. Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie – Easiest Weeknight Comfort Meal! – esrecipes

Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie – Easiest Weeknight Comfort Meal!

Rainy nights. Cold evenings. The need for serious comfort food. You know those times, right? I certainly do! I remember one particular autumn evening, the wind howling outside and my kids complaining of being chilly. They were craving something warm, something… hearty. That’s when it clicked: a Chicken Pot Pie. But who has time for pastry making after a long day? That’s why I created this Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie – Easiest Weeknight Comfort Meal! and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s ridiculously easy, packed with flavor, and lets your slow cooker do all the hard work.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

Let’s be honest, traditional chicken pot pie is a project. Making the crust? Rolling it out? It’s a beautiful labor of love, but sometimes, life just doesn’t allow for beauty and labor. This recipe solves that problem. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:

  • Seriously Simple: Minimal chopping, a few pantry staples, and that’s it!
  • Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the simmering and bubbling, freeing you up to relax.
  • Ultimate Comfort: The creamy, savory filling is pure nostalgia in a bowl. Think tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich gravy – all in one delicious package.
  • Family-Friendly: Picky eaters? This one’s a winner. Everyone loves chicken and veggies in a creamy sauce!
  • Perfect for Leftovers: (If there are any!) It’s even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. I’ve kept things simple and accessible for everyone.

  • Chicken: 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, for extra richness)
  • Vegetables:
    • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn – a classic mix!)
    • 1 cup frozen green beans
    • 1 cup chopped onion (about ½ a medium onion)
    • 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Sauce Base:
    • 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
    • 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • ½ cup milk (any kind will do!)
  • Flavor Boosters:
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
    • ¼ teaspoon celery seed (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
  • Topping (Your Choice – see variations below!):
    • 1 box (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (the flaky kind!) OR
    • 1 package (14.1 oz) puff pastry sheet OR
    • Mashed potatoes (for a Shepherd’s Pie version)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This really is as easy as it gets.

  1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. No special preparation needed!
  2. Add the Veggies: Scatter the frozen mixed vegetables, frozen green beans, chopped onion, and chopped carrots around the chicken. Don’t worry about arranging them perfectly – they’ll all mingle beautifully later.
  3. Sauté the Garlic (optional, but recommended): Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. This step elevates the flavor. Add the garlic to the crockpot.
  4. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth. This prevents clumps in your pot pie.
  5. Pour Over Everything: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
  6. Seasoning Time: Sprinkle with thyme, pepper, salt, and celery seed (if using). Stir gently to combine.
  7. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
  8. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it back into the vegetable and sauce mixture.
  9. Add the Topping: Now, for the grand finale! About 20-30 minutes before serving, add your topping of choice. (See topping options and instructions below).
  10. Enjoy! Let the pot pie sit for a few minutes after adding the topping, then serve hot and enjoy!

Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions

Let’s customize this deliciousness!

Topping Options (and how to add them):

  • Biscuits: Place the biscuits directly on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Cook on high for about 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Check frequently!
  • Puff Pastry: Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet. Cut into strips or simply lay it over the top of the crockpot. Cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Again, keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Mashed Potatoes (Shepherd’s Pie Style): Spread a layer of mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Cook on low for 30 minutes to warm through. You can broil for a few minutes at the end for a lightly browned top.

Variations:

  • Add Potatoes: Dice 1-2 potatoes and add them to the crockpot with the other vegetables.
  • Different Vegetables: Swap out the frozen veggies for fresh broccoli, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Creamier Sauce: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce mixture for extra richness.
  • Herb Power: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley instead of dried thyme.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a simple green salad.
  • A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
  • If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Based on using biscuit topping, per serving – results will vary depending on ingredients used.)

  • Calories: 450-550
  • Protein: 35-45g
  • Fat: 25-35g
  • Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Please note that this is an estimate and can vary.

Ready to Make the Easiest Chicken Pot Pie Ever?

Seriously, what are you waiting for? This Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie – Easiest Weeknight Comfort Meal! is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, and it’s a taste of home that you can feel good about. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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