Are you looking for a comforting, satisfying 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 classic dish is a staple of comfort food, and by using a slow cooker, you can make it with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
What is Chicken Pot Pie?
Chicken pot pie is a traditional dish that originated in Europe, where it was made with a filling of chicken, vegetables, and gravy, topped with a crust of pastry. The filling was typically made with a mixture of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, along with cooked chicken and a rich, savory broth. The pastry crust was then placed on top of the filling and baked until golden brown.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
While traditional chicken pot pie is delicious, it can be time-consuming to make, especially if you’re making the pastry crust from scratch. By using a slow cooker, you can simplify the process and make a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. Here are just a few benefits of using a slow cooker to make chicken pot pie:
- Hands-off cooking: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. You can cook your chicken pot pie while you’re busy with other tasks, such as work or errands.
- Easy to prepare: Slow cooker chicken pot pie requires minimal preparation, as you can simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and cook. No need to worry about making a pastry crust or carefully assembling the filling.
- Rich, developed flavors: The slow cooker allows the flavors in your chicken pot pie to meld together and develop over time, resulting in a rich, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make slow cooker chicken pot pie, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, and carrots)
- 1 cup biscuit or croissant dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Preparing the Filling
To make the filling for your slow cooker chicken pot pie, follow these steps:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots and celery and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly browned.
- Gradually stir in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
Adding the Filling to the Slow Cooker
Once the filling is prepared, add it to the slow cooker along with the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir to combine, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Preparing the Biscuit Topping
While the filling is cooking, you can prepare the biscuit topping for your slow cooker chicken pot pie. Here’s how:
- If using homemade biscuit dough, follow your recipe to prepare the dough. If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions to thaw.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough. You’ll need about 6-8 circles, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
- Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Assembling and Cooking the Pot Pie
Once the filling is cooked and the biscuit topping is prepared, it’s time to assemble and cook your slow cooker chicken pot pie. Here’s how:
- Remove the slow cooker from the heat and stir the filling to combine.
- Arrange the biscuit topping on top of the filling, leaving a little space between each biscuit to allow for even cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making slow cooker chicken pot pie:
- Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it in place of the raw chicken called for in the recipe. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the filling.
- Add other vegetables: In addition to the frozen mixed vegetables, you can add other vegetables to the filling, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms.
- Use different seasonings: You can customize the flavor of your slow cooker chicken pot pie by using different seasonings, such as dried rosemary or paprika.
- Make individual servings: If you prefer, you can make individual servings of slow cooker chicken pot pie by using smaller slow cookers or ramekins. Simply divide the filling and biscuit topping among the individual servings and cook until hot and bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making slow cooker chicken pot pie, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the filling: Be careful not to overcook the filling, as it can become dry and tough. Cook the filling until it’s hot and bubbly, but still moist and tender.
- Undercooking the biscuits: Make sure to cook the biscuits until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Undercooked biscuits can be soggy and unappetizing.
- Not stirring the filling: Be sure to stir the filling occasionally as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can make a delicious and satisfying slow cooker chicken pot pie that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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.