Dinner Ideas

Classic Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Classic Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, savory sauce, all topped with a golden, buttery puff pastry crust. This dish is warm, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy nights at home.

Unlike traditional pot pies that require individual crusts, using puff pastry makes this recipe quick, easy, and elegant. The buttery, flaky top contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy filling, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the nostalgic flavors of a homemade chicken pot pie while being incredibly easy to prepare. The puff pastry adds a luxurious, flaky crust without the fuss of making pie dough from scratch. Every bite delivers a perfect combination of creamy, savory, and crispy textures.

It’s a dish that pleases everyone—adults enjoy the rich flavors and kids love the cheesy, creamy filling. It’s also flexible; you can use leftover chicken, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • Comforting and satisfying—perfect for cold evenings.
  • Quick and easy with store-bought puff pastry.
  • A complete meal in one dish with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
  • Family-friendly and perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
  • Elegant presentation with minimal effort.

Recipe Details

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 6
  • Course: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
  • Estimated Calories: 500–600 per serving

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Puff Pastry Topping:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: shredded cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add carrots and celery, cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
  4. Stir in flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook until thickened.
  6. Stir in cooked chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
  7. Transfer filling to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  8. Roll out puff pastry and place over the filling. Trim edges and crimp as desired. Cut small slits for steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg.
  9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until puff pastry is golden and filling is bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

  1. Preheat oven: 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook vegetables: Sauté onions and garlic, then add carrots and celery.
  3. Make sauce: Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until thickened.
  4. Add chicken and peas: Stir in cooked chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Assemble casserole: Pour filling into baking dish. Top with puff pastry, trim edges, cut slits, brush with egg.
  6. Bake: 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Rest and serve: Let cool 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy.

How to Serve

  • Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
  • Perfect as a hearty main dish for dinner or brunch.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Recipe Tips

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Pre-cook vegetables slightly to ensure tenderness.
  • Egg wash gives puff pastry a beautiful golden color.
  • Add shredded cheese on top before baking for extra richness.
  • Let casserole rest slightly before slicing to prevent spilling.

Variations

Vegetable-Loaded: Add mushrooms, green beans, or roasted red peppers.
Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie: Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella into the filling.
Low-Carb: Use cauliflower crust instead of puff pastry.
Herb-Infused: Add rosemary, sage, or tarragon to the filling.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.

Freezing & Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Freezer: Assemble unbaked pot pie with puff pastry and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Rolling pin (if needed for puff pastry)
  • Whisk for sauce
  • Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, just thaw according to package instructions before using.

Q: Can I make individual pot pies?
Yes, use ramekins or small baking dishes for personal-sized servings.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely, this is a great way to use cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pot pie and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for the sauce and a gluten-free puff pastry.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry is a comforting, flavorful, and elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Its creamy chicken and vegetable filling paired with a flaky, golden puff pastry makes every bite irresistible. Quick to prepare, customizable, and family-friendly, this pot pie is a must-try recipe that will become a favorite for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or cozy weekends at home.

Classic Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: Dinner IdeasCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

Ingredients

  • For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced

  • 1 cup carrots, diced

  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 cup celery, diced

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • For the Puff Pastry Topping:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

  • Optional: shredded cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor

Directions

  • Preheat oven: 400°F (200°C).
  • Cook vegetables: Sauté onions and garlic, then add carrots and celery.
  • Make sauce: Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until thickened.
  • Add chicken and peas: Stir in cooked chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble casserole: Pour filling into baking dish. Top with puff pastry, trim edges, cut slits, brush with egg.
  • Bake: 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Rest and serve: Let cool 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy.