The Perfect Chicken Pot Pie: Crock-Pot Cooking Time

how long to cook chicken pot pie in crock pot

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food, but making it can be time-consuming. However, using a crock pot simplifies the process by eliminating the need for making a pie crust. The crock pot method involves cooking the insides of the pie, resulting in a thick and creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables. This approach allows you to enjoy the familiar flavours of chicken pot pie with minimal effort, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. The cooking time in the crock pot typically ranges from 7 to 10 hours on low heat or 4 to 6 hours on high heat, depending on your preference.

Characteristics Values
Cook time on low heat 7.5-10 hours
Cook time on high heat 4-6 hours
Calories 283kcal
Carbohydrates 27g
Protein 20g
Fat 10g
Sodium 182mg
Fiber 3g
Sugar 1g

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Chicken pot pie filling ingredients

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food, and making it in a crock pot is an easy way to enjoy this hearty dish. While there are many variations, the basic ingredients for the filling of a chicken pot pie include chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.

For the chicken, you can use cooked, shredded chicken or turkey. If using raw chicken, season and simmer it in water until cooked through before adding it to the pot pie filling. You can also use chicken tenders, cooking them in a skillet with butter, salt, and pepper until browned.

The vegetables in a chicken pot pie filling can vary according to preference. Common choices include onions, carrots, celery, peas, and corn. Frozen or fresh vegetables can be used. Cook the vegetables in butter until tender, and then add garlic and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

The creamy sauce in a chicken pot pie filling is typically made with a roux base. To make the roux, cook flour in butter, and then slowly add milk and/or chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. For a gluten-free option, cornstarch or arrowroot can be used instead of flour. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and add bouillon paste, celery seed, and garlic powder for extra flavor.

Some people also like to add heavy cream to their chicken pot pie filling for a richer, creamier texture. Additionally, if the filling is too thick, you can add more broth or water to thin it out.

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Crock pot cooking times

The cooking time for chicken pot pie in a crock pot varies depending on the heat setting and the specific ingredients used. Here is a detailed guide to crock pot cooking times for chicken pot pie:

Cooking Time on Low Heat:

Most recipes recommend cooking chicken pot pie on low heat for around 7 to 10 hours. This extended cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and the flavours to develop. It is ideal for busy days when you can set it and forget it.

Cooking Time on High Heat:

If you are short on time, you can cook chicken pot pie on high heat in your crock pot. The cooking time for this setting is typically around 4 to 6 hours. This option is convenient when you need to get dinner on the table quicker but still want that slow-cooked flavour.

Timing for Adding Ingredients:

It is important to note that not all ingredients go into the crock pot at the same time. Here is a suggested timeline for adding ingredients:

  • Start by placing the chicken breasts in the crock pot with the vegetables, seasonings, and broth or soup.
  • About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot along with frozen vegetables like peas and carrots.
  • Cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to allow the frozen vegetables to heat through.

Adjustments for Specific Ingredients:

The cooking time may vary depending on the specific ingredients used:

  • If using potatoes, ensure they are diced into even sizes to promote even cooking. Potatoes may require additional cooking time, even on high heat.
  • If using a pie crust, some recipes suggest adding the top crust in the last 30 minutes of cooking and spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • If your pot pie filling is not as thick as desired, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water or broth, and add it to the crock pot. Cook on high for about 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Remember, crock pot cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific crock pot and the ingredients used. Always ensure your chicken is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

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Shredding and adding chicken

Shredding the chicken is an important step in making chicken pot pie in a crock pot. After cooking the chicken in the crock pot for 7 to 10 hours, depending on the recipe, you will need to remove it from the crock pot and shred it. This can be done using two forks to pull the chicken apart, which should be easy as the chicken will be very tender. Then, simply return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.

Some recipes suggest adding other ingredients, such as frozen peas, corn, or carrots, at this stage. You can also add some chicken stock or broth to adjust the consistency of the sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water or chicken broth, and then adding it to the crock pot.

If you want to add more flavour to the chicken, you can season it with dried onion, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper before placing it back into the crock pot. You could also try adding garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika.

Once you have added the shredded chicken back into the crock pot, stir everything together to combine the chicken with the other ingredients. Then, simply let it cook for another 20 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are hot and the sauce is the desired consistency.

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Biscuit preparation

The biscuit preparation for a chicken pot pie can be done in several ways, depending on your preference. You can use refrigerated biscuits, which are a convenient and time-saving option, especially if you're short on time. These can be baked in the oven according to the package instructions, and then placed on top of each bowl of chicken pot pie filling. You can also use crescent rolls as a biscuit topping.

If you prefer to make your biscuits from scratch, there are a few methods you can consider. One option is to use a biscuit mix, which can be prepared according to the package directions. This allows for some customisation while still being relatively quick and easy. You can even add your own twist by including additional ingredients such as cheddar and chive, which can enhance the flavour of your biscuits.

Another option is to make the biscuits completely from scratch by following a homemade recipe. This gives you the most flexibility in terms of ingredients and flavour profiles. You can choose to make a simple biscuit dough or get creative with additional ingredients. However, making biscuits from scratch can be more time-consuming and may require more baking expertise.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is recommended to prepare and bake the biscuits towards the end of the cooking time for the chicken pot pie filling. This ensures that the biscuits are fresh and warm when served. Additionally, it is important to note that the biscuits are typically served as a topping or accompaniment to the chicken pot pie, rather than cooked directly in the crock pot with the other ingredients.

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Thickening the sauce

Chicken pot pie is a hearty dish that can be made in a crock pot for a simple, yet delicious meal. If you find that your chicken pot pie filling is not thick enough, there are a few methods you can use to thicken the sauce. Here is a detailed guide to achieving the perfect consistency:

One popular method to thicken the sauce is by creating a cornstarch slurry. To do this, mix cornstarch with cold water or chicken broth in a separate bowl. The ratio of cornstarch to liquid is important; a good starting point is to mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water or broth. Mix vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and forms a smooth slurry. If your sauce needs further thickening, you can increase the amount of cornstarch in small increments.

Once your slurry is ready, gradually add it to your crock pot while stirring continuously. This step is crucial as it ensures that the cornstarch is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. After adding the slurry, continue cooking your chicken pot pie on high heat for at least 30 minutes. This extended cooking time allows the cornstarch to activate and thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

Alternatively, you can use flour instead of cornstarch to make the slurry. Simply replace the cornstarch with an equal amount of flour and follow the same process as before. This method is ideal if you don't have cornstarch on hand or prefer the thickening properties of flour.

Another way to thicken the sauce is by reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe. Chicken pot pie recipes often call for chicken stock or broth, and reducing the quantity can lead to a thicker sauce. You can cut the amount of stock used in half or omit it entirely, depending on your preference. This method not only thickens the sauce but also intensifies the flavours in your chicken pot pie.

Remember, when thickening the sauce, it's important to taste and adjust as you go. Each crock pot may vary slightly in terms of heat distribution and cooking time, so adjust the thickening agent and cooking duration accordingly. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to achieve a thick and hearty chicken pot pie filling that your family and friends will love.

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Frequently asked questions

You can cook chicken pot pie in a crock pot for 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.

Bake the biscuits in the oven according to the package instructions during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

To thicken the sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, or 1 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water or chicken broth. Stir this into the crock pot and cook on high for around 30 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the crock pot and keep it in the fridge for up to 48 hours before cooking. You can also make the pot pie ahead of time and reheat it in the slow cooker a few hours before serving.

To make the filling thicker, reduce the amount of stock used or omit it entirely. You can also add more broth at the end of cooking if you want the sauce to be less thick.

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