Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie
A comforting, flaky chicken pot pie made easy with refrigerated pie crusts. This family-friendly dish combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy savory gravy baked beneath a golden Pillsbury crust. Perfect for weeknights, make-ahead dinners, or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or 2% milk
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover roast chicken)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjusted to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (such as Pillsbury), thawed
- 1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to catch spills.
- Cook vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 6–8 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables; stir and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Cook 3–5 minutes until thick and smooth.
- Add chicken, peas, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Adjust thickness with broth or milk if needed. Remove from heat and cool 5–10 minutes.
- Prepare crust: Unroll one refrigerated crust and fit into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Fill crust with chicken mixture, slightly mounding the center.
- Unroll second crust and place over filling. Trim and crimp edges; cut vents. Brush with egg wash if desired.
- Bake on the preheated baking sheet 30–40 minutes, until crust is deep golden and filling bubbles. Cover edges with foil if they brown quickly.
- Rest pie 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead: Prepare filling up to 2 days in advance. Assemble right before baking.
- Freeze: Assemble unbaked pies and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–25 minutes.
- Leftovers: Store 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven to keep crust crisp.
Tips for Success
- Use flavorful cooked chicken—rotisserie works great.
- Don’t overcook vegetables; they finish in the oven.
- Cool filling slightly before adding top crust to avoid sogginess.
- For creamier filling, use half-and-half or add 1/4 cup heavy cream.
- Customize by swapping peas for mixed vegetables, adding mushrooms, or adding a splash of white wine.
Variations
- Biscuit-topped pot pie: Replace top crust with Pillsbury biscuits; bake until biscuits are golden.
- Puff pastry: Use puff pastry for an extra-flaky top; reduce bake time slightly.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the filling.
Common Questions
- Can I use thawed frozen chicken? Yes—just drain excess liquid.
- How to prevent a soggy bottom crust? Blind-bake 7–8 minutes, or brush the bottom crust with beaten egg and bake 3 minutes before filling.
- Can I make individual pot pies? Yes—use ramekins or muffin tins. Bake 20–30 minutes depending on size.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, 1/8 pie)
- Calories: ~420
- Fat: ~22 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Protein: ~22 g
(Approximate values)
