Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a comforting dish that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy goodness, all enveloped in flaky pie crust. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe delivers both flavor and simplicity. Its allure lies not only in its taste but also in the ease of preparation, making it a go-to choice for busy evenings and special occasions alike.
Why We Love This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe
You’ll quickly discover why this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is beloved by many. First and foremost, it captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish warms your heart and fills your stomach. It stands out for its versatility; you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it a practical option for busy weeknights. The addition of mixed vegetables not only brings color to the dish but also adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, meaning fewer dishes to wash! You can easily adapt it to include your favorite ingredients or make it ahead of time, ensuring you always have a meal ready to go. The love and attention you pour into this recipe will certainly shine through when your family gathers around the table.
Ingredients about Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Directions
Making Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is simple and enjoyable. To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important as it ensures that your dish bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken with the frozen mixed vegetables. These vegetables will add both nutrition and texture to your casserole.
Next, pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. These ingredients create a rich and creamy base for your casserole, tying all the flavors together. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are nicely blended.
Once your filling is ready, roll out one pie crust onto a lightly greased casserole dish. Press it gently into the bottom and up the sides of the dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Now, take your chicken and vegetable mixture and carefully pour it into the pie crust. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite contains a delicious blend of flavors.
Now for the second pie crust! Roll it out and position it over the filling. Seal the edges by pinching them together or using a fork to create a decorative edge. Don’t forget to cut several slits in the top crust. This allows steam to escape while baking, helping to keep the filling nice and fluffy.
Once assembled, it’s time to bake! Place your casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking will be hard to resist! Once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Serving Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a straightforward task, and it can be done in various delightful ways. First, you can serve it straight from the casserole dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. This approach fosters a family-style setting, perfect for gatherings. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread to create a well-rounded meal that satisfies your hunger.
When plating, consider using a large spoon to scoop out generous portions, ensuring each serving contains both crust and filling. You might want to garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to bring a touch of brightness to the dish.
If you’re feeling creative, you could also serve it with extra sides like mashed potatoes or steamed green beans for those who enjoy a heartier meal. The richness of the casserole beautifully complements simple sides, creating an inviting and comforting dining experience.
Expert Tips: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
To ensure your Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is as delicious as possible, consider these expert tips. First, for added flavor, you can sauté the mixed vegetables before adding them to the mixture. A quick sauté can enhance their taste and provide a bit of caramelization that elevates the overall dish.
Another tip is to use fresh herbs if possible. Fresh thyme can provide a vibrant flavor that dried herbs might not match completely. You can also experiment with other seasonings such as rosemary or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick!
If you prefer a bit of crunch in your crust, brush the top pie crust with a beaten egg before baking. This will give your casserole a beautiful golden color and added texture. Adjusting the baking time slightly can also help in achieving that perfect crust. Keep an eye on it in the final minutes to prevent over-browning.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to adapt the recipe. If you have leftover vegetables or different proteins available, use them! Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is incredibly forgiving, allowing you to tailor the ingredients to your taste and pantry.
How to Store Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Storing your Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is easy and practical. If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can transfer smaller portions to airtight containers for refrigeration.
For best results, place the casserole in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, make sure it’s well covered with foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven until heated through.
Variation of Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is versatile, allowing you to get creative with your variations. Consider changing up the protein; turkey is a fantastic alternative, especially after the holidays. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding diced ham for a different flavor profile altogether.
Vegetarians can enjoy a meatless version by substituting chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils. Just ensure to adjust the broth and cream of chicken to maintain the creamy consistency.
For a twist on flavors, think about incorporating different seasonings like curry powder for an exotic take or using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup. You might also want to add cheese, like cheddar or gouda, to give it an extra creamy texture and rich flavor.
If you’re short on time, consider using a biscuit topping instead of a pie crust. Simply drop biscuit dough on top of your filling before baking for a delightful variation that many enjoy.
FAQ
What is Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a comforting dish made with shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy filling, all encased in flaky pie crust.
Can I make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a day or two before baking it.
How do I reheat Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
To reheat, cover it with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
What is the best way to thicken the filling in Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
If your filling seems too runny, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch with equal parts water to create a slurry, then stir it into the filling while it’s simmering before baking.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with frozen mixed vegetables.
- Pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, then add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Roll out one pie crust into a greased casserole dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the pie crust and spread evenly.
- Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top crust.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!