Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings all the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie without the fuss of making a traditional crust. This casserole combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy vegetables, and a rich sauce, all topped with a golden, flaky biscuit or pie crust. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is both filling and flavorful, making it a go-to option for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings. With its easy preparation and delightful taste, Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
What is Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that takes all the flavors of the classic chicken pot pie and transforms them into an easy-to-make casserole. This simplified version is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests. Let’s explore the components that make this dish so beloved.
The Basics of Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
At its core, this casserole combines cooked chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked in a casserole dish. Common vegetables include carrots, peas, and corn, which add sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate vegetables into your meals, you might enjoy recipes like Chicken and Vegetable Casserole, which provides a similar blend of protein and veggies.
A Golden Biscuit or Pie Crust Topping
Unlike traditional chicken pot pie with a double pie crust, the casserole version often features a biscuit topping or a single layer of pie crust. This topping becomes golden and crispy during baking, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. For other recipes that highlight flaky toppings, check out the Cattle Drive Casserole, which features a similarly satisfying finish.
A Creamy, Flavorful Sauce
The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, binding the chicken and vegetables together while adding richness. Typically made with a base of chicken broth and milk or cream, the sauce can be seasoned with herbs like thyme or parsley for added depth. For inspiration on creating a perfect creamy base, take a look at the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, which features a luscious, savory sauce.
A One-Dish Meal for Families or Guests
One of the best things about Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is its simplicity and versatility. It’s an excellent choice for feeding a family or entertaining guests, as it requires minimal preparation and can be made ahead of time. For more crowd-pleasing casserole ideas, explore the Hashbrown Casserole, which offers another easy and filling option.
Key Ingredients
Cooked Chicken – Typically shredded or diced, this is the main protein of the dish.
Vegetables – Commonly carrots, peas, corn, and sometimes potatoes or onions.
Creamy Sauce – A combination of cream, milk, or chicken broth, often thickened with flour to create a rich base.
Biscuit or Pie Crust Topping – A flaky, golden topping that adds texture and flavor.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme are commonly used for added flavor.
Cheese (optional) – Some recipes include shredded cheese for an extra layer of richness.
What Makes It Different from Traditional Chicken Pot Pie?
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole differs from the traditional chicken pot pie mainly in its preparation and crust. In a traditional chicken pot pie, the filling is encased in a bottom and top crust, creating a fully enclosed pie. In contrast, the casserole version has the filling baked in a dish with a single crust or biscuit topping on top, leaving the filling exposed. This makes it easier to prepare, as it eliminates the need for handling a double crust. The casserole is also often more versatile, as the topping can vary, ranging from biscuit dough to mashed potatoes.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole from Scratch
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade biscuit dough
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Filling:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add flour to the skillet and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Slowly add chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen vegetables, mixing until everything is well combined. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top evenly with the biscuit dough, breaking it into smaller pieces if necessary.
Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole!
Preparing the Chicken
Cook the Chicken:
You can use either cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
To cook chicken breasts, season them with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil, or bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
Alternatively, simmer chicken in a pot of water or broth for about 15-20 minutes until tender and easy to shred.
Shred or Dice the Chicken:
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.
Shred the chicken using two forks or dice it into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference for texture in the casserole.
Use Immediately or Store:
If you’re preparing ahead of time, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Creating the Filling
Prepare the Base:
In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
Once melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir the mixture continuously to form a roux, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes golden.
Make the Sauce:
Gradually add 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk to the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Season the Sauce:
Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add the Chicken and Vegetables:
Stir in 3 cups of cooked, shredded or diced chicken, and 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn).
Mix well until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Simmer:
Allow the filling to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
The filling is now ready to be poured into your prepared baking dish for the casserole.
Choosing the Right Vegetables
When selecting vegetables for your Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, it’s important to choose ones that complement the creamy filling and add both flavor and texture. Here are some great options:
Carrots – They add a slight sweetness and color. Use frozen or fresh, diced or sliced.
Peas – A classic choice, peas provide a mild sweetness and soft texture that balances the dish.
Corn – Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
Green Beans – Another great vegetable option, adding crunch and flavor.
Potatoes – Diced potatoes give the casserole extra heartiness and a comforting texture.
Onions – Cooked onions can deepen the flavor of the filling, adding richness.
Mushrooms – For an earthy flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms.
