Looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make? Chicken Pie is the perfect twist on the traditional dish—creamy chicken filling, tender vegetables, and a golden mashed-potato topping that brings it all together.
This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a warm, flavorful meal your whole table will love.

Servings

Servings: 6–8 servings

Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Pie

Here’s everything you’ll need to build a rich, savory Chicken Pie with a beautifully crisp mashed potato topping.

For the Chicken Filling

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup milk or half-and-half
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping

3 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into chunks
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup milk or heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Required Kitchen Tools

Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
Large skillet or sauté pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Potato masher (or mixer)
9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size)
Spatula and wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Pie

Follow these clear and simple steps to create a comforting Chicken Pie that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, even though it comes together quickly.

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Place the peeled, chopped potatoes in a large pot.
Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender.
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
Add butter, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper.
Mash until smooth and fluffy.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

Creamy mashed potatoes create the iconic topping for Chicken Pie, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

While the potatoes cook, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
Add garlic and cook for one additional minute.

This vegetable base adds depth and sweetness to your Chicken Pie filling.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Build the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir until everything is well-coated.
Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
Add milk or half-and-half and continue stirring as the mixture thickens.
Add shredded chicken, peas, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thick and creamy.

You should now have a rich, savory chicken mixture that forms the heart of this Chicken Pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the chicken filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Gently spoon the mashed potatoes on top, starting around the edges to seal in the filling.
Use a spoon or fork to create swirls or ridges—these will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 5: Bake

Place the assembled Chicken Pie in the oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the potato topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Helpful Tips for the Best Chicken Pie

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed

Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor. It’s tender, well-seasoned, and perfect for this recipe.

2. Add Extra Vegetables

Mushrooms, corn, green beans, or spinach can be added to bulk up the filling and boost nutrition.

3. Make It Ahead

Chicken Pie can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Simply cover and bake when ready.

4. Freezer-Friendly

This dish freezes exceptionally well.
Allow the assembled pie to cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

5. Want Extra Crisp Potatoes?

Brush the top lightly with melted butter or broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

6. Adjust Herbs to Your Taste

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the dish even more.

Approximate Nutritional Information

(Per serving; based on 8 servings)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 820 mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and added toppings.

Why This Chicken Pie Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu

Chicken Pie delivers everything you want in a comforting home-cooked meal—rich flavor, hearty textures, and a balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying mashed potatoes.
It’s a versatile recipe suitable for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or cozy weekend dinners with family and friends.

This dish is also wonderfully adaptable: add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or incorporate cheese for even more indulgence. The result is always warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Final Thoughts: Make Chicken Pie Tonight

If you’re searching for a simple, filling, and delicious dinner that brings comfort with every bite, this Easy Chicken Pie is exactly what you need. With straightforward ingredients and a foolproof method, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

FAQs Chicken Pie

1. What is Chicken Pie?

Chicken Pie is a variation of the traditional pie, which is usually made with ground lamb or beef. Instead of red meat, this recipe uses shredded or diced chicken as the protein. It features a creamy chicken-and-vegetable filling topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

2. Can I use leftover chicken for Chicken Pie?

Yes! Leftover roasted, grilled, or baked chicken works perfectly. This recipe is especially convenient for using leftover holiday chicken or even turkey. Simply shred or chop it and add it to the filling.

3. Can I substitute the chicken with turkey?

Absolutely. Turkey is an excellent substitute and works just as well in this dish. Many people make Turkey Pie after Thanksgiving to use up leftover roasted turkey.

4. What vegetables work best in Chicken Pie?

Classic vegetables include peas, carrots, celery, and onions. However, you can customize the filling with:

Corn
Green beans
Mushrooms
Spinach
Zucchini
Leeks

This recipe is very flexible, and additional veggies blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

5. Can I make Chicken Pie ahead of time?

Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead recipe. Assemble the pie completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

6. Is Chicken Pie freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking:

To freeze before baking:

Assemble the pie in a freezer-safe dish.
Let it cool completely.
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

To freeze after baking:

Allow it to cool fully.
Wrap and freeze.

To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through (usually 45–60 minutes from frozen).

7. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

While homemade mashed potatoes give the best texture and flavor, instant mashed potatoes can be used in a pinch. Just prepare them slightly thicker than usual so they hold their shape when spread over the filling.

8. How do I prevent watery Chicken Pie?

A watery filling is usually caused by insufficient thickening. To ensure a rich, creamy filling:

Sauté vegetables until no moisture remains.
Use the correct amount of flour.
Simmer the sauce until fully thickened before assembly.

Additionally, avoid adding watery vegetables like tomatoes.

9. Can I make Chicken Pie gluten-free?

Yes! Simply:

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the filling.
Ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are labeled gluten-free.

The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

10. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free Chicken Pie:

Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Skip cheese or use dairy-free cheese.

The dish will remain creamy and delicious.

11. What type of potatoes are best for the topping?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are the top choices.

Russets give a fluffy, airy topping.
Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.

Either works beautifully in Chicken Pie.

12. Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Yes, ground chicken works well. Simply cook it in the skillet with the vegetables, breaking it up into small pieces, before adding the flour and liquids.

13. How long does Chicken Pie last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

14. How do I reheat leftovers?

In the oven:

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Cover with foil to prevent drying.
Heat for 20–30 minutes.

In the microwave:

Heat individual portions for 1–3 minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength.

15. Why is my mashed potato topping sinking into the filling?

This can happen if the filling is too thin or the potatoes are not firm enough.
To prevent sinking:

Thicken the filling well.
Make mashed potatoes on the firmer side (less milk).
Spread potatoes gently using small dollops around the edges first.

16. Can I add cheese to the topping?

Yes, and many people love it this way. Cheddar, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack melt beautifully and create a crispy golden crust. Sprinkle cheese on top before baking for a more indulgent Chicken Pie.

17. What can I serve with Chicken Pie?

Although it’s a complete meal on its own, it pairs well with:

Simple green salad
Garlic bread
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli or asparagus
Cranberry sauce (especially with turkey)

18. Can I make Chicken Pie spicy?

Definitely. Add one or more of the following:

Red pepper flakes
A dash of hot sauce
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Diced jalapeños

Just adjust to your spice preference.

19. What’s the difference between Pie and Cottage Pie?

Traditionally:

Pie is made with lamb.
Cottage Pie is made with beef.

This Chicken Pie is a creative variation using poultry instead of red meat.

20. Why is my topping not browning?

If the potatoes don’t brown enough during baking, you can:

Broil for 2–3 minutes (watch closely).
Brush the top with melted butter before baking.
Add cheese for a golden finish.