Copycat Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

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If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s equal parts comforting and simple to make, Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is about to become your new favorite go-to dish.

How to make Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food made easier with Pillsbury’s ready-to-use products, like Pillsbury Pie Crusts or Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits. It’s a savory pie filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, vegetables (usually peas, carrots, corn, and sometimes potatoes), and a rich sauce, all baked inside a flaky, golden crust or topped with biscuits.

Ingredients

• 1 box Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts (2 crusts, softened as per package instructions).
• 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well here).
• 1 bag (12 oz.) of frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (classic mix: peas, carrots, green beans, and corn).
• ⅓ cup butter (unsalted is preferred).
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour.
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste).
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• 1¾ cups chicken broth.
• ⅔ cup milk (whole milk is ideal for creaminess).

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.
2. Let the Pillsbury pie crusts sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften for easier handling.
3. If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, poach or bake it until fully done, and then shred or cube it.
4. Thaw the frozen vegetables (place them in the fridge for a couple of hours beforehand or microwave for a few seconds if time is short).

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously to form a smooth paste (this is called a roux).
2. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Slowly add the milk, and continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce (this will take a few minutes).
3. Once the sauce is smooth and thick, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chicken and thawed vegetables until evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Unroll one Pillsbury pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to gently press it against the bottom and sides of the dish.
2. Pour the prepared chicken and vegetable filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
3. Unroll the second Pillsbury pie crust and place it over the top of the filling. Tuck the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust, pinching them together to seal the edges. For a decorative edge, crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
4. Use a small knife to cut 4-6 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

1. Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
2. If the edges of your crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
3. Once baked, remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and make it easier to slice.

Tips for a Perfect Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie

• Customize Your Filling: Switch out the frozen mixed vegetables for fresh ones or use your favorite veggies (e.g., mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or broccoli) to give the pie your own unique spin.
• Make it Richer: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for extra richness. For more flavor, throw in dried herbs like thyme or parsley, or add garlic for an aromatic twist.
• Short on Time?: Use a combination of store-bought rotisserie chicken and canned cream of chicken soup instead of making the filling from scratch. It speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor.
• Reheat Like a Pro: If you have leftovers, you can reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore the crispiness of the crust. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
• Make it Ahead: Assemble the pot pie in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to a day. Simply bake it straight out of the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Mini Pot Pies: For individual servings, divide the filling into ramekins or a muffin tin and top each with a small piece of pie crust or crescent dough. These mini pot pies are fun, portable, and great for kids!

What to serve with

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is a hearty and satisfying dish on its own, but serving it with complementary sides can elevate the meal and create a more balanced dining experience.

1. Fresh Salads

A light and refreshing salad is a great way to balance the richness of Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie. The crisp veggies provide a contrast to the creamy filling and flaky crust.

Salad Options:

• Classic Garden Salad: Toss lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and bell peppers with a vinaigrette or light olive oil dressing for a fresh bite.
• Spinach Salad with Apples: Combine baby spinach leaves, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and candied pecans. Top it off with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing.
• Arugula and Parmesan Salad: Pair peppery arugula with shaved Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil for a simple but zesty side.

2. Roasted Vegetables

While the Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie includes vegetables in the filling, roasted veggies are a fantastic side that adds texture and depth of flavor. The caramelization from roasting amplifies natural sweetness and provides a nice contrast to the pie.

Vegetable Options:

• Roasted Asparagus: Season asparagus spears with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender.
• Honey Glazed Carrots: Roast baby carrots with a mixture of butter, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon for a mildly sweet side.
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Toss green beans in olive oil and garlic powder, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and roast in the oven for crispy edges.

Ingredients Substitutes

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is a flexible recipe that can easily be adapted to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or flavor preferences.

Pie

1. Chicken

Substitute with Other Proteins:

• Turkey: Leftover Thanksgiving turkey can be a great option; its flavor is very similar to chicken.
• Ham: For a saltier twist, diced cooked ham works well with the creamy filling.
• Seafood: Shrimp or chunks of salmon could be added for a seafood variation.
• Ground Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or beef is also a possible substitute for shredded chicken.
• Plant-Based Options: Use extra firm tofu, seitan, or plant-based chicken substitutes for a vegetarian swap.

2. Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust

Substitutes for Pie Crust:

• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or Biscuits: Pillsbury crescent rolls or biscuit dough can easily be used as an alternative topping. Flatten and shape them to fit.
• Homemade Pie Crust: If you’re out of Pillsbury crusts, you can make a crust from scratch using flour, butter, and water for a traditional pastry base.
• Phyllo Dough or Puff Pastry: For a lighter, flakier crust, phyllo dough or puff pastry sheets work well as a replacement.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a crust-free version, replace the pastry with a thick layer of mashed potatoes for a shepherd’s-pie-inspired twist.
• Gluten-Free Pie Crust: Use a store-bought gluten-free pie crust or make one using almond flour, oat flour, or gluten-free flour blend.

3. Butter

Substitutes for Butter:

• Margarine: This is a simple swap if you’re out of butter.
• Oil: Vegetable oil or olive oil can replace butter in the roux (though it may not have the same creamy flavor).
• Dairy-Free Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free or vegan versions.
• Ghee: This clarified butter adds a richer flavor and works well, especially in savory recipes.

4. Flour

Substitutes for Flour in the Roux:

• Cornstarch: Replace flour with cornstarch as a thickener; use half the amount of cornstarch compared to flour (e.g., 1½ tablespoons cornstarch for ⅓ cup flour).
• Arrowroot Powder or Tapioca Starch: These are great substitutes if you’re aiming for gluten-free or grain-free options.
• Potato Starch: Also works well as a gluten-free thickener for savory dishes.
• Gluten-Free Flour: A gluten-free blend specifically designed for cooking and baking is a seamless replacement.

5. Milk

Substitutes for Milk:

• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used for dairy-free versions. Make sure to use unsweetened and unflavored varieties.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For a richer and creamier sauce, swap milk for heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Evaporated Milk: Works well for a thicker and smoother consistency.
• Broth or Stock: If you don’t want a dairy-based filling, use extra chicken broth or vegetable stock to make the sauce (though this will result in a thinner consistency).

6. Chicken Broth

Substitutes for Chicken Broth:

• Vegetable Broth: Perfect for vegetarian versions; it provides similar savory undertones.
• Beef Broth: Adds a deeper flavor for those who enjoy a slightly heartier taste.
• Bouillon Cubes or Powder: Dissolve bouillon cubes or powder in hot water to create a quick broth substitute.
• Water + Seasoning: If you don’t have broth, you can use water with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other spices for added flavor.

7. Frozen Mixed Vegetables

Substitutes for Mixed Vegetables:

• Fresh Vegetables: Swap frozen veggies for fresh produce like carrots, peas, celery, green beans, corn, or mushrooms. Chop them finely and sauté them briefly before adding to the filling.
• Canned Vegetables: If frozen veggies aren’t available, canned corn, peas, or green beans can be used (just drain the liquid first).
• Seasonal Veggies: Try seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or squash for unique variations.
• Vegetarian Protein: Add beans or lentils (like chickpeas or white beans) for a filling boost if skipping meat.

8. Salt & Pepper

Substitutes for Seasoning:

• Herbs: Add depth of flavor by including dried or fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These work well as seasoning substitutes or additions for flavor enhancement.
• Special Seasoning Blends: Poultry seasoning, Italian herbs, or smoked paprika can add a unique savory twist.

Final Thoughts

This Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie recipe is pure comfort on a plate and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Make this dish your own and enjoy every cozy, delicious bite!

More Pillsbury Recipes:

• Copycat Pillsbury Crescent Rolls Recipe
• Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
• Copycat Pillsbury Football Cookies Recipe