Quick Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Introduction

There’s something about a warm, hearty chicken pot pie that just feels like home. This quick Pillsbury chicken pot pie recipe is perfect for when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have a lot of time. Using Pillsbury’s pre-made crust makes it even easier, giving you a delicious, flaky crust without any fuss. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious meal that the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

There are many reasons to love this classic pot pie recipe. Not only is it incredibly satisfying and flavorful, but it’s also:

Convenient: Using Pillsbury crusts saves time, so you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this pot pie is a comforting dish that you can feel good about eating.

Using Pillsbury for Convenience and Flavor

The pre-made Pillsbury pie crust makes this recipe easy without sacrificing that flaky crust goodness. It’s buttery, bakes beautifully, and turns a homemade pot pie into an achievable meal for any skill level. Pillsbury crusts are also easy to handle, making the assembly process quick and mess-free.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let’s go over everything you’ll need to make this delicious Pillsbury chicken pot pie.

Essential Ingredients for Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Here’s what you’ll need for a 4-serving pie:

Pillsbury Pie Crusts: 1 package (2 crusts for top and bottom)
Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup (carrots, peas, and corn)
Butter: 1/4 cup, unsalted
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
Chicken Broth: 1 3/4 cups
Milk: 1/2 cup (for a creamier filling)
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Optional Seasonings: A pinch of thyme, garlic powder, or rosemary for extra flavor

Tools and Equipment

Pie Dish: 9-inch recommended for the best fit with the Pillsbury crusts.
Medium Saucepan: For cooking the filling.
Whisk: To mix the sauce ingredients.
Rolling Pin: Optional, to adjust the crust size if needed.
Pastry Brush: For brushing the crust with milk or butter for extra shine.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Follow these steps to make a perfectly flaky and delicious chicken pot pie with ease.

Preparing the Filling

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s completely liquid.
Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This forms a roux, which thickens the sauce.
Pour in Broth and Milk: Gradually add the chicken broth and milk while continuing to whisk. The mixture should become smooth and begin to thicken after a few minutes.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like. A dash of thyme or rosemary adds a nice depth to the flavor.
Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen vegetables, mixing everything until evenly coated. Allow this mixture to simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.

Assembling and Baking the Flaky Crust Pot Pie

Prepare the Bottom Crust: Roll out one of the Pillsbury crusts and place it into your pie dish, pressing gently to fit. Trim any excess dough around the edges.
Add the Filling: Pour the prepared filling into the pie dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with the Second Crust: Place the second Pillsbury crust over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges to make a beautiful crust. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Let Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for a Hearty Meal

Your Pillsbury chicken pot pie is delicious on its own, but these side dishes will take your meal to the next level. And if you’re looking for more comforting chicken recipes, try this Easy Chicken Spinach Casserole Recipe from JenRecipes for another family-friendly meal idea.

Classic Pot Pie Accompaniments

Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pot pie.
Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty pairing.
Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tart and sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Creative Side Dishes for Your Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing with roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots for added texture and flavor.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping in the creamy filling.
Baked Apples: For a sweet side, serve with warm baked apples.

Tips for the Perfect Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Achieving the Ideal Crust

Brush with Milk: For a glossy finish, brush the top crust with milk before baking.
Cover the Edges: If the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil midway through baking.
Use a Pillsbury Crust: These pre-made crusts are flaky and easy to handle, providing consistent results.

Customizing the Filling

Try Different Vegetables: Substitute or add vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or potatoes.
Add Cheese: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese for a richer filling.
Switch the Meat: You can use turkey or ham instead of chicken for a different twist.

Troubleshooting and Storage

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Watery Filling: If your filling isn’t thickening, simmer it longer and whisk continuously. Adding a bit more flour can help.
Soggy Bottom Crust: To avoid this, preheat the baking sheet or pan in the oven before placing the pie on it.
Burnt Edges: Cover the pie crust edges with foil halfway through baking if they’re browning too fast.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to retain the crispiness of the crust.

Additional Tips and Variations

Fun Additions to Try

Add a Kick: Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the filling.
Puff Pastry Crust: Swap the top crust with puff pastry for an extra flaky pot pie.

Making It a Healthier Pot Pie

Whole Wheat Crust: Pillsbury also offers whole wheat crusts for a healthier option.
More Veggies: Load up on extra vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.

Summary

This quick Pillsbury chicken pot pie recipe is a perfect go-to when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Pillsbury crusts provide a flaky, buttery base, and the creamy chicken and veggie filling makes each bite deliciously satisfying. Serve it with a side salad or roasted veggies, and enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

FAQ About Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Can I make this pot pie in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling and crust, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble just before baking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use a gluten-free crust and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Can I freeze this pot pie? Absolutely! Assemble the pie, cover it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? The oven works best for keeping the crust flaky. Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Can I use a different brand of pie crust? Sure! Pillsbury is convenient, but other brands will work just as well.
Is rotisserie chicken good for this recipe? Yes, it’s a quick and easy way to get tender, flavorful chicken.
Can I use fresh vegetables? Absolutely! Just pre-cook them until tender before adding to the filling.
How do I make the pie crust extra golden? Brush it with an egg wash or milk for a beautiful golden color.