Let’s face it, we all crave that creamy, savory goodness of a traditional pot pie but dread the hassle of making it. Lucky for you, this crock pot version is here to save the day, offering all the comfort with none of the fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless Cooking: The crock pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over hours of slow cooking.
- No Pie Crust Drama: Forget about rolling out dough; this recipe uses biscuits for a hassle-free topping that’s just as delicious.
- Customizable: Easily swap out veggies or proteins based on what’s in your fridge, making it a versatile dish for any night.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced chicken breast
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuits
Equipment Needed
- 6-quart crock pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots and dice the onions, ensuring everything is uniform for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely to distribute its flavor throughout the dish. This prep work is crucial for a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
Step 2: Combine in Crock Pot
Add the diced chicken, sliced carrots, frozen peas, diced onions, and minced garlic to the crock pot. Pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, then sprinkle with thyme and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should look like a hearty stew before cooking.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to soak up all the savory flavors of the broth and seasonings. Resist the urge to peek too often to keep the heat consistent.
Step 4: Add the Biscuits
After 6 hours, remove the lid and place the refrigerated biscuits on top of the mixture in a single layer. They’ll act as your pie crust, puffing up and turning golden as they cook. Replace the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the biscuits are golden and fluffy, your pot pie is ready to serve. Use a spoon to scoop out portions, ensuring each serving gets a bit of the creamy filling and a fluffy biscuit top. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in to avoid burning your tongue on the hot filling.
Tips and Tricks
For an even richer flavor, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the crock pot. This step adds depth to the dish that slow cooking alone can’t achieve. If you’re short on time, you can cook the dish on high for 3 hours instead of low for 6, but the flavors won’t be as developed. Lastly, for a crispier biscuit topping, broil the crock pot insert in the oven for a few minutes after cooking, but be sure it’s oven-safe first.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Beef Pot Pie: Use diced beef and cream of mushroom soup for a richer, meatier version of this classic dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix for those who like a little heat in their comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will work just as well, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly as they can take longer to soften than their frozen counterparts.
Is there a gluten-free option? Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuits and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Definitely. Prepare the filling ahead and store it in the fridge, then add the biscuits and cook when you’re ready to eat. Just add a bit more cooking time since the filling will be cold.
Summary
This crock pot pot pie recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering all the comfort of the classic dish with minimal effort. Customizable, delicious, and utterly comforting, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.