Easy Homemade Recipe
This Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food classic made from scratch with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flaky golden crust. It’s ready in just 90 minutes, delivers that creamy homemade flavor everyone craves, and is perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings.
I first discovered my love for this dish during a rainy autumn evening in a small Vermont inn. The aroma of thyme and baking pastry filled the entire house, creating that unmistakable feeling of warmth and nourishment that only true comfort food provides. I’ve perfected this recipe over twenty years of family dinners, and it always reminds me why we gather around the table. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or my favorite creamy mac and cheese for those extra indulgent nights, and it has become our go-to for Thanksgiving leftovers when we want something different from the usual turkey fare.
Why This Chicken Pot Pie Wins Hearts
- From-Scratch Goodness: Nothing compares to homemade sauce and fresh vegetables.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike clean their plates every time.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it early and bake when you’re ready.
- Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy filling and flaky crust soothe the soul.
Everything for Your Perfect Chicken Pot Pie
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for easy shredding and even cooking.
- Fresh vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery create the classic flavor base.
- Frozen peas and corn: They add sweetness and color without extra prep.
- Butter and flour: These form the roux that thickens your creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth and milk: They create the luxurious liquid for your filling.
- Dried thyme: This herb provides that distinctive pot pie aroma and flavor.
- Pie crusts: Store-bought works perfectly for convenience and reliability.
- Egg wash: Optional but gives that beautiful golden-brown finish.

Chicken Pot Pie
Equipment
- oven
- large skillet or Dutch oven
- whisk
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- knife
- cutting board
- 9-inch pie dish
- baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- wire rack
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 1/2 pounds total
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Crust Ingredients
- 2 store-bought pie crusts refrigerated
- 1 large egg beaten, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir in the frozen peas and frozen corn and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the shredded chicken.
- Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk, to create a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the whole milk. Continue whisking and cook until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Return the shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure the filling is well combined and evenly coated.
- Unroll one of the refrigerated pie crusts and carefully press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the chicken and vegetable filling evenly into the crust-lined dish.
- Place the second pie crust over the filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges, then crimp the top and bottom crusts together to seal them securely. Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. If desired, brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the chicken pot pie to rest on a wire rack for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time is crucial for the filling to set properly, preventing it from being too runny when cut.
Notes
Creative Chicken Pot Pie Variations
- Biscuit Topping: Swap the top crust for homemade buttermilk biscuits.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms instead of chicken.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the filling.
My Secrets for Perfect Pot Pie
- Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Keep them tender-crisp before baking to avoid mushiness.
- Thicken Properly: Cook the roux until golden for the best flavor base.
- Vent the Top: Those slits prevent soggy crust and allow steam to escape.
- Rest Before Serving: Let it sit 15 minutes so the filling sets perfectly.
Storing Your Homemade Pot Pie
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap unbaked or baked pie tightly for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare filling and crust separately up to 2 days ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned vegetables in chicken pot pie?
I recommend against canned vegetables as they become too soft and can water down your filling. Frozen vegetables work much better, or fresh ones sautéed until just tender. The texture makes all the difference in a good pot pie.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Make sure your filling isn’t too watery before assembling, and consider baking your bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding filling. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F for proper cooking from the bottom up.
Can I make chicken pot pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if going straight from refrigerator to oven. The filling can also be made 2 days ahead.
What can I use instead of pie crust?
Puff pastry makes a lovely flaky alternative, or you can use biscuit dough dropped on top. For a lighter version, try my chicken pot pie soup which has all the flavor without the crust.
More Comforting Dinner Recipes
Why This Chicken Pot Pie Stands Out
With its creamy vegetable filling and perfectly golden crust, this chicken pot pie delivers that nostalgic comfort food experience we all crave. It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch yet feels special enough for Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings. Once you taste the difference homemade makes, you’ll understand why this recipe has been a family favorite for generations.