them correctly, and monitoring the cooking process, you can ensure a delicious and satisfying meal. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to create your own signature crock pot chicken pot pie that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy slow cooking!

Achieving Perfect Texture

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked together in a flaky pastry crust. Traditionally, this dish is prepared in the oven, but using a crock pot can make the process even easier and more convenient.

One of the advantages of using a crock pot to make chicken pot pie is that it allows for a slow and even cooking process, which results in a tender and moist filling. The low temperature of the crock pot ensures that the chicken and vegetables are cooked to perfection without becoming overcooked or mushy. Additionally, the longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious filling.

To achieve the perfect texture in your crock pot chicken pot pie, it is important to select the right cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs or boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal choices, as they have a higher fat content and are less likely to dry out during the cooking process. It is also important to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Flavor Infusion

The slow cooking process in a crock pot allows for a deeper infusion of flavors in the chicken pot pie. As the ingredients simmer together, the flavors meld, resulting in a rich and delicious filling. By using aromatic herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic, you can intensify the flavor profile of your chicken pot pie.

To enhance the flavor of your filling, consider sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the crock pot. Sautéing helps to release the natural sugars and flavors in the vegetables, resulting in a more robust taste. Additionally, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to scrape up any browned bits, adding even more depth to the flavor.

Aroma

One of the joys of cooking chicken pot pie in a crock pot is the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as it slowly simmers throughout the day. The combination of herbs, spices, and savory ingredients creates a mouthwatering fragrance that will have your family eagerly awaiting dinner time.

If you want to enhance the aroma of your crock pot chicken pot pie even further, consider adding a few slices of bacon to the dish. The smoky and savory qualities of the bacon will infuse the filling with an irresistible fragrance and add an extra layer of flavor. Cook the bacon beforehand and crumble it over the top of the pot pie before serving to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and aromas.

Cooking Techniques

When making chicken pot pie in a crock pot, there are a few key cooking techniques to keep in mind to ensure a successful outcome. Here are some important tips:

1. Use a liner: Consider using a crock pot liner for easy cleanup and to prevent the crust from sticking to the pot.

2. Layer the ingredients: Start by layering the chicken at the bottom of the crock pot, followed by the vegetables and seasonings. This helps to distribute the flavors more evenly throughout the dish.

3. Thicken the sauce: To achieve a creamy and thick sauce, it is important to whisk together flour and milk or cream before adding it to the crock pot. This will help prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth consistency.

4. Add the crust: While the filling is cooking in the crock pot, prepare the crust separately. Once the filling is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish and top it with the crust. Bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown and flaky.

Crock Pot Tips For Chicken Pot Pie

To make the process of making chicken pot pie in a crock pot even smoother, here are some additional tips:

1. Pre-cook the crust: If you want to save time, pre-cook the crust separately and add it to the pot pie just before serving. This will ensure that the crust remains crispy and flaky.

2. Use frozen vegetables: To save time on prep work, you can use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones. Simply add them to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.

3. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the filling before adding the crust and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor to your liking.

4. Serving options: Chicken pot pie is traditionally served with the crust on top, but you can also serve it with the crust on the bottom. This variation, known as "upside-down chicken pot pie," allows the filling to shine and creates a unique presentation.

Creative Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipes

While the classic chicken pot pie recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, there are numerous ways to get creative and add your own twist to the dish when using a crock pot. Here are a few ideas to spark your culinary inspiration:

1. Buffalo Chicken Pot Pie: Add a bit of heat to your dish by incorporating buffalo sauce into the filling. Top it off with a blue cheese crust for a spicy and tangy twist on the classic.

2. Mexican-Style Chicken Pot Pie: Infuse your chicken pot pie with Mexican flavors by adding diced green chilies, black beans, and corn to the filling. Top it with a layer of cheddar cheese and serve with salsa and guacamole.

3. Mediterranean Chicken Pot Pie: Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean by adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the filling. Top it with a flaky phyllo dough crust and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.

4. Curry Chicken Pot Pie: Give your chicken pot pie an exotic twist by adding curry powder, coconut milk, and diced potatoes to the filling. Top it with a layer of puff pastry and serve with mango chutney.

Conclusion

Making chicken pot pie in a crock pot is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food dish. The slow cooking process allows for a tender and flavorful filling, while the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. By following the tips and recipe ideas provided in this article, you can create a mouthwatering chicken pot pie that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So dust off your crock pot and get ready to indulge in this comforting and satisfying dish. Bon appétit!

FAQS

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables In My Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot Recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, using frozen vegetables can save you time on prep and add extra convenience. Simply add the frozen vegetables to the crock pot with your other ingredients.

Can I Make A Chicken Pot Pie In A 6-quart Crock Pot?

Yes, you can. A 6-quart crock pot is perfect for making a chicken pot pie. Just make sure all of your ingredients fit comfortably inside the pot.

How Long Does It Take To Cook A Chicken Pot Pie In A Crock Pot?

Cooking time typically ranges from 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high. Make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through, and your crust is nicely browned before serving.

Can I Use Pre-made Pie Crust In My Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie?

Yes, you can. Prepared pie crusts from the grocery store are a great time-saver. Simply roll out the crust to the size of your crock pot, and place on top of your chicken and vegetable mixture.

Can I Freeze My Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Leftovers?

Yes. Once cooked, let the chicken pot pie cool completely before placing in an airtight container and freezing. When ready to reheat, allow the pie to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then place it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until it’s heated through.