Okay, let’s get cooking! Here’s a recipe blog post crafted with care, personalized touches, and all the warmth of sharing a meal with a good friend.
I remember one particularly chaotic week. Work deadlines were looming, the kids had back-to-back soccer practices, and dinner felt like an impossible task. I needed something comforting, satisfying, and, most importantly, easy. That’s when the magic of chicken pot pie bake really shined in our home. Imagine a bubbling casserole dish filled with tender chicken, a medley of sweet vegetables, all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with a golden crust. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the table with smiles. This chicken pot pie bake quickly became a family staple, especially on those nights when comfort food was the only thing that could save the day.
It’s funny, because my attempts at actual pot pies with individual crusts always ended in a soggy bottom or a burnt top. This chicken pot pie bake solved all those problems! It’s incredibly forgiving, and I can even prep it ahead of time. Plus, the kids devour it! My son, who usually picks out every green thing, actually eats the peas and carrots in this dish. It’s a culinary miracle, I tell you! One of my favorite variations is a crustless chicken pot pie bake, which cuts down on carbs but keeps all the delicious flavors. My daughter loves the cheesy chicken pot pie bake version, where I sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar over the top before baking.
I know weeknights can be crazy, and finding a dinner that everyone loves feels like winning the lottery. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish. So, grab your apron, and let’s make some chicken pot pie bake together! You won’t regret it, and your family will thank you.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting chicken pot pie bake. I’ve included some of my go-to brands and some tips for keeping things budget-friendly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: I usually use extra virgin olive oil, but any cooking oil will do.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow onions work best, but white onions are fine too. If you’re short on time, pre-chopped onions from the store are a lifesaver.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: I like to buy whole carrots because they’re cheaper, but baby carrots are a great shortcut.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a nice depth of flavor to the filling.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: I often buy a rotisserie chicken to save time. It also adds a ton of flavor!
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the base of our creamy sauce. I sometimes use cream of mushroom for a richer flavor.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Another great source of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup milk: I use whole milk for extra richness, but any kind works.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a lovely savory note.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough: This is my secret weapon for a quick and easy crust! I usually buy the store brand to save money. My family loves the easy chicken pot pie bake with flaky biscuit topping.
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that cheesy chicken pot pie bake twist!
Budget-Friendly Tip: Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh and often cheaper! Plus, they last longer. I always keep a bag of mixed vegetables on hand for chicken pot pie bake.
Storage Hack: If you have leftover chopped vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make this delicious chicken pot pie bake. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Tip: Don’t rush this step! Sautéing the vegetables brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
- Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, frozen peas, frozen corn, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through. Personal Story: One time, I accidentally added a little too much thyme. My husband said it tasted like Thanksgiving! Now, I sometimes add a pinch of sage for a similar effect.
- Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the biscuit dough on top of the filling. You can leave the biscuits whole or cut them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. Family Feedback: My kids love helping with this part! They enjoy arranging the biscuits in fun patterns.
- If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the biscuits. This is how we make our cheesy chicken pot pie bake!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Lesson Learned: Keep an eye on the biscuits! They can burn quickly. If they start to get too dark, cover the dish with foil.
- Let the chicken pot pie bake cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the filling a chance to thicken slightly.
The aroma filling your kitchen right now is probably incredible! This chicken pot pie bake is so comforting. I sometimes make this ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, uncooked, until I’m ready to bake it. It’s a fantastic meal prep trick. Also, the cheesy chicken pot pie bake version is always a hit when I have guests over. They are always surprised by how simple it is to prepare!
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve got this amazing chicken pot pie bake, let’s talk about serving it! Here’s how we enjoy it in our home.
- Side Dishes: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the pot pie. I also sometimes serve it with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
- Presentation: I like to serve the chicken pot pie bake straight from the baking dish. It looks rustic and inviting. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color.
- Occasions: This is a go-to meal for weeknight dinners, but it’s also great for potlucks or casual gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
- Leftovers: Leftover chicken pot pie bake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave. It’s just as delicious the next day!
- Portion Sizes: A generous square is usually enough for adults. Kids might want a smaller portion.
- Family Feedback: My husband loves it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. The kids usually just want extra biscuits! My kids even ask for the crustless chicken pot pie bake in their lunch boxes sometimes, which is really easy to do!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also serve it with a side of cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory twist. The creamy chicken pot pie bake goes with so many things!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions I get about this chicken pot pie bake, often from friends and family.
Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, potatoes, and green beans all work well. I once made it with butternut squash in the fall, and it was amazing!
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply replace the chicken with extra vegetables or plant-based chicken substitutes. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for extra flavor. A cheesy chicken pot pie bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the chicken pot pie bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: I don’t recommend freezing the entire chicken pot pie bake after it’s assembled, as the biscuits can get soggy. However, you can freeze the filling separately. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and then top with fresh biscuits before baking.
Q: What if I don’t have biscuit dough?
A: You can use puff pastry or even mashed potatoes as a topping. For a lighter option, try a crustless chicken pot pie bake. Another option is to make your own biscuit dough from scratch.
Q: Can I reduce the sodium?
A: Yes! Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduce or eliminate the added salt. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for extra flavor.
Q: I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can use any oven-safe dish that’s roughly the same size. An 8×8 inch dish will work, but the baking time might be slightly longer. My friend used muffin tins to make little mini cheesy chicken pot pie bake bites!
Q: What kind of chicken works best?
A: I find that shredded rotisserie chicken works best as it’s flavorful and saves a lot of time. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or cook chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. The key is to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Conclusion
This chicken pot pie bake is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a symbol of family dinners, cozy nights in, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest days, we can still create something warm and comforting. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to fit our family’s tastes, from adding extra cheese for my daughter to using different vegetables depending on what’s in season. I even make a crustless chicken pot pie bake sometimes for a lighter meal!
Here are my final tips for the perfect chicken pot pie bake:
- Don’t overcook the vegetables. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Add your own personal touch to the recipe!
I hope you love this chicken pot pie bake as much as my family does. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Now, it’s your turn to try it! I’d love to hear how it turns out. Share your photos and comments below. What variations did you try? Did you make a cheesy chicken pot pie bake, or opt for the easy chicken pot pie bake version? Happy cooking!
Chicken Pot Pie Bake
These ten chicken pot pie bake recipes offer a comforting and delicious twist on the classic dish. From creamy fillings to golden crusts, discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken pot pie!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in thyme and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in cooked chicken, peas, corn, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish.
- Unroll one pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms.