The Ultimate Guide to Comforting and Convenient Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Prepare to indulge in the warm, soul-soothing flavors of homemade chicken pot pie, effortlessly created in your trusty crock pot. This comprehensive guide will guide you through every step, providing all the tips, tricks, and insights you need to master this culinary delight.

Introduction

Crock pot chicken pot pie is a delicious and comforting dish that can warm up even the chilliest nights. It's a versatile meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables.

Benefits of Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

There are many benefits to making chicken pot pie in a crock pot.

• Convenience: Crock pots are a great way to cook hands-free. Just throw all the ingredients in the pot and let it cook on low all day. You can even prep the ingredients the night before and start the crock pot in the morning.
• Flavorful: Crock pots allow the flavors of the ingredients to meld together slowly, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
• Versatile: Chicken pot pie is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can add different vegetables, cheeses, or even different types of meat.
• Budget-friendly: Chicken pot pie is a relatively inexpensive dish to make. It's a great way to feed a large family or group of friends without breaking the bank.

Types of Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

There are many different variations of crock pot chicken pot pie. Here are a few of the most popular:

• Classic Chicken Pot Pie: This is the most basic type of chicken pot pie. It's made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
• Creamy Chicken Pot Pie: This variation uses a creamy sauce instead of a traditional gravy.
• Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie: This variation is loaded with cheese. It's a great way to use up leftover cheese or to add a cheesy kick to your pot pie.
• Chicken and Dumpling Pie: This variation uses dumplings instead of a traditional pie crust. It's a great way to add a hearty element to your pot pie.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

The ingredients for crock pot chicken pot pie are simple and easy to find. Here's what you'll need:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup canned corn
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: If you're using frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once the chicken is thawed, place it in the crock pot and shred it with two forks.

2. Add the vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the crock pot.

3. Add the frozen peas and corn: Add the frozen peas and corn to the crock pot.

4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken broth and milk and whisk until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

5. Cook on low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

6. Stir in the cheese: Once the chicken pot pie is done cooking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the chicken pot pie with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for making the perfect crock pot chicken pot pie:

• Use a variety of vegetables: Don't be afraid to add your favorite vegetables to the chicken pot pie. Some good options include broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, and green beans.
• Add herbs and spices: You can add your favorite herbs and spices to the chicken pot pie to give it a more flavorful kick. Some good options include thyme, rosemary, sage, and bay leaves.
• Use a thicker sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the pot pie. To make a cornstarch slurry, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the pot pie and stir until the sauce has thickened.
• Serve with crust: If you want to serve the chicken pot pie with a crust, you can use a pre-made pie crust or make your own. To make your own pie crust, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and stir until the dough just comes together. Roll out the dough and place it on top of the chicken pot pie. Bake the pie crust at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variations

There are many different ways to vary the recipe for crock pot chicken pot pie. Here are a few ideas:

• Use different types of meat: You can use any type of meat in your chicken pot pie, such as beef, pork, or turkey.
• Add different vegetables: You can add any type of vegetable to your chicken pot pie, such as broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, or green beans.
• Use a different type of sauce: You can use any type of sauce in your chicken pot pie, such as a creamy sauce, a cheese sauce, or a tomato sauce.
• Add different toppings: You can add any type of topping to your chicken pot pie, such as a pie crust, a bread crumb topping, or a cheese topping.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about crock pot chicken pot pie:

Q: How long can I keep crock pot chicken pot pie in the refrigerator?

A: Crock pot chicken pot pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze crock pot chicken pot pie?

A: Yes, crock pot chicken pot pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with crock pot chicken pot pie?

A: Some good side dishes to serve with crock pot chicken pot pie include mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.

Q: Can I make crock pot chicken pot pie ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make crock pot chicken pot pie ahead of time. Simply prepare the chicken pot pie according to the instructions and then let it cool completely. Store the chicken pot pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken pot pie in the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

Crock pot chicken pot pie is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a satisfying and soul-soothing meal, give crock pot chicken pot pie a try. You won't be disappointed!