If you’re craving the ultimate cozy comfort food, you absolutely have to try this Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. I love this because every bite is filled with tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and a ridiculously creamy sauce all wrapped in flaky, buttery pie crust—top and bottom! When I first made this, my family went crazy for it, and honestly, it never lasts long around here. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step, share my best tips, and help you nail this classic pot pie that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Double crust delight: The flaky top and buttery bottom crust create the perfect texture contrast every time.
- Creamy, comforting filling: The rich gravy made with chicken broth and half-and-half keeps the filling luscious and thick.
- Easy to customize: You can swap chicken cuts, veggies, or even herbs to suit your taste perfectly.
- Make-ahead magic: The pie crust can be made in advance, making it a great option for planned cozy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you’re making your own pie crust or grabbing a quality all-butter crust from the store, each component has a purpose—you’ll see how they blend for a deliciously balanced pot pie filling.
- Pie crust: Homemade is my favorite for flavor and flakiness, but a store-bought all-butter crust works well too; just make sure it’s sturdy enough for a double crust.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Boneless and skinless, cubed into bites; thighs offer extra juiciness while breast makes it leaner.
- Carrots: Fresh and sliced for sweetness and color; they hold up nicely after boiling.
- Celery: Adds a slight crunch and subtle earthiness that balances the richness.
- Butter: Unsalted, for sautéing the onions and garlic; it creates a rich flavor base.
- Yellow onion: Chopped finely; it mellows and sweetens when cooked, adding depth.
- Garlic: Minced for a gentle kick and aromatic richness.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that transforms the broth into a creamy gravy.
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning that rounds out the filling.
- Dried thyme leaves: Its herbal note brings warmth and classic pot pie flavor.
- Chicken broth or stock: I recommend reduced sodium so you can control the saltiness yourself.
- Half-and-half: Adds that creamy, silky finish to the filling without heaviness.
- Frozen peas: Tossed in last for pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Egg wash: A beaten egg mixed with milk to brush over the crust, giving it a gorgeous golden shine.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): Perfect for garnish if you want to dress it up a bit.
Variations
I like to keep things classic with this Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe, but you’ll find it easily adapts to what you have or need. Don’t be afraid to mix it up—personalizing it makes it even more enjoyable.
- Vegetable swaps: Sometimes I swap the peas for green beans or add mushrooms for earthiness. You can also add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Protein variations: Leftover turkey works wonderfully, especially after holidays, or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half for a creamy texture without dairy.
- Herb tweaks: Fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme can add a lovely twist, depending on your mood or season.
How to Make Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust Ahead
This is where a bit of patience pays off. I usually make my homemade pie crust the night before and chill it well—that helps it roll out smoothly and bake up perfectly flaky. If you’re using store-bought, just keep one crust chilled while working on the other. The secret is a cold dough so it doesn’t shrink or become tough during baking.
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Vegetables
Place the cubed chicken, carrots, and celery in a large pot and cover with water. Bring everything to a boil, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender but not mushy. Drain the mixture well and set aside. This method keeps everything moist and ensures the chicken won’t overcook later in the oven, which can easily happen if you add raw chicken straight to the pie.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Gravy
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter, add onions and garlic, and cook until onions become translucent and the butter just starts to caramelize lightly. Add the flour, salt, black pepper, and thyme; whisk continually to form a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, ensuring no lumps form. Simmer the sauce gently for about 10 minutes to thicken into a luscious gravy. I always taste here and sometimes add a bit more thyme or seasoning—it’s the heart of the filling flavor, so don’t rush it.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch deep pie dish — tuck the edges with your fingers to fit it beautifully without tears. Trim any extra dough. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mix into the crust, layer frozen peas evenly over, and pour the creamy gravy on top, spreading it to the edges.
Step 5: Top Crust and Bake
Roll out your second dough disc and cover the pie. Trim and seal edges by crimping with a fork. Cut a few small slits in the top to let steam escape and brush it generously with egg wash. Bake for about 32–38 minutes until golden brown, but here’s a little insider tip: after 20 minutes, cover the edges of the crust with foil or a pie crust shield to avoid burning while the center finishes baking. Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the filling set and keeps your slices neat.
Pro Tips for Making Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Chill your dough: I learned that cold dough not only rolls out easier but also bakes up flakier and prevents shrinkage.
- Simmer your gravy well: Taking the extra 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken fully prevents a watery filling—trust me, it’s worth it.
- Don’t skip the edge shield: After 20 minutes in the oven, covering the crust edges avoids burnt edges and keeps everything looking appetizing.
- Rest before serving: Letting the pot pie cool a bit means the filling firms up, so you get beautiful slices instead of a runny mess.
How to Serve Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple and classic with a couple of fresh thyme sprigs on top, adding a fresh herbal aroma right before serving. Sometimes a light sprinkle of finely chopped parsley brightens up the rich flavors and adds a pop of green.
Side Dishes
My go-to pairings with this pot pie are simple green salads with tangy vinaigrettes or steamed green beans tossed in lemon and garlic. Roasted root veggies or a crusty bread round out the meal nicely, especially on cooler days when you want that warm, filling feast feel.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve made mini individual double crust pot pies in ramekins—everyone loves getting their own personal pot pie, and it looks so charming on the table! You can also use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of the top crust for a playful, decorative touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the first serving, my family usually enjoys the next day’s leftovers, which are just as delicious—sometimes even better as the flavors meld overnight! I store slices in airtight containers in the refrigerator and gently reheat them so the crust stays flaky.
Freezing
Freezing this pot pie works well if you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you want to enjoy it, I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge and then baking it again to keep that crispy crust and creamy filling intact.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually pop leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving will soften the crust, which can be fine if you’re in a hurry, but oven reheating is the best way to keep the textures just right.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer homemade pie crust for flavor and flakiness, a good quality store-bought all-butter crust works great and saves time. Just make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to roll it out and bake.
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What type of chicken is best for this pot pie?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs add more juiciness and richness, while breasts keep things leaner. For even more convenience, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey make excellent alternatives.
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How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Pre-cooking the chicken and veggies and simmering a thick gravy before filling the crust helps minimize sogginess. Also, using a deep pie dish and a sturdy crust lining the bottom helps support the filling without becoming too soggy.
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Can I make this pot pie vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with a hearty mix of mushrooms, potatoes, and other sturdy veggies, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The method stays the same, and you’ll still get that creamy comforting filling.
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How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just reheat in the oven for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want a little extra comfort and a classic dish that brings everyone to the table. It’s worth the wait and the love involved because the end result is so satisfying—rich, flaky, and filled with hearty goodness. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did, and I bet it’ll become a family favorite in your house too!
PrintDouble Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hr 50 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 3 hr 25 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy homemade gravy, all encased in a flaky, buttery double pie crust. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe combines a rich filling with a crisp baked crust for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Homemade Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust (enough for 2 crusts – bottom and top)
Filling
- 1 pound (450g) skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 cup (about 130g) sliced carrots (about 2 carrots)
- 1/2 cup (about 40g) sliced celery
- 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp; 71g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (45g) chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 of a small onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) chicken broth/stock (reduced sodium recommended)
- 2/3 cup (160ml) half-and-half*
- 1 cup (125g) frozen peas
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk
Optional Garnish
- Sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Follow your chosen pie crust recipe through step 5, including chilling the dough for at least 2 hours. This recipe requires two crusts – one for the bottom and one for the top of the pie. Making the crust a day ahead is recommended for best results.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: In a large pot, combine the cubed chicken, sliced carrots, and celery. Add enough water to cover the ingredients completely, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to boil for 10 minutes to partially cook the chicken and vegetables. Remove from heat, drain the water thoroughly, and set mixture aside.
- Make Gravy: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and the butter begins to brown lightly. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, thyme, chicken broth, and half-and-half until smooth. Continue to cook and whisk frequently, simmering over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until the gravy is thick and free of lumps. Adjust seasonings if desired, adding more thyme for extra flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled pie dough into a 12-inch diameter circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch deep pie dish, gently tucking it in smoothly. Trim excess dough with a knife or kitchen shears and discard the trimmings.
- Assemble Filling: Spoon the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the pie crust. Sprinkle the frozen peas on top, then pour the prepared thick gravy evenly over everything to coat the filling thoroughly.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disc as with the first. Cover the pie carefully with this crust, trimming excess dough and pressing the edges together to seal. Crimp edges with a fork and cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the entire crust with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 32 to 38 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. After 20 minutes, cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield to prevent over-browning. Baking time may vary slightly based on your oven.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling to set, making slices neater and enhancing flavors. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days and reheated as desired.
Notes
- This double crust chicken pot pie is perfect for cold weather comfort food cravings, combining creamy filling with flaky crust.
- Making the pie crust a day ahead and chilling it well improves the dough’s texture and handling.
- Cover the edges of the crust during baking to prevent over-browning; use a pie crust shield or aluminum foil.
- Leftover pie tastes even better the next day as the filling thickens and flavors meld.
- Use reduced sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the filling.
- You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts based on your preference for flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg