Chicken pot pie is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together savory chicken, creamy filling, and a flaky crust. Pillsbury makes this classic recipe even easier with their ready-made pie crusts, crescent rolls, and Grands!™ biscuits. In this detailed guide, we’ll surely walk you through various ways to prepare Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie and provide variations, tips, and tricks to perfect this dish.
Introduction
Chicken pot pie has become a staple in American households, loved for its rich, creamy filling and comforting crust. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner solution or a food enthusiast experimenting with classic comfort foods, Pillsbury makes it easier to bring this dish to your table. With their pre-made dough options like Grands!™ biscuits and crescent rolls, you can enjoy a delicious homemade pot pie without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Makes Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Special?
One of the best features of Pillsbury’s recipes is their simplicity. You can whip up a chicken pot pie in less than an hour without compromising flavor. The options for crusts, whether traditional pie crust, crescent rolls, or even Grands!™ biscuits, make it easy to customize to your preference. Pillsbury’s pot pie recipe is versatile, allowing you to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. You can use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, make a vegetarian version with extra veggies, or go gluten-free by using specific crusts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pillsbury Pie Crusts (or Grands!™ biscuits or crescent rolls)
- Chicken (cooked and shredded or diced)
- Frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Flour
- Milk or cream
- Salt, pepper, and spices (to taste)
You can always customize your ingredients to match what’s available in your pantry. For example, use leftover turkey instead of chicken or add extra vegetables like celery or mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens. Add salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. Stir in cooked chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare the crust: Unroll your Pillsbury Pie Crusts and line the bottom of a pie dish with one crust. Pour the filling into the dish. Then top with the second crust, pinching the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust in order to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
For a twist, try using Grands!™ biscuits or crescent rolls instead of pie crust for a different texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
1. Chicken Pot Pie with Grands!™ Biscuits
Replace the traditional pie crust with Grands!™ biscuits for a fluffier, more bread-like texture. Simply place uncooked biscuits on top of the filling before baking.
2. Crescent Roll Chicken Pot Pie
Swap out pie crust for crescent rolls to give your pot pie a unique, flaky crust. Lay the crescent roll dough on top, pinch the edges, and bake according to the recipe.
3. Vegetarian Chicken Pot Pie
Substitute the chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and onions to create a hearty vegetarian version.
For more creative alternatives, you can explore a variety of recipes on Suzi Recipes, which offers tips on using leftover ingredients creatively.
Tips for a Perfect Chicken Pot Pie
- Use Cold Butter for the Crust: When making your crust from scratch or if you’re working with dough, using cold butter ensures a flakier, more tender crust.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Bake the pie on the lower rack of your oven to ensure the bottom crust crisps up perfectly.
- Customize Your Filling: Play with the consistency of your filling by adjusting the ratio of broth to cream. For a thicker filling, add more flour; for a lighter filling, reduce the butter.
If you’re a fan of using alternative ingredients, check out this recipe on how to make chicken pot pie using Bisquick: Bisquick Pot Pie Recipe.
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
A typical slice of Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie (with pie crust) provides around 400-450 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portions. Serve your pot pie with a light side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re looking for something healthier, use skim milk and reduce the butter in the recipe. For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme on top before serving.
FAQs About Chicken Pot Pie
What can I substitute for chicken in a chicken pot pie?
You can easily replace chicken with turkey, leftover ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Can I make chicken pot pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pot pie a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator before baking, and when ready, pop it into the oven following the same baking instructions.
How do I freeze chicken pot pie?
Freeze the pot pie before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Freezing after baking is also an option; just reheat in the oven to preserve the crispiness of the crust.
For more answers to your cooking questions, visit Suzi Recipes’ Q&A section.
History and Origins of Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie has its roots in British cuisine, dating back centuries when savory pies were commonly filled with various meats and vegetables. In America, pot pie became a symbol of comfort food, particularly in regions with harsh winters. Pillsbury has modernized this classic dish by providing easy, ready-made options like their famous Pillsbury Pie Crusts and Grands!™ biscuits, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. Moreover, for a deep dive into the origins of pies, read more on Pie History.
Pillsbury vs. Homemade Crust: A Comparison
While making pie crust from scratch gives you control over ingredients and can result in a more flavorful crust, Pillsbury Pie Crusts offer unmatched convenience. They are pre-rolled, easy to use, and consistently produce a tender, flaky crust. Pillsbury’s products eliminate the mess and effort of homemade dough, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Conclusion
Last but not least, Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is a timeless dish that can be easily tailored to suit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences. With various crust options like Grands!™ biscuits, crescent rolls, and pie crusts, and a variety of fillings to experiment with, this recipe is without a doubt one you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, Pillsbury simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor, making homemade chicken pot pie a breeze.
Finally, for more recipes like this one, visit Suzi Recipes’ main page.