This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole takes all the mouthwatering flavors from your favorite chicken pot pie recipe and blends it with the hearty satisfaction of chicken casserole recipes. It's a delicious recipe, but it's also an easy dinner recipe that's sure to please the whole family! With every bite, you'll be reminded why you love cooking so much. So, don't wait – get your apron on and bring this dish to life in your kitchen tonight!
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
What is Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is like a warm hug on a plate! Imagine tender chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy gravy, all topped with fluffy golden biscuits instead of traditional pie crust. It's all the heartwarming goodness of a classic pot pie but in an exciting new form. Each serving gets its own biscuit, so everyone gets to enjoy that perfect crust. Next time you're craving comfort food, give this twist on Chicken Pot Pie a whirl. Your taste buds will be doing a happy dance!
What is Chicken Pot Pie Casserole made of?
Picture this: You've had a long day, and all you want is something comforting to eat. But not just any comfort food, something that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. That's where Chicken Pot Pie Casserole comes in.
Imagine tender pieces of chicken, cooked to perfection, mingling with vibrant peas, sweet carrots, earthy potatoes, crisp celery, and aromatic onions. Each ingredient bringing its unique flavor to the table, creating a symphony of tastes that dances on your palate.
But the magic doesn't stop there. These ingredients are enveloped in a rich, savory gravy. It's like the maestro of this flavorful orchestra, tying all the notes together into a beautiful harmony. Every bite is a melody of flavors that sings of home and heartiness.
And the grand finale? Instead of a traditional pie crust, golden, fluffy biscuits crown this casserole. As they bake, they puff up into perfect domes, their lightness contrasting delightfully with the creamy filling beneath. It's like biting into a little cloud of happiness!
So next time you're craving something comforting, don't just settle for any dish. Create an experience. Whip up a Chicken Pot Pie Casserole and let your taste buds dance along with the melody of flavors. Trust me, it's a performance they won't soon forget!
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – Overview
You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make chicken pot pie casserole!
First begin by cooking diced onion and veggies (frozen mixed veggies are ok in place of fresh) in melted butter in a large skillet until softened and fragrant.
The next step is crucial – making the gravy. You'll do this by adding flour to your sautéed vegetables, followed by chicken stock and heavy cream. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, creamy sauce. Add the pre cooked chicken and season with some salt and black pepper to taste.
After your gravy is prepared, transfer the chicken mixture into a 9″x13″ casserole dish and spread evenly. This is where your recipe really starts to come together.
Then, it's time to add the biscuits. Place the prepared biscuit dough on top of the filling in your casserole dish, ready for baking.
Finally, put the dish in the oven and bake until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling with deliciousness. That's it!
Recipe Variations & Substituations
You can always put your own spin on a recipe! For this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole recipe, there are several variations you could explore.
For instance, if you're a fan of different proteins, why not try swapping out the chicken for leftover turkey or beef? I once tried it with leftover Thanksgiving turkey and let me tell you, it was a hit! Turkey pot pie casserole is amazing!
If you're looking to add more color and nutrients, feel free to throw in additional vegetables like peas, corn, or even sweet potatoes. I remember when I first added sweet potatoes into the mix. The sweetness balanced the savory gravy perfectly!
If you're in a pinch for time, you can also use frozen vegetables instead of fresh vegetables with no problem!
Other seasonings – if you'd like to try some different seasonings with this recipe other than the simple combination of minced garlic, thyme and salt and pepper, you could try using poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning.
Heavy Cream Alternatives – Half and half works well in this recipe as an alternative to heavy cream. Sour cream also makes a nice addition to this recipe however I wouldn't use it as a complete replacement for the cream as the filling may become “too tangy” – just a little added to the filling will be nice!
If you'd like, you could try using a combination of milk and cream cheese in place of the heavy cream used in this recipe. It'll make it equally delish! Sometimes it's best to use whatever you have on hand, so go ahead and give it a try!
Can I use anything other than Pillsbury biscuits on top?
Absolutely! There's a whole world of delicious options out there that can take your Chicken Pot Pie Casserole to new heights.
Ever tried a puff pastry topping? It's like wrapping your filling in a buttery, flaky hug. Just roll it out, place it over the top of your casserole, and bake until it's golden brown and puffed up. It's a touch of elegance that's easier than you'd think!
If you're a fan of classic pie crust, you can certainly use that too. It creates a wonderfully traditional finish, with a satisfying crunch that makes every bite a joy. Plus, you can make some beautiful designs with it – who doesn't love a lattice top?
