If you’re anything like me, nothing says comfort quite like a classic pot pie. This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is such a cozy, creamy delight with tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked veggies nestled under a golden, flaky crust. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how luscious the filling gets while staying light and fresh tasting. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to for family dinners or that cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s rich, creamy, and warms you up from the inside out.
- Perfectly Balanced Filling: Tender chicken and fresh veggies in a thick, savory gravy.
- Flaky Double Crust: Homemade or store-bought, the crust seals the deal with buttery goodness.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prep the crust and filling ahead, then bake fresh when you’re ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients combine to create that classic creaminess and hearty texture that make this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe so irresistible. Picking fresh veggies and using either homemade or all-butter crust gives this recipe an extra personal touch.

- Skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs: Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts work perfectly too.
- Carrots: Slice them just right so they stay tender but not mushy.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and classic pot pie flavor.
- Unsalted butter: For cooking the veggies and making the roux; it’s crucial for that silky texture.
- Yellow onion: Half a small one, finely chopped to meld seamlessly into the gravy.
- Minced garlic: Just enough to add warmth without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the gravy perfectly.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning essentials for depth and balance.
- Dried thyme leaves: Thyme really brings out the comforting herbaceous notes.
- Chicken broth or stock: I usually pick reduced sodium so I can control salt levels.
- Half-and-half: Creates the creamy finish; a blend of cream and milk keeps it luscious but light.
- Frozen peas: Added last for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Egg wash (egg + milk): For that shiny golden crust you’ll want to brag about.
- Optional: fresh thyme sprigs: Gorgeous garnish that makes it look as good as it tastes.
Variations
I love making this creamy chicken pot pie recipe my own, depending on what’s in season or what I have in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to customize it — this recipe is like a blank canvas!
- Turkey Instead of Chicken: After Thanksgiving, I swap chicken for leftover turkey — it makes the pot pie taste even more special.
- Add Mushrooms or Zucchini: I sometimes throw in sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra earthiness and texture.
- Skip the Bottom Crust: In a hurry? You can skip the bottom crust entirely and still get a fabulous pot pie.
- Puff Pastry Top: For a quick upgrade, replace the top crust with puff pastry — just beware it can get a tad soggy underneath.
- Biscuit Topping: If you’re craving something less traditional, biscuits on top make for a rustic, flaky alternative.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pie Crust
I usually make my pie crust the night before because it needs a good chill to roll out smoothly without shrinking. Whether you make your own or use store-bought, having a chilled dough ready to go is the best way to avoid tears and frustration when shaping the crust. Keep one disc in the fridge while you roll out the other, so it stays nice and firm.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Veggies
Pop the chicken, sliced carrots, and celery into a pot with just enough water to cover. Bring it all to a boil and let it cook for 10 minutes. This step softens the veggies and gently cooks the chicken without drying it out. Afterward, drain everything well — no one wants soggy filling!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Gravy Base
This is where that butter, onions, and garlic team up to create pure magic. Cook until you see the onions turn translucent and the butter starts to brown a little — that adds so much depth. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, thyme, chicken broth, and half-and-half to avoid lumps. Be patient and simmer it on medium-low for about 10 minutes until the gravy thickens up beautifully. It’s thick, velvety, and makes all the difference in this creamy chicken pot pie recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Roll out the chilled dough to about 12 inches and place it gently into your pie dish. I’ve found that tucking it with your fingers rather than stretching helps keep the shape perfect. Spoon in your chicken and veggie mix, scatter the frozen peas, then pour the gravy evenly over top. The filling should be thick enough to hold everything together without being runny.
Step 5: Top It Off and Bake
Roll out the second dough disc and cover the pie, trimming and crimping the edges with a fork for that classic look. Don’t forget to cut steam vents on top — trust me, the filling will bubble up if you don’t! Brush the crust with egg wash to get that irresistible golden sheen. Bake at 425°F and after 20 minutes cover the edges with foil or a crust shield to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is gorgeously golden and flaky all over.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Roll Chill Dough Evenly: I learned rolling the dough evenly prevents thin spots that burn quickly in the oven.
- Simmer the Gravy Slowly: Slow simmering helps the flour fully cook out, leaving no raw taste.
- Cover Crust Edges Mid-Bake: Shielding edges after 20 minutes avoids over-browning while the centers finish baking.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the pot pie stand for 10 minutes after baking firms up the filling and makes cutting cleaner slices.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh thyme on top; it adds a pop of green and an herbal aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. If you want to get fancy, a few chopped parsley flakes work well too for color and a touch of brightness.
