Reheating Chicken Pot Pie Safely

Chicken pot pie is a beloved classic comfort food, but reheating it can be tricky. The goal is to maintain the delicious, crispy crust while keeping the centre creamy. If you're reheating a chicken pot pie in an aluminium pan, here are some tips to achieve the perfect result.

First, preheat your oven to 325-350°F. If your pie is frozen, you'll need to increase the cooking time. Wrap the perimeter of the pie in foil to prevent the edges from drying out or burning. Place your pot pie on a baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat for 25-45 minutes, depending on whether it's refrigerated or frozen. If you're using a toaster oven, set the heat to 375-400°F.

For an even quicker method, you can use a microwave. Place the pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2-3 minutes. However, this method may not result in a crispy crust.

Another option is to use an air fryer, preheated to 350-365°F. Place the pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes.

Oven: Preheat to 300-350°F, cover with foil, bake for 15-30 mins

Reheating a chicken pot pie can be tricky, but if you follow these steps, you can enjoy a delicious, perfectly reheated pie.

First, preheat your oven to between 300°F and 350°F. While the oven is warming up, cover your chicken pot pie with foil. Make sure you use an oven-safe dish if your pie isn't already in a foil or metal pan. Covering the pie with foil will help keep the top and edges from burning.

Once the oven is preheated, place the covered chicken pot pie inside and bake for 15 to 30 minutes. Check the pie after 15 minutes to see if it's heated to your liking. You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pie. If it's reached 165°F or above, it's ready to eat! If not, return the pie to the oven and check again after another 5 minutes.

Once the pie is heated to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F, cook for 8-12 mins

Reheating a chicken pot pie in an air fryer is a great way to get the crust golden brown and crispy. This method is also an excellent way to crisp up the bottom crust of your pot pie.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F. This is the ideal temperature to ensure your pot pie reheats evenly, achieving a balance between a crispy crust and a hot centre.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Pot Pie

If your chicken pot pie is in a metal or aluminium tray, you can keep it as is. Otherwise, place it in an oven-safe baking dish.

Step 3: Place the Pie in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer has preheated, carefully place the chicken pot pie into the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure that the pie is secure and won't tip over during the cooking process.

Step 4: Cook the Pie

Cook the chicken pot pie for 8 to 12 minutes. This duration should be sufficient to heat the centre thoroughly and achieve a crispy, flaky golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Monitor the Cooking Process

Check on the pie several times during cooking to ensure it doesn't burn. If the crust is browning too quickly compared to the centre heating, you can cover it with aluminium foil. This will allow the centre to continue heating without overcooking the crust.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Once the pie is heated to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool down. Remember, hot chicken pot pie can easily burn your mouth, so be careful! Enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken pot pie.

Microwave: Use low power, heat for 2-3 mins

Reheating a chicken pot pie in the microwave is a quick and easy method, but it may not deliver the same crispy crust as other reheating methods. If you're short on time, however, this is a good option. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating your chicken pot pie in the microwave:

• Remove the chicken pot pie from any plastic or aluminium foil wrapping.
• Place the pie on a microwave-safe plate or container.
• Poke several holes in the top of the crust. This will allow steam to escape and help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
• Cover the pie with a paper towel or a microwave-safe lid.
• Set the microwave to low power and heat the pie for 2-3 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave, so you may need to adjust this time slightly.
• Check the centre of the pie to see if it is heated through. If not, continue to microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds to one minute until it is heated to your liking.
• Allow the pie to stand for a minute before serving.

Note: If your chicken pot pie is frozen, heat it in 2-3 minute increments, and if it has been in the refrigerator, use 30-second to one-minute increments.

Stovetop: Use a skillet, cook for 3-5 mins

Reheating chicken pot pie on the stovetop is a method you may not have considered, but it is possible. It is a great option if you don't have an air fryer or are looking for an alternative to the oven method.

First, heat a non-stick frying pan on medium to medium-high heat. Place your chicken pot pie into the pan and heat for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the crust to ensure it does not burn.

Next, flip the pie over and continue heating until it is cooked through. This step ensures that the crust remains crispy and the bottom does not get soggy.

Finally, remove the pie from the heat and serve immediately.

This stovetop method is a quick and easy way to reheat your chicken pot pie while maintaining a crispy crust and a creamy centre. However, it is important to watch the pie carefully to prevent burning.

If you are reheating a frozen chicken pot pie, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly, but the stovetop method is still a viable option.

Toaster Oven: Preheat to 380-400°F, bake for 30-35 mins

Reheating a chicken pot pie in a toaster oven is a great alternative to using a conventional oven, especially if you're reheating a single portion or smaller portions.

To reheat your chicken pot pie in a toaster oven, follow these steps:

• Preheat your toaster oven to between 380°F and 400°F.
• Make a few small cuts on the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet in the middle of your toaster oven.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
• Allow the pie to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Since the pie has already been cooked, you don't need to worry about the internal temperature. The goal is to have a hot centre without burning the crust.

Frequently asked questions