Homemade Pot Pie
This Chicken Pie Recipe brings generations of my family’s Italian kitchen wisdom straight to your table, creating a savory chicken pie that’s both a comfort food classic and an easy weeknight dinner solution.
A Pie That Feels Like Home
- Family-Friendly Flavor – This savory chicken pie is packed with wholesome ingredients everyone loves.
- Organized & Efficient – My step-by-step method makes this homemade chicken pot pie surprisingly simple.
- Cozy Comfort Food – It’s the ultimate classic chicken pie, perfect for warming up any evening.
- Make-Ahead Magic – Assemble it ahead of time for an easy chicken pie ready when you are.
What You’ll Need for Your Chicken Pie Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in any great cooking tradition. Let’s prepare our mise en place, as my Nonna would say. Every component has its purpose.
For the Savory Filling
- Boneless Chicken Thighs – More flavorful and tender than breast meat, they create the heart of the pie.
- Fresh Vegetables (Onion, Carrots, Celery) – The holy trinity for a rich, textured base.
- Heavy Cream – For that luxurious, creamy sauce that defines a great pot pie.
- Frozen Peas – A pop of color and sweetness, added at the end to stay bright.
For the Golden Crust
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts – A wonderful shortcut that ensures a flaky, golden top and bottom.
- Egg Wash (Egg + Water) – The secret to a beautifully bronzed and shiny crust.
Timing Your Perfect Chicken Pie Recipe
Now, let’s talk timing. A good Chicken Pie Recipe isn’t rushed. With about 25 minutes of prep and 55 minutes of cooking, this is a relaxing weekend project or a cozy weeknight ritual. The active time is focused and simple, while the baking fills your home with the most wonderful aroma.
Compared to some slow-simmered stews, this homemade chicken pot pie comes together relatively quickly. The key is the hands-off baking time, which gives you a moment to relax. For a similarly comforting but quicker option, you might enjoy a hearty chicken pot pie soup on busier days.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
In our family, we believe good food is for everyone. If you’re cooking for someone who is sugar conscious or managing their diet, a few simple tweaks can make this recipe even more welcoming.
For a lower glycemic impact, you can slightly reduce the amount of carrots. You could also explore using a sugar alternative like xylitol if you prefer, though the natural sugars in this Chicken Pie Recipe are quite modest. Portion control is another wonderful way to enjoy this comforting classic while being mindful of your intake.
My Family’s Pro Tips for This Chicken Pie Recipe
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. Here is the generational wisdom I’m passing on to you.
- Flavor Swap: For a deeper taste, use a combination of butter and olive oil to sauté your vegetables.
- Diet Tweak: To make this a comfort food pie recipe with a lighter touch, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. For a completely different pie experience, our vegan mini pot pies are a delightful plant-based alternative.
- Texture Fix: Let the filling cool for 10 minutes before adding it to the crust. This prevents a soggy bottom!
- Storage Tip: This pie reheats beautifully. For another great leftover idea, check out my cottage pie recipe which is also fantastic made ahead.

Chicken Pie Recipe
Equipment
- oven
- large skillet or Dutch oven
- cutting board
- knife
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- whisk
- mixing bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
- pastry brush
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Crust and Assembly
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts, at room temperature 14.1 ounces
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth, then stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas.
- Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the chicken filling into the crust. Place the second pie crust over the top, crimp the edges to seal, and cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the entire top crust with the egg wash.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nourishment from Our Kitchen to Yours
This Chicken Pie Recipe is a wholesome meal that truly nourishes. It’s a good source of protein from the chicken, and the vegetables provide fiber and essential vitamins. Using bone-in chicken thighs, as we often do, can also add beneficial minerals.
Compared to many processed foods, this classic chicken pie is made with real, recognizable ingredients. For another protein-packed dinner, our sheet pan chicken is a fantastic and easy option. If you’re exploring other classic desserts, the nutritional profile of a traditional pumpkin pie is quite different, but both are beloved comfort foods. You can learn more about balanced eating from resources like the MyPlate guidelines.
A Lighter Version of Your Chicken Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for a lighter take on this classic, it’s easily done. Use a whole-wheat pie crust for added fiber. You can also increase the vegetable-to-chicken ratio for a veggie-forward meal. For a completely different dessert that feels indulgent but can be made lighter, a coconut cream pie offers a tropical twist.
Gathering Around the Table: How to Serve
I remember my grandmother serving her pie on a big wooden board, the steam rising as she cut the first slice. Presentation is part of the love. Serve your Chicken Pie Recipe right from the dish for a family-style feast.
Pair it with a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It’s also wonderful with a side of garlicky green beans. For another show-stopping centerpiece, our homemade apple pie is a timeless dessert favorite. And if you love the combination of cake and pie, a Boston cream pie is a delightful confusion worth trying.
Common Hurdles on the Path to Perfect Pie
Even experienced cooks can run into a little trouble. Here’s how to avoid the common pitfalls and ensure your Chicken Pie Recipe turns out perfectly.
- Soggy Bottom Crust: This happens if the filling is too hot when added. Let it cool slightly first. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated.
- Runny Filling: Make sure to cook the flour with the vegetables for a full minute to remove the raw taste and allow the sauce to thicken properly during simmering.
- Pale Crust: Don’t skip the egg wash! It’s the secret to that beautiful, golden-brown finish. For a crispy crust on other proteins, the technique in our crispy garlic chicken is all about achieving perfect browning.
Another common question is about seasoning. For a deeply flavorful chicken dish that’s always a hit, the secrets in our Marry Me Chicken recipe are legendary. You can find more general troubleshooting tips for baked goods on sites like King Arthur Baking. I’ve made all these mistakes myself, but that’s how we learn, my dear.
Preserving Your Leftovers with Love
My Nonna never wasted a crumb. To store your Chicken Pie Recipe, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven until warm to revive the crust’s flakiness.
You can also freeze the baked pie for up to 3 months. For another freezer-friendly favorite that reheats beautifully, my chicken parmesan is a great option. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. These methods ensure you can enjoy the comfort of this meal days later.
I Hope You’ll Try This Chicken Pie Recipe
This dish is more than just food; it’s a connection to my past and an offering to your future table. I hope this Chicken Pie Recipe becomes a cherished part of your family’s story, just as it is in mine.
If you enjoy the comforting, creamy elements of this pie, you might also love our creamy garlic chicken meatballs. For another decadent dessert that’s a classic, a German chocolate cake is a special treat. And of course, for the ultimate classic, our original chicken pot pie is always a winner. From my family to yours, happy cooking!
More Cozy Dinner Recipes You’ll Adore
If this comforting Chicken Pie Recipe has inspired you, here are a few more beloved dishes from our kitchen that are perfect for sharing with those you love.
Cottage Pie Recipe – A savory ground beef and vegetable pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Chicken Pie Recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this Chicken Pie Recipe. However, thighs are recommended for their superior flavor and moisture. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. Reduce the initial browning time by a minute or two.
How can I prevent my bottom crust from getting soggy?
The key to avoiding a soggy crust is to let the filling cool for about 10 minutes before pouring it into the bottom crust. This simple step in the Chicken Pie Recipe makes a significant difference. Also, ensuring your oven is fully preheated helps the crust start cooking immediately.
Can I make this chicken pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. This Chicken Pie Recipe is excellent for making ahead. You can assemble the entire pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What are good side dishes to serve with chicken pot pie?
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich Chicken Pie Recipe. Roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple fruit salad also work wonderfully. The goal is to have something light and fresh to balance the hearty pie.