Side Dishes
For sides, I like pairing this creamy chicken pot pie recipe with something light and fresh, like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts. Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob are also great if you want to keep the meal hearty and classic.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for a holiday dinner, I served this pot pie in individual ramekins with puff pastry lids. It was such a hit — everyone loved having their own perfectly baked, personal pot pie. You can also make mini pies using muffin tins for fun appetizers or kid-friendly portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After a big meal, you’ll likely have some leftovers. I pop them into airtight containers and refrigerate—they stay fantastic for up to 5 days. The filling thickens up overnight, which I actually love because reheated pot pie is just as comforting, if not more.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both unbaked and fully baked pot pies with great results. For the unbaked version, assemble and freeze before baking; thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. If you freeze the baked pie, cover it well with foil and reheat slowly until warmed through. It’s a great meal prep hack!
Reheating
Reheat leftover pot pie in the oven around 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep the crust tender, removing foil at the end to crisp it back up. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to keep that dreamily flaky crust intact.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe with store-bought pie crusts?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts work wonderfully and save time. Just make sure they’re thawed if frozen, and keep them chilled while you work to prevent shrinking during baking. The flavor might be a little different than homemade, but it’s a great shortcut.
-
What can I substitute for half-and-half in the gravy?
If you don’t have half-and-half, you can mix equal parts heavy cream and whole milk. Using all whole milk works too, but avoid low-fat milk because the sauce might be too thin and less creamy.
-
Can I use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Skip boiling the chicken if it’s already cooked. Just cook the onions, carrots, and celery with the butter before adding cooked chicken and continuing with the gravy. This makes for an easy weeknight version of this creamy chicken pot pie recipe.
-
Is it possible to skip the bottom crust on the pot pie?
Definitely! You can bake this as an open-top casserole. Just mix the filling and gravy together before pouring into an ungreased pie dish and topping with only one crust. Lower your oven temperature to 375°F in this case and bake until the top crust is golden and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe really holds a special place in my heart—it’s the perfect blend of creamy, hearty, and flaky all in one dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug from the oven. I can’t wait for you to try it; I know it’ll become one of your favorites too!
Print
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting classic with a flaky, buttery homemade pie crust encasing a rich and creamy filling of tender chicken, carrots, celery, peas, and a savory thyme-infused gravy. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe offers a balance of hearty and fresh flavors, with options for make-ahead preparation and versatile vegetable additions.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Homemade Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust (enough for 2 crusts: one bottom and one top)
Filling
- 1 pound (450g) skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 cup (about 130g) sliced carrots (about 2 carrots)
- 1/2 cup (about 40g) sliced celery
- 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp; 71g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (45g) chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a small onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) chicken broth/stock (preferably reduced sodium)
- 2/3 cup (160ml) half-and-half (or substitute half heavy cream and half whole milk)
- 1 cup (125g) frozen peas
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk
Optional Garnish
- Sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Follow your chosen pie crust recipe through step 5, including chilling for at least 2 hours or overnight. This recipe requires two crusts—one for the bottom and one for the top of the pie.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: In a large pot, combine cubed chicken, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 10 minutes to cook through, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until onions are translucent and butter starts browning slightly. Whisk in flour, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half, continuing to cook and whisk until smooth and without lumps. Simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes until very thick. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bottom Crust: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). On a floured surface, roll out one chilled pie crust into a 12-inch circle and carefully place it into a 9-inch deep pie dish. Trim any excess dough and smooth the crust into the dish.
- Assemble Filling: Spoon the drained chicken and vegetable mixture into the pie crust, then scatter the frozen peas evenly on top. Pour the thick gravy over the filling and spread evenly.
- Prepare and Add Top Crust: Roll out the second pie crust in the same way as the first. Cover the pie with this top crust, trim the edges, and crimp edges with a fork to seal. Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust and edges with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 32–38 minutes or until the top crust is golden brown. After 20 minutes, cover the edges of the crust with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheat beautifully.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing: The filling and gravy can be made a day in advance. Pie crust dough can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months. Both unbaked and baked pot pies freeze well for 2–3 months.
- Pie Crust Alternatives: Store-bought refrigerated pie crusts can be substituted. You may skip the bottom crust or use puff pastry or biscuit toppings, but baking times and temperatures should be adjusted accordingly.
- Substitutions: Half-and-half can be replaced with half heavy cream and half whole milk for creaminess. Use whole milk only if desired but avoid lower-fat milks as they can result in thinner gravy.
- Vegetable Variations: Turkey or pre-cooked meats can substitute chicken. Add corn, mushrooms, zucchini, or diced Yukon gold potato (up to 1 cup) but do not overload the filling due to gravy limitations.
- Herbs & Spices: Additional fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, sage, or a pinch of celery seed add flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring thyme, salt, and pepper are present.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg


