Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing my beloved Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe — a game changer for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike. This recipe is straightforward, uses kitchen-friendly ingredients, and that golden puff pastry crust? Oh, it’s dreamy. Stick around because this pot pie will become your go-to for a fuss-free, yet seriously impressive meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple yet satisfying: The recipe uses pantry staples and easy techniques so anyone can master it.
- Perfect flaky crust: Blind baking the puff pastry bottom keeps things crisp, no soggy surprises here.
- Flavor depth: Little secrets like mustard powder and soy sauce pack in savory complexity you won’t even taste outright but will love.
- Versatile filling: Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies create that classic pot pie feel everyone adores.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a star role in the flavor and texture of this Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe. Choosing quality puff pastry and fresh veggies makes a noticeable difference, while pantry spices bring a subtle twist that elevates the whole dish.
- Frozen puff pastry: Pre-made and super flaky, it creates that golden crust that feels fancy but is so easy.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they’re the protein backbone—feel free to use rotisserie chicken for an ultra-fast shortcut.
- Chicken broth: Adds moist, savory depth to the filling and helps cook the chicken gently.
- Butter: Essential for melting in that rich, silky base for the filling.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and builds the flavor foundation.
- Celery and carrots: Classic pot pie veggies that add texture and color.
- Garlic: A little punch of aromatic flavor goes a long way.
- Dried thyme & rosemary: Earthy herbs that echo comforting, traditional pot pie flavors.
- Mustard powder & onion powder: Secret flavor enhancers boosting umami and savoriness.
- Soy sauce: Surprising but brilliant, it deepens the savory notes without tasting “Asian.”
- Flour: Thickens the creamy sauce perfectly, without lumps.
- Half and half: Adds gentle creaminess that feels indulgent but still light.
- Chicken bouillon cube: Amplifies that savory broth flavor for a rich filling.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Waxy and tender, they hold shape well and add heartiness.
- Frozen peas: Bright pops of color and a touch of sweetness finish the filling beautifully.
- Egg & milk (or water): Used to brush the crust for that perfect golden sheen.
Tweak to Your Taste
I like to keep this Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe pretty classic, but who says you can’t make it your own? Feel free to swap veggies, add a kick of spice, or jazz it up with fresh herbs. Cooking is all about comfort and creativity, right?
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken: I often make this on nights when I have leftover chicken — saves so much time and the flavors still shine.
- Veggie tweaks: Swap out peas for green beans or add mushrooms for an earthier bite.
- Dairy swap: Half and half can easily be replaced with whole milk or even cream for a richer sauce.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and a gluten-free puff pastry (yes, they exist!).
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry Crust
First things first — let that frozen puff pastry thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it’s nice and pliable. I usually fold one sheet and refrigerate it, then roll out the other for the bottom crust. Press it gently into a lightly greased pie pan. Here’s a tip: cutting the corners with kitchen shears gives it a perfect fit without bunching. Then, crinkle some parchment paper, lay it on top, and weigh it down with dried beans or rice. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes, remove the weights and paper, dock the bottom with a fork, and bake 4-5 more minutes. This blind baking step prevents a soggy crust — trust me, it makes all the difference!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Gently
Pop the chicken breasts into a saucepan with chicken broth, then bring it to a gentle bubble (no rolling boil — that can make chicken tough!). Let it simmer 15-20 minutes until cooked through. After resting for 5-10 minutes, cube the chicken into bite-size pieces. Reserve that broth; it’s liquid gold for your filling.
Step 3: Build the Filling’s Flavor
Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat and add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them soften for about 6 minutes, stirring often — you want a tender, fragrant base. Toss in minced garlic and the dried herbs along with the mustard powder, onion powder, and a splash of soy sauce. Cooking those spices gently unlocks their magic. Stir for 2 minutes, then sprinkle in the flour and cook another 2 minutes to form a roux — this is the key for a silky thick filling.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Hearty
Slowly add 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth in splashes, stirring non-stop to avoid lumps. Follow it with the half and half the same way. Crumble in the bouillon cube and lower the heat to medium-low. Peel and cube the potatoes into ½-inch chunks — it’s important they’re bite-sized so they cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper, then submerge them in the filling. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer uncovered; stir occasionally to keep from sticking. Add broth splash by splash as it thickens — this slow simmer lets the flavors concentrate beautifully.
Step 5: Finish the Filling and Assemble
Once the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes), stir in the peas and cooked chicken, simmer 3-5 more minutes, and then remove from heat. The filling will thicken a bit more as it cools. Now, unfold the second puff pastry sheet and roll it out into a 12 or 13-inch square. Spoon that glorious filling into your prepared bottom crust, then carefully drape the pastry sheet over — trim and fold the edges, crimp with a fork for a neat seal, and cut slits on top for steam to escape. Whisk an egg with milk and brush over the crust to get that irresistible golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes. Around 20-25 minutes in, keep an eye on your crust’s color — if it’s browning too fast, cover it with foil or a pie crust shield. Once it’s gorgeous golden and puffed, pull it out and let it rest for 10 minutes (I know, it’s hard to wait!). This helps the filling set up so it slices beautifully without spilling everywhere.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe
- Perfect Puff Pastry Handling: Always let puff pastry thaw completely before rolling; otherwise, it’ll crack and tear. Patience here pays off!
- Avoid Soggy Bottom: Blind baking the bottom crust is my favorite trick — it keeps the crust crisp and fully cooked under the filling.
- Flavor Boosters: Don’t skip the mustard powder and soy sauce; they elevate the savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Filling Consistency Control: Add broth slowly and simmer gently so you can adjust thickness as you go—too thick or too runny can impact the final texture.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple — a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme lifts the dish visually and adds a hint of green freshness. You can also add a small drizzle of good olive oil or a few cracked black peppercorns for a rustic touch that makes every bite pop.
Side Dishes
This pot pie is a full meal on its own, but if you want sides, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad for some crunch and acidity, or roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic vinegar. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also work beautifully if you want to keep the comfort food vibe strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve made mini individual chicken pot pies in ramekins with puff pastry cutouts on top — so festive and fun! You can also experiment with a lattice crust or sprinkle the top pastry with coarse sea salt and fresh herbs before baking for an elegant finish that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last up to 3-4 days. The filling may thicken more in the fridge, but a quick splash of broth when reheating fixes that right up.
Freezing
Believe it or not, this Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe freezes well! I freeze fully assembled pies before baking wrapped tightly in foil, then bake from frozen (adding extra baking time). Or freeze the filling separately for soups or future pot pies — it’s a lifesaver when you want a fast meal.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to keep that crust crispy (microwaving softens it too much). Cover the edges with foil if browning too fast. This way, your leftovers taste almost as good as freshly baked.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves you time and adds extra savory flavor. Just dice it up and add it to the filling at the end of cooking as outlined.
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Is it necessary to blind bake the puff pastry bottom crust?
While not mandatory, blind baking the bottom crust really helps prevent it from getting soggy once you add the filling. It ensures a crisp, flaky base that’s super satisfying to bite into.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free puff pastry (available at some specialty stores or online) and use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken your filling. The flavors and textures will still shine through beautifully.
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How long does this pot pie take to make?
From start to finish, expect about 2 hours — that’s including crust prep, chicken cooking, filling making, and baking time. Most of the time involves gentle simmering and baking, so you can multitask or prep ahead.
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Can I omit the bottom puff pastry crust?
Definitely! Some folks prefer just a top crust which speeds things up. If you skip the bottom, consider placing the filling directly in a well-greased pie dish and proceed with the top puff pastry crust as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy at the dinner table but is surprisingly straightforward and forgiving in the kitchen. It’s comfort food gold, and every time I make it, I’m reminded why it’s a staple in my family’s rotation. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or craving cozy adult comfort, I truly hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I do. Don’t forget, the puff pastry magic and that creamy filling combo really seals the deal. You’ll be pulling this one out again and again.
Print
Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting homemade chicken pot pie featuring a flaky puff pastry crust and a savory filling of tender chicken, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and aromatic herbs simmered in a creamy broth.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (17.3oz) box frozen puff pastry (2 sheets)
Filling
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 3 cups cooked chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ⅓ cup flour
- ¾ cup half and half
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (or water, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 400° F. Let the frozen puff pastry sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until pliable. Roll out one sheet to 12 inches and place it in a lightly greased pie pan, trimming corners and filling gaps with scraps. Crinkle parchment paper and place on top, fill with pie weights or beans. Blind bake for 12 minutes, remove weights and parchment, dock the crust with a fork, then bake for 5 more minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Place chicken breasts and broth in a medium saucepan, bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Rest 5-10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes. Reserve broth.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter then add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring often, for 6 minutes until softened. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, mustard powder, onion powder, and soy sauce. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly add 2 cups reserved chicken broth in small splashes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add half and half gradually followed by the chicken bouillon cube. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel potatoes and cut into ½-inch chunks. Season with salt and pepper, add to skillet and bring liquid to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork tender, stirring occasionally and adding more chicken broth as needed to maintain filling consistency.
- Add Peas and Chicken: Stir in frozen peas and cooked chicken. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat. Filling will thicken slightly as it stands.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out the second puff pastry sheet into a 12-13 inch square. Spoon the filling into the blind-baked crust. Cover with the second pastry sheet, trim edges, fold overhanging dough, and seal by pressing edges with a fork. Cut three slits on top for steam to escape.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together egg and milk, then brush over the top crust and edges for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake at 400° F for 30 minutes. After 25 minutes, if crust is browning too much, cover with foil or a pie crust shield and continue baking. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken instead of fresh for convenience (3 cups cooked).
- Puff pastry is recommended for a flaky crust, but regular pie crust can be substituted.
- Blind baking the bottom crust prevents sogginess; you may omit the bottom crust for a quicker version and use only a top crust.
- Soy sauce and mustard powder add subtle flavor depth without being overtly noticeable.
- Adjust filling thickness by gradually adding chicken broth; longer simmering reduces and thickens the filling.
- Leftover filling can be thinned with broth to make a soup or frozen for later use.
- Make ahead: prepare filling up to 2 days in advance, refrigerate in airtight container, reheat before assembling and baking.
- Store leftovers in airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
