If you’re in search of a cozy, heartwarming meal that brings comfort with every bite, look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce all nestled under a flaky topping. It’s the perfect solution for busy days, allowing you to come home to a delightful aroma and a wholesome homemade dinner waiting for you.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of chicken pot pie, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. The ease of preparation means you can get on with your day while your meal simmers to perfection. Each bite reveals a blend of tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, herb-infused sauce.
Not only is this recipe perfect for family gatherings, but it also provides the comfort of home-cooked meals for busy weeknights. The flavorful combination of ingredients creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritionally balanced. Plus, it offers flexibility; you can easily adjust it to suit your family’s tastes.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuits or puff pastry, cut into squares
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start your journey by gathering all your fresh ingredients. Dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery. This step ensures you have everything ready for the slow cooker. Don’t forget to cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks—it makes cooking and serving easier later.
Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to place them into the slow cooker. Add the chicken chunks, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, frozen peas, and minced garlic. These ingredients will work together to create a colorful and flavorful base for your dish.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream (or half-and-half), all-purpose flour, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. Pour this creamy blend over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. This step is crucial, as it sets the stage for the sauce that will envelop your ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
The last part of preparation is to get your topping ready. If you’re using refrigerated biscuits or puff pastry, cut them into squares as specified. This will help them cook evenly and fit perfectly atop your chicken pot pie.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
With everything in the slow cooker, cover it with the lid and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. The dish is ready when the chicken is tender, and the vegetables are cooked through. About 30 minutes before serving, place the cut squares of biscuits or puff pastry on top of the mixture. Brush them with melted butter for an added golden finish. When it’s time to serve, dish up the pot pie hot from the slow cooker, and sprinkle it with fresh parsley if you desire.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Serving this delectable meal is a delight. You can ladle the chicken pot pie mixture directly into bowls for an inviting presentation. The creamy filling and fluffy topping create a visually appealing dish that’s sure to please both the eyes and the palate. You may want to serve it with a simple side salad for a nice contrast in texture and temperature. For family gatherings or special occasions, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of black pepper for an added twist.
For a cozy touch, offer warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping. This enhances the comfort factor of your meal, making it feel even more like a home-cooked feast.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie turns out just right, here are some expert tips for you to consider:
- Choosing the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs typically yield a richer flavor and more tenderness than chicken breasts. However, either works just fine.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have in your fridge or what you love. Corn, green beans, or even potatoes can be excellent additions.
- Creaminess Level: Adjust the amount of heavy cream or half-and-half depending on your desired creaminess. More cream will give a richer flavor, while less will create a lighter dish.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the mixture for an exciting flavor boost.
- Biscuit Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the biscuit or pastry topping as it cooks. You want it golden and cooked through but ensure it doesn’t overbake and become too dry.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Should you have leftovers from your delightful chicken pot pie (which is often the case), storing them properly is essential. Allow the pot pie to cool completely. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. You can freeze the pot pie in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.
Variation of Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs. For a twist, consider these variations:
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a more aromatic experience. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish’s flavor profile significantly.
- Creamy Alternatives: Use a dairy-free cream or alternative milk if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option while still achieving a creamy texture.
- Savory Additions: Incorporate some spinach or kale for added nutrition. These leafy greens not only add color but also pack essential vitamins and minerals.
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, you could use turkey, or even go meatless with hearty plant-based proteins like chickpeas or lentils.
- Crust Options: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using phyllo dough for a flaky and different texture, or simply serve it over rice instead of using a crust.
FAQ
What is a Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie?
A Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting dish made in a slow cooker, featuring chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, often topped with biscuits or pastry. It embodies the essence of comfort food, providing a warm and satisfying meal without extensive effort.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
Depending on the setting, it typically takes around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for the Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie to become tender and flavorful.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in your slow cooker. Just make sure to cook it for a longer time to ensure the chicken is adequately cooked through and safe to eat.
What toppings can I use besides biscuits or pastry?
Aside from biscuits or puff pastry, you can try using mashed potatoes, cornbread, or even phyllo dough to add a unique touch to your chicken pot pie.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge before adding them to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This is a great way to streamline dinner preparation on busy days.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks Thighs yield more flavor and tenderness.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half Adjust based on desired creaminess.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuits or puff pastry, cut into squares Cut for even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing) For a golden finish.
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Optional for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your fresh ingredients. Dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
Assembling the Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken chunks, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, frozen peas, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
Thickening the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, all-purpose flour, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Preparing the Topping
- Cut refrigerated biscuits or puff pastry into squares.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, place the biscuit or pastry squares on top and brush with melted butter.
Serving
- Serve the chicken pot pie hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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