You can use a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables based on your preference. Frozen vegetables are convenient and require no preparation, making them ideal for quick casseroles. Choose vegetables that hold up well when baked and offer a balance of textures.
The Best Toppings for Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Biscuit Dough – A classic choice, biscuit dough bakes up light, fluffy, and golden, providing a soft and flaky topping.
Pie Crust – For a more traditional feel, a single layer of pie crust can be placed on top for a crispy, buttery finish.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes create a hearty, comforting topping that pairs perfectly with the rich filling.
Puff Pastry – For a flakier, more delicate topping, puff pastry adds a light, crispy texture and a golden brown finish.
Cheese Topping – Adding shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, on top of any of the above options gives a rich, melty finish with extra flavor.
Crumbled Crackers – For added crunch, sprinkle crumbled crackers (like Ritz) over the top before baking for a crispy, buttery texture.
Breadcrumbs – A simple topping of seasoned breadcrumbs can provide a crispy, slightly crunchy texture when baked.
Choose the topping based on your preference for texture, flavor, and how much you want to simplify the recipe.
Biscuit Topping vs. Pie Crust
Biscuit Topping:
Texture: Fluffy, light, and slightly crumbly with a soft interior.
Flavor: Mildly buttery with a slightly sweet taste.
Ease of Use: Quick and easy to prepare, often using refrigerated biscuit dough. Requires less time and effort than pie crust.
Appearance: A more casual, rustic look with uneven, pillowy bumps.
Best For: Those who prefer a lighter, softer texture and a simpler preparation.
Pie Crust:
Texture: Flaky and crisp, with a tender bite and a more structured form.
Flavor: Buttery and slightly savory, providing a more traditional, rich taste.
Ease of Use: Can be more labor-intensive, requiring either store-bought or homemade dough and precise handling to avoid toughness.
Appearance: Sleek and uniform, giving a polished, traditional look.
Best For: Those who prefer a classic pot pie experience with a crisp, buttery crust.
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
To make a healthier version of Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, you can modify the ingredients to reduce calories and increase nutritional value while maintaining the comfort and flavor of the dish.
Healthy Modifications:
Use Lean Chicken – Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs to reduce fat content.
Lighten the Sauce – Instead of heavy cream, use low-fat milk or a combination of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt for creaminess. You can also use a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce without adding excess fat.
Vegetables – Increase the amount of vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, and spinach. Use fresh or frozen vegetables with no added butter or salt to boost fiber and vitamins.
Top with Whole Wheat Biscuits or Mashed Cauliflower – Instead of regular biscuit dough, try whole wheat biscuits for added fiber. Alternatively, you can top the casserole with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option that still provides a creamy texture.
Limit the Cheese – Use a small amount of reduced-fat cheese or skip it entirely to cut down on saturated fat and calories.
Reduce Sodium – Use low-sodium chicken broth and avoid adding too much salt. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add flavor without extra sodium.
This healthier Chicken Pot Pie Casserole maintains all the comforting qualities of the classic while making better nutritional choices.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
Cool Down: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing.
Storage Container: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigeration: Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing (optional):
Freeze Before Baking: If you want to freeze the casserole for later use, assemble the dish (without baking) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Freeze After Baking: If you’ve already baked it, let it cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in Oven (for best results):
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
If refrigerated, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the topping from drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
If frozen, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as above.
For a crispy topping, uncover the casserole during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Reheat in Microwave:
Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
Microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Reheating in the oven will yield the best texture for the biscuit or crust topping, keeping it crispy and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works great in this casserole. Just shred or dice it and add it to the filling mixture.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can use vegetables like green beans, potatoes, corn, or spinach. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
Can I make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze it for future use (before baking) and bake it when ready.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make the sauce and gluten-free biscuit dough or a gluten-free pie crust for the topping.
Can I make the topping without biscuits?
Yes! You can use mashed potatoes, puff pastry, or even a mixture of breadcrumbs for the topping.
How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. It will stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months.
How do I reheat frozen Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. If reheating directly from frozen, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Can I add cheese to the casserole?
Yes, shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) can be added to the filling or sprinkled on top before baking for a cheesy touch.
What should I serve with Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for extra freshness.
Conclusion
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a flaky crust or biscuit topping. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family or preparing ahead. Whether you’re looking for a classic or healthier version, this casserole is sure to become a beloved meal in your household, offering warmth and flavor in every bite.