Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Cream of Chicken Soup
When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there’s nothing better than gathering around the table with a hearty, warm, and satisfying dish. Among the most classic winter recipes is the chicken pot pie. Today, we’ll explore an easy version: Chicken Pot Pie with Cream of Chicken Soup. This variation keeps all the nostalgic flavors while cutting down preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
In this comprehensive post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about making this comforting meal. From step-by-step instructions to creative variations, serving suggestions, meal prep tips, and nutritional insights, this guide will give you everything you need to make your chicken pot pie a staple winter recipe in your kitchen.
Why Chicken Pot Pie is the Ultimate Dinner for Winter
Chicken pot pie has long been a symbol of warmth and comfort. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and savory flavors, it feels like a hug in a dish. It combines everything we love about dinner: protein, vegetables, and carbs, all in one satisfying meal.
Winter recipes often focus on rich, hearty meals, and chicken pot pie is perfect for this season because it balances indulgence with nutrition. The addition of cream of chicken soup simplifies the process while delivering that creamy, savory flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making easy chicken pot pie with cream of chicken soup is that the ingredient list is simple, affordable, and flexible. You can customize it based on what you have in your pantry or freezer.
Classic Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
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½ cup milk
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 premade pie crust (or puff pastry for a lighter top)
Optional Additions
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½ cup diced potatoes for extra heartiness
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½ cup sautéed mushrooms for earthiness
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Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a gourmet touch
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A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for added richness
These simple pantry staples make this recipe both practical and affordable, a dinner solution for busy winter evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it in advance by boiling, baking, or pan-searing. For convenience, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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cream of chicken soup
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milk
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chicken
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vegetables
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seasoning
Stir until everything is coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Place one pie crust in a greased pie dish. Spoon the filling into the crust and spread evenly. Place the second crust over the top, pinching the edges to seal. Cut a few slits on the top to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Why Use Cream of Chicken Soup?
Many traditional chicken pot pie recipes use a homemade roux or cream sauce. While delicious, this can take time. Using cream of chicken soup simplifies the recipe without sacrificing flavor. It ensures a rich, creamy filling with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
This shortcut is what makes this dish truly easy chicken pot pie—you can go from ingredients to dinner on the table in under an hour.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Pot Pie
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Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause overflow in the oven.
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Use egg wash: Brushing the top crust with a beaten egg gives it a golden, glossy finish.
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Let it cool slightly: Resting allows the filling to thicken, preventing a runny pie.
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Try puff pastry: For a lighter, flaky alternative to traditional crust, puff pastry is an excellent option.
Variations to Try
Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Use muffin tins and biscuit dough to create personal-sized pot pies—perfect for portion control or family dinners with kids.
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
Bake your pie in a cast iron skillet for a rustic look and crispy edges.
Crust Alternatives
Instead of pie crust, try topping the filling with:
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Buttermilk biscuits
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Mashed potatoes (shepherd’s pie style)
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Phyllo dough for a lighter, layered texture
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Option
This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Assemble the pie, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen at 375°F, adding 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.
You can also freeze individual portions for quick, cozy winter dinners.
Nutritional Breakdown
While chicken pot pie is often seen as indulgent, it also provides a good balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Using lean chicken breast, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and whole-wheat crust can make it healthier.
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Protein: from chicken
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Vitamins & fiber: from vegetables
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Carbs & comfort: from the crust
A balanced winter recipe like this can be both satisfying and nourishing.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken pot pie with sides that complement its creamy richness:
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A light side salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
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Cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast
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Warm dinner rolls for extra coziness
Why This Recipe is a Winter Favorite
Winter recipes should be hearty, warming, and easy to prepare. Chicken pot pie with cream of chicken soup checks all the boxes. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience, making it one of the best choices for a family dinner.
The rich filling, flaky crust, and savory flavors bring comfort during the coldest months. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility means it can be adapted to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Turkey works wonderfully, especially as a way to use up holiday leftovers.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pie crust and cream of chicken soup alternatives.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini all make great additions.
5. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor.
6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free cream soup alternative and plant-based milk.
7. Is chicken pot pie kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy filling and mild flavors make it a hit with kids.
8. Can I use homemade crust?
Yes, homemade crust gives a richer flavor, though premade crust saves time.
9. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Blind-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before filling.
10. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling 1–2 days ahead and store it in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
An easy chicken pot pie with cream of chicken soup is more than just a dinner recipe—it’s comfort, tradition, and nourishment all in one. Perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this dish embodies everything that makes winter recipes so beloved.
Whether you stick to the classic version or explore fun variations, chicken pot pie deserves a permanent spot on your seasonal dinner menu.