There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of chicken pot pie. But let’s face it, making it from scratch can be time-consuming. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie recipe combines all the creamy, savory goodness of the traditional dish with the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Ready to learn how to create the ultimate comfort food without the hassle? Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Effortless Cooking: Toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The slow cooker brings out all the delicious flavors, making it taste like it’s been simmering for hours (and it has!).
- Family-Friendly: A dish the whole family will love, from kids to grandparents.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Easy to store and reheat, making it ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless, for easy shredding.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans work perfectly.
- 3 medium potatoes, diced: For extra heartiness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds flavor and depth to the dish.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The base for the creamy filling.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates that rich, velvety texture.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): For added creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: For a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb for pot pie flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper (or to taste): To season the filling.
For the Topping
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits): For a flaky, golden crust.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing your chicken, dicing the potatoes, and gathering all the ingredients. This helps make the process seamless.
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, frozen vegetables, diced potatoes, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Cook the Filling
Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and makes the chicken tender enough to shred.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy filling.
5. Bake the Biscuits
About 30 minutes before serving, preheat your oven and bake the biscuits according to the package instructions. If you prefer, you can also use puff pastry or crescent rolls as a topping.
6. Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, then stir it into the filling. Let it simmer for another 20-30 minutes on low to ensure the filling is thick, creamy, and well blended.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the creamy chicken pot pie filling into bowls and top each serving with a warm biscuit. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a burst of flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half is essential for a rich, velvety texture.
- Adjust the Vegetables: Feel free to use your favorite veggies, like celery, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
- Keep an Eye on the Biscuits: If baking biscuits in the slow cooker, cover the filling with parchment paper before adding the dough to prevent sogginess.
Creative Variations
1. Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
Skip the biscuits and enjoy this dish as a creamy chicken stew. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash for a lighter option.
2. Gluten-Free Version
Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free biscuits for the topping.
3. Low-Carb Option
Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets and serve with keto-friendly almond flour biscuits.
What to Serve with Chicken Pot Pie
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pot pie.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus complement the dish perfectly.
- Homemade Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken pot pie filling (without biscuits) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the filling on the stovetop or in the microwave, then top with fresh biscuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes! If you’re short on time, shred rotisserie chicken and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
2. Can I Cook the Biscuits in the Slow Cooker?
Yes, but be aware that the biscuits may not be as crispy as when baked in the oven. To do this, place the biscuits on top of the filling during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
3. How Can I Thicken the Filling?
If the filling is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
4. Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the heavy cream. Opt for dairy-free biscuits as well.
5. What’s the Best Slow Cooker Size for This Recipe?
A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe, allowing plenty of room for the ingredients and even cooking.
Conclusion
This Best Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With minimal effort, you’ll have a home-cooked meal that feels like it came straight out of a cozy country kitchen.
So why not try this recipe today? Your family will thank you for it, and you’ll thank yourself for finding such a simple yet satisfying dish!
