Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Introduction
Slow cooker chicken pot pie is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Made with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the best part is that it can be prepared in advance and left to cook slowly throughout the day, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a mouthwatering aroma in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a hearty meal for your family, this slow cooker chicken pot pie recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For this slow cooker chicken pot pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup frozen corn
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 refrigerated pie crusts
– Cooking spray
Steps
Follow these steps to prepare the slow cooker chicken pot pie:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
2. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, frozen peas, and frozen corn to the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, chicken broth, and whole milk until well combined.
4. Pour the flour mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a pie dish with cooking spray.
9. Roll out one of the refrigerated pie crusts and place it in the bottom of the greased pie dish.
10. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture from the slow cooker into the pie dish.
11. Roll out the second refrigerated pie crust and place it over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture.
12. Pinch the edges of the pie crusts together to seal the pie.
13. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
14. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
15. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
There are several ways to customize this slow cooker chicken pot pie recipe to suit your taste:
– Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for an extra heartiness.
– Use different vegetables such as mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers.
– Substitute the chicken for turkey or beef for a different flavor.
– Add herbs like rosemary or sage for additional depth of flavor.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect slow cooker chicken pot pie:
– If you prefer a crispier crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust before adding the filling.
– To make this recipe even easier, you can use pre-cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken in the slow cooker.
– If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) and cooking on high heat for a few minutes.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken pot pie is a comforting and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy sauce, it is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a delicious meal, this slow cooker chicken pot pie recipe is a must-try. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy this classic comfort food.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the slow cooker chicken pot pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use a homemade pie crust?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe instead of the refrigerated pie crusts.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a delicious vegetarian version of this slow cooker pot pie.
