When it came to comfort food, nothing could beat grandma’s homemade chicken pot pie. With its flaky golden crust, creamy chicken filling, and colorful mix of vegetables, it was more than just dinner — it was a warm, baked hug served fresh from the oven.
This article will guide you through how to make a traditional chicken pot pie from scratch — hearty, homemade, and bursting with flavor, just like grandma’s.
Why This Chicken Pot Pie Is a True Classic
- Golden, flaky top crust that seals in all the goodness
- Creamy, savory filling made with real ingredients
- Tender chunks of chicken and vegetables in every bite
- Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or meal prep
- Brings back warm memories of grandma’s kitchen
Ingredients for Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie
This recipe fills one 9-inch deep pie dish (or a medium casserole).
For the Crust (Top Only or Double if Desired):
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–5 tablespoons ice water
Or use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry for a shortcut.
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2–3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust (If Making from Scratch)
Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 6–8 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook until thickened (5–7 minutes).
Stir in the cooked chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Pie
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Pour the filling into a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish.
Roll out your pie dough to fit over the top. Lay it gently over the filling and trim any excess. Crimp the edges and cut small slits to vent.
Brush with beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust.
4. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving — this allows the filling to set.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables
- Pair with a glass of iced tea or lemonade
- Enjoy as is — it’s a complete meal on its own
Tips for the Best Chicken Pot Pie
- Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time
- Add extra herbs like rosemary or parsley for flavor
- Let the filling cool slightly before topping with crust — prevents soggy dough
- Don’t skip the egg wash — it gives that classic golden look
- For extra comfort, add a splash of cream to the filling
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead:
- Prep filling and crust separately up to 1 day ahead
- Assemble and bake when ready to serve
- Or assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours
Store:
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
Reheat:
- Bake at 175°C (350°F) until hot and bubbly
- Microwave individual portions if needed, but crust may lose some crispness
Freeze:
- Freeze whole assembled, unbaked pot pie. Wrap tightly.
- Bake from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for 45–55 minutes
Final Thoughts: Dinner, the Way Grandma Did It
Grandma’s chicken pot pie was more than a meal — it was a reminder of everything good: cozy evenings, full plates, and second helpings shared around the table. From the rich, creamy filling to the golden crust, every forkful was filled with love and tradition.
Now it’s your turn to bring that magic into your own kitchen with this timeless, delicious recipe.