How TO Make Chicken Pot Pie Step BY Step // Fill Your Freezer Challenge / Batch Cooking From Scratch
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN POT PIE STEP BY STEP // FILL YOUR FREEZER CHALLENGE / BATCH COOKING FROM SCRATCH is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Contemporary Mama on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 1 hr 43 min | Total: 2 hrs 48 min
Cost: $18.26 total, $4.57 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (boiled until cooked through, then diced)
- 2 pieces Bay Leaf (added to boiling water for flavor)
- 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning (added to boiling water)
- 0.5 lb Mushrooms (mix of baby bella and white mushrooms, sliced)
- 3 medium Carrots (peeled and diced small)
- 2 small Red‑Skin Potatoes (skin left on, diced small)
- 3 stalks Celery Stalks (halved lengthwise then diced fine)
- 2 large Onion (peeled and diced)
- 3 pieces Garlic Clove (minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for coating pot)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted, then foamy)
- 3 tbsp All‑Purpose Flour (sprinkled to thicken, cooked 1 min)
- 0.5 cup White Wine (reduced by half)
- 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 0.33 cup Heavy Cream (adds richness)
- 0.33 cup White Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Frozen Peas (added at end)
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard (adds depth, not strong mustard flavor)
- 1 large Egg (beaten with splash of water for egg wash)
- 1 tube (8 rolls) Crescent Roll Dough (rolled out and sealed as crust)
- to taste Salt (seasoning)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Boil Chicken
Place chicken breasts in a pot of cold water, add bay leaves and poultry seasoning, bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes until fully cooked. Remove, let cool, then dice into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 100°C
Prep Vegetables
While the chicken cooks, slice ½ lb mushrooms, peel and dice 3 carrots, dice 2 red‑skin potatoes (skin on), slice and dice 3 celery stalks, dice 2 large onions, mince 3 garlic cloves, and chop 2 tbsp fresh thyme.
Time: PT30M
Sauté Mushrooms
Heat a large pot, coat with 1 tbsp olive oil, add 3 tbsp butter and melt until foamy. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 7–8 minutes until browned.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium heat
Cook Vegetables
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, garlic, and thyme to the pot. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium heat
Season
Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go.
Time: PT1M
Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle 3 tbsp all‑purpose flour over the vegetables, stir to coat, and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Wine and Reduce
Pour in ½ cup white wine, stir, and let it reduce by half (about 5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Stock and Simmer
Stir in 1 cup chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish Filling
Stir in ⅓ cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup shredded white cheddar, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and the diced chicken. Heat through for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low heat
Cool Filling
Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature (about 5 minutes) before assembling the pies.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Crust
Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough, gently press the seams together, and roll out into a sheet large enough to cover the baking dish. Trim excess and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Assemble Pies
Divide the cooled filling among four disposable aluminum trays, then place the rolled‑out dough on top, sealing the edges. Brush the crust with beaten egg mixed with a splash of water.
Time: PT10M
Bake
Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. If the crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool and Freeze
Allow the pies to cool completely, then label and place them in the freezer. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 30‑35 minutes or until heated through.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Can be made gluten‑free with alternative crust
Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: rotisserie chicken, turkey breast
- Instead of Mushrooms: cremini mushrooms
- Instead of Red‑Skin Potatoes: russet potatoes, yukon gold potatoes
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of White Wine: chicken broth
- Instead of Chicken Stock: vegetable stock
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half
- Instead of White Cheddar Cheese: mozzarella, sharp cheddar
- Instead of Frozen Peas: fresh peas
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: whole grain mustard
- Instead of Egg: milk wash
- Instead of Crescent Roll Dough: store‑bought pie dough, flaky pastry dough
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish (disposable aluminum tray)
- Pastry Brush
- Oven
- Rolling Pin
- Timer
- Colander (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling the chicken until fully cooked but still moist
- Reducing the white wine to concentrate flavor
- Ensuring the flour is cooked before adding liquid to avoid a raw flour taste
- Sealing the crescent roll crust properly to prevent leaks
- Baking until the crust is golden without over‑browning
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of baby bella and white mushrooms for depth of flavor.
- Leaving the skins on red‑skin potatoes saves time and adds extra nutrients.
- A quick splash of Dijon mustard brightens the savory filling without making it taste mustardy.
Troubleshooting
Crust is soggy after baking
Ensure the filling is not too liquid; let it simmer longer to thicken, and bake the crust uncovered for the full time.
Filling is too thick or clumpy
Add a splash more chicken stock or cream while stirring to reach a smooth consistency.
Mushrooms release too much water
Sauté mushrooms until most moisture evaporates before adding other vegetables.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate or freeze promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the pies and freeze uncooked; bake directly from frozen when needed.
- The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated.
- If using store‑bought pie dough, keep it chilled until ready to roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken pot pie in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken pot pie is a classic American comfort dish that evolved from British meat pies, becoming a staple in home kitchens during the 20th century as a hearty, one‑dish meal for families. It embodies the tradition of using leftover chicken and vegetables in a creamy filling, making it a nostalgic, crowd‑pleasing favorite.
What regional variations of chicken pot pie exist within the United States?
In the Midwest, corn and carrots are often added; the South may feature a biscuit topping instead of a crust; New England versions sometimes include a splash of cream and a flaky puff‑pastry crust. Each variation reflects local ingredient availability and culinary traditions.
How is chicken pot pie traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers are reheated for lunch, and the dish is a popular make‑ahead meal stored in the freezer for quick weeknight dinners.
During what occasions is chicken pot pie commonly prepared in American culture?
Chicken pot pie is popular for family gatherings, holiday meals (especially Thanksgiving leftovers), and as a comforting dish during colder months or when caring for someone who needs a warm, easy-to‑eat meal, such as new parents or the ill.
What makes this chicken pot pie recipe special compared to other American pot pies?
This recipe uses a crescent‑roll dough for a buttery, flaky crust and incorporates white wine and Dijon mustard for depth of flavor. The combination of white cheddar and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that sets it apart from more basic versions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this chicken pot pie?
Common errors include overcooking the chicken so it becomes dry, not reducing the wine enough which leaves a harsh flavor, and under‑thickening the sauce which can make the crust soggy. Also, failing to seal the crust properly can cause leaks during baking.
Why does this chicken pot pie recipe use flour to thicken instead of a roux made with equal butter and flour?
The recipe adds flour directly to the sautéed vegetables after the butter has foamed, creating a quick thickener without the extra butter that could make the filling overly rich. This method speeds up the process while still achieving a smooth sauce.
Can I make this chicken pot pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the pies with the crust and uncooked filling, then freeze them in airtight containers for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 30‑35 minutes, or refrigerate for up to three days before reheating.
What does the YouTube channel Contemporary Mama specialize in?
The YouTube channel Contemporary Mama focuses on modern, family‑friendly cooking with an emphasis on freezer‑ready meals, meal‑prep strategies, and comfort food recipes that can be scaled for busy households.
How does the YouTube channel Contemporary Mama's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Contemporary Mama blends classic American comfort dishes with practical freezer‑storage techniques, offering detailed make‑ahead guides and budget‑friendly ingredient swaps, whereas many other channels focus on fresh‑only or gourmet presentations without the freezer‑friendly angle.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








