Are you looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and can simmer away while you’re busy with other tasks? Look no further than slow cooker chicken pot pie. This twist on the classic comfort food dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a mouth-watering slow cooker chicken pot pie that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is Chicken Pot Pie?
Chicken pot pie is a traditional English dish made with a filling of chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce, topped with a crust of pastry. The filling is typically made with shredded or diced chicken, mixed with sautéed onions, carrots, and peas, and a rich, creamy sauce. The pastry crust is usually made with a mixture of flour, butter, and water, and is rolled out to fit the top of the pie dish.
A Brief History of Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie has a long history that dates back to medieval times. The dish was originally made with a filling of meat, vegetables, and gravy, topped with a crust of pastry. The pastry was used to seal the filling and keep it warm, and was often decorated with intricate designs. Over time, the recipe for chicken pot pie evolved, and different regions developed their own unique variations.
Why Make Chicken Pot Pie in a Slow Cooker?
Making chicken pot pie in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare this comforting dish. The slow cooker allows the filling to simmer away for hours, developing a rich, flavorful sauce and tender, fall-apart chicken. The slow cooker also makes it easy to prepare the dish ahead of time, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
There are several benefits to using a slow cooker to make chicken pot pie. Some of the benefits include:
- Convenience: The slow cooker allows you to prepare the dish ahead of time, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Easy to use: Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Tender chicken: The slow cooker helps to break down the connective tissues in the chicken, resulting in tender, fall-apart meat.
- Rich, flavorful sauce: The slow cooker allows the sauce to simmer away for hours, developing a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients Needed
To make slow cooker chicken pot pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
Pie Crust Ingredients
To make the pie crust, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions
To make slow cooker chicken pot pie, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, butter, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, peas and carrots, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 2: Make the Pie Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- When the filling is cooked, stir in the flour to thicken the sauce.
- Roll out the pie crust to fit the top of the slow cooker. Place the pie crust on top of the filling and trim the edges to fit.
- Cut a few slits in the top of the pie crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Cook the Pie
- Cook the pie on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips and Variations
- Use leftover chicken or turkey to make the filling.
- Add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to the filling.
- Use different types of pastry, such as puff pastry or phyllo dough, to make the crust.
- Serve the pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the pie crust dough, which can result in a tough crust.
- Not cooking the filling long enough, which can result in a sauce that’s not thick enough.
- Not trimming the edges of the pie crust, which can result in a crust that’s not evenly cooked.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken pot pie is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make a mouth-watering slow cooker chicken pot pie that’s sure to become a family favorite. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, don’t overmix the pie crust dough, and cook the filling long enough to develop a rich, flavorful sauce. Happy cooking!
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8 | 30 minutes | 6-8 hours | 6-8 hours 30 minutes |
Note: The nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
What is Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie?
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is a twist on the classic comfort food dish, adapted for the convenience of a slow cooker. This recipe combines tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a flaky biscuit or pie crust. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a warm, satisfying meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its hands-off approach. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and by the time you’re ready for dinner, the filling will be hot, bubbly, and infused with flavor. You can then top it with your preferred biscuit or pie crust and bake until golden brown.
What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie?
To make Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie, you’ll need a variety of ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn), all-purpose flour, butter, chicken broth, and heavy cream. You’ll also need biscuit or pie crust dough to top the filling. Additional seasonings, such as dried thyme and salt, add depth and flavor to the dish.
Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by using different vegetables or adding other spices. Some people also like to add diced potatoes or onions to the filling for added heartiness. Be sure to check the recipe for specific ingredient quantities and instructions.
How do I prepare the slow cooker filling?
To prepare the slow cooker filling, start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Then, add the chicken, mixed vegetables, flour, butter, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is coated with the sauce.
Cook the filling on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You can also cook it on low overnight and wake up to a ready-to-eat meal. When the filling is hot and the chicken is tender, it’s ready to be topped with biscuit or pie crust dough.
What type of biscuit or pie crust should I use?
You can use either homemade or store-bought biscuit or pie crust dough to top your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie. If you’re short on time, store-bought dough is a convenient option. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own dough from scratch.
When choosing a biscuit or pie crust, consider the flavor and texture you prefer. Some people like a flaky, buttery crust, while others prefer a more dense, biscuit-like topping. You can also experiment with different types of dough, such as puff pastry or crescent roll dough.
How do I assemble and bake the pot pie?
To assemble the pot pie, simply spoon the hot filling into a baking dish or individual ramekins. Then, top the filling with biscuit or pie crust dough, trimming any excess dough from the edges. Brush the dough with a little bit of milk or beaten egg for a golden glaze.
Bake the pot pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. You can also broil the pot pie for an extra 2-3 minutes to give the crust a crispy, caramelized finish.
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie ahead of time. In fact, the filling can be cooked and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply thaw the filling overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the slow cooker or oven.
You can also assemble the pot pie and refrigerate or freeze it before baking. This is a great option if you’re planning a dinner party or special occasion. Simply bake the pot pie when you’re ready, and serve hot.
Is Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie suitable for special diets?
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie can be adapted to suit various special diets. For example, you can use gluten-free flour and biscuit or pie crust dough to make the recipe gluten-free. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat cream to make the recipe lower in sodium and fat.
If you’re cooking for someone with a dairy allergy, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk or soy cream. Be sure to check the ingredient labels and adjust the recipe accordingly to ensure it meets the dietary needs of your guests.