For a rustic twist, how about a cornbread top? Its slight sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory filling, creating a flavor combination that's hard to resist. Just mix up your favorite cornbread recipe, spread it over the top, and bake until it's a beautiful golden hue.
And let's not forget a mashed potatoes! It's like combining a shepherd's pie and a chicken pot pie in one delicious dish. The creamy, fluffy potatoes create a comforting blanket for your filling, turning every spoonful into comfort food heaven.
How about homemade buttermilk biscuits? They're flaky, buttery, and oh-so-delicious. Making them from scratch truly brings a homey touch to your casserole. The tanginess of the buttermilk pairs perfectly with the savory filling. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about breaking open a golden biscuit to reveal the steamy, soft interior. Yum!
Lastly, have you ever tried a tater tot top? Hear me out – the crispy, golden tots add a fantastic textural contrast, and their inherent potatoey goodness goes amazingly well with the chicken filling. It's a fun twist that might just become your new favorite!
In addition to using Pillsbury biscuits, you can also try using Pillbury's other products such as refrigerated crescent rolls (roll them over the casserole), Pillsbury pizza crust, Pillsbury Pie Crust, and of course the classic Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits.
What kind of chicken can I use in Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
I've found that using cooked chicken thighs in Chicken Pot Pie Casserole brings the dish a rich, comforting flavor. There's something about the juicy, tender thighs that melds so beautifully with the creamy filling and crispy crust. But don't let me stop you from experimenting! If you're more of a white meat fan, go ahead and swap those thighs out for chicken breasts. Another great choice is using a precooked roast or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store!
How do you thicken Chicken Pot Pie filling?
The magic starts right at the beginning of making the filling in this recipe. Adding the flour to your chicken and veggie mixture works like a charm to thicken up the gravy. As the filling cooks, it will reduce and thicken.
But what if you like your filling extra thick? Just let your filling hang out on the stove for a bit longer. As it simmers and reduces, it'll naturally thicken up.
And if you've done all that and still want a thicker filling? You can certainly add a touch more flour into the mix. But remember, just like adding salt to a dish, you want to do this gradually. Make sure it's well dissolved to avoid any lumps.
You could also try adding a few more potatoes, which will also add a bit more starch to the gravy and should help thicken it up more!
Can I make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can prepare this recipe ahead of time! You can make the chicken pot pie filling ahead of time and place it in an air tight container. Once you'd like to cook the casserole (after allowing it to return to room temperature) pour the filling into your casserole dish, place the biscuits on top, and cook as per the usual instructions.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
To store your leftover Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, allow it to cool down after cooking. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator.
For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole from the container into an oven-safe dish. To retain moisture, cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures your reheated casserole remains flavorful and moist.
How long is leftover Chicken Pot Pie Casserole good for?
Leftover Chicken Pot Pie Casserole can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it's stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
If you wish to keep it for longer, you can freeze the casserole where it will last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
What to Serve with Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a main dish that's wonderful on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a whole new level. A crisp and fresh green salad, for instance, can counterbalance the rich, comforting flavors of the casserole. If you're looking for something more substantial, consider serving roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots – their natural sweetness brought out by roasting pairs beautifully with the savory casserole. Steamed green beans are also great as a side!
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed (for this recipe, I used cooked chicken thighs, but you can also use chicken breast or meat from a roast chicken if you like)
- 3 tbsps butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 ⅓ cups carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cups potatoes, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 sprigs or more fresh thyme
- 3 tbsps all purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (half and half works too!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can of Pillsbury biscuits (sometimes I use 2 cans, it just depends on how many you'd like on top!)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grab your trusty frying pan and melt the butter on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they're soft and fragrant.
- Now it's time for the rest of the veggies! Add the celery, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and frozen peas. Toss in the fresh thyme and stir everything around until the veggies soften, which should take about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the veggies, stirring well to combine and to make sure the flour is dissolved. Cook for about 2 minutes to cook off that raw flour taste.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mix to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the heavy cream.Stir in the cooked chicken and let everything simmer for another 10 – 15 minutes on low heat.
- Keep an eye on your filling – you want it thick and hearty, but not dry!
- Season your filling with salt and pepper to taste.
- Now, grab a 9″x13″ baking dish and pour in your filling.
- Open up your can of Pillsbury biscuits and arrange them on top of the filling. Don't worry if they touch – they'll bake up beautifully!
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30-40
- Category: Main
- Method: Stove Top/Oven
- Cuisine: Comfort Food