What’s the Difference Between Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken Pie?

Great question. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are a few subtle differences. Chicken pot pie usually includes a creamy gravy , vegetables like carrots, peas, and celery, and is topped with a flaky pastry crust (or even puff pastry or biscuits). A chicken pie recipe , especially in Southern cooking, might be more straightforward—just chicken and crust, sometimes with less sauce and fewer vegetables. Still, both are hearty and delicious, and the term “pot pie” is often used for recipes with that creamy, savory filling .

Can I Make Chicken Pot Pie Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This easy chicken pot pie recipe is perfect for prepping in advance. Here’s how : Prepare the filling and crusts Assemble the full pie (do not bake yet) Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days When ready to bake, let the pie sit at room temperature for 15 minutes , then bake as directed. This make-ahead option makes weeknight dinners effortless.

How Do I Freeze Chicken Pot Pie?

Freezing is a breeze, and it saves you serious time later. You can freeze your chicken pot pie recipe in two ways: Unbaked : Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap Freeze for up to 3 months Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60–70 minutes, covering edges if needed Baked : Cool completely first Wrap and freeze in portions or whole Reheat at 350°F for 30–40 minutes For best results, use a foil or freezer-safe pie dish if freezing the entire pie.

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe – The Best Comfort Meal Ever

Name: Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Your Family Will Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/3 cup unsalted butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups chicken broth; 2/3 cup milk or half-and-half; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Description

Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food dish made with a creamy, savory filling of chicken, vegetables, and herbs, all baked under a flaky, golden pie crust. Perfect for cozy family dinners and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup milk or half-and-half
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in peas and chicken; remove from heat and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
Combine the sauce with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well.
Transfer filling to a 9-inch pie dish. Cover with pie crust, trim excess, and crimp the edges. Cut slits in the top to vent.
Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
You can swap frozen peas and carrots for a frozen mixed veggie blend.
To avoid a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake it for 5–7 minutes before adding filling (optional).
Great for freezing — bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 410
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg