Chicken Pot Pie
CHICKEN POT PIE is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Karissa Stevens on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 57 min | Total: 1 hr 27 min
Cost: $23.17 total, $5.79 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup Carrot (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup Celery (diced)
- 1/2 cup Onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup Frozen Peas (no need to thaw)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded, skin removed)
- 4 Puff Pastry Cups (store‑bought, 4‑inch diameter)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the carrot, celery, and onion into uniform 1/4‑inch pieces; measure out frozen peas.
Time: PT10M
Heat Fat
Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter to the skillet over medium heat; melt butter without letting it brown.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Make the Roux
Sprinkle 2 tbsp all‑purpose flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and lightly golden.
Time: PT2M
Add Stock and Cream
Gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken stock followed by 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to keep it smooth.
Time: PT5M
Season the Sauce
Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Time: PT1M
Add Chicken and Simmer
Fold in 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken. Reduce heat to low and let the filling simmer for 20‑25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Time: PT25M
Preheat Oven
While the filling simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Fill Puff Pastry Cups
Place the puff pastry cups on a baking sheet. Spoon the hot filling into each cup, filling them about three‑quarters full.
Time: PT5M
Bake Pot Pies
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let the pot pies rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs (in puff pastry)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, ghee
- Instead of Carrot: parsnip, sweet potato (smaller dice)
- Instead of Celery: fennel stalk, green bell pepper
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek (white part)
- Instead of Frozen Peas: fresh peas, corn kernels
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: whole‑wheat flour, gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Chicken Stock: vegetable stock, water + bouillon cube
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, whole milk + butter
- Instead of Fresh Dill: dried dill (1 tsp), tarragon
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Rotisserie Chicken: cooked chicken breast, canned chicken
- Instead of Puff Pastry Cups: mini pie crusts, phyllo cups
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Saute Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make the roux by cooking flour with butter and oil before adding liquid.
- Simmer the filling on low heat until it thickens to a gravy consistency.
- Do not overfill the puff pastry cups to prevent spillage.
- Bake until the pastry is golden and fully puffed.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh dill for a bright, herbaceous flavor; dried dill can be used but reduce to 1 tsp.
- Shred rotisserie chicken with two forks for a tender texture that mixes well with the sauce.
- If you like a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream at the end of simmering.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too thin.
Simmer longer on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reduces and thickens to a gravy consistency.
Puff pastry cups become soggy.
Do not overfill; bake at a high temperature (400°F) and consider pre‑baking the cups for 5 minutes before adding filling.
Filling sticks to the pan.
Make sure the butter and oil coat the pan evenly and stir constantly when adding flour and liquid.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10‑12 minutes.
Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap each cup tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently before filling the pastry cups.
- Puff pastry cups can be baked empty for 5‑7 minutes first to ensure they stay crisp when filled later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken pot pie in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken pot pie has long been a staple of American home cooking, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, where it evolved from British meat pies. It became popular during the Great Depression as a way to stretch leftovers into a hearty, warming dish.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken pot pie in the United States?
In the South, cooks often add corn and use a flaky biscuit topping, while in the Pacific Northwest, fresh herbs like dill and sage are common. Some Midwestern versions incorporate dumpling biscuits on top instead of pastry.
How is chicken pot pie traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot from the oven, often with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Leftovers are reheated for lunch the next day, making it a versatile family meal.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken pot pie traditionally associated with in American culture?
Chicken pot pie is a go‑to comfort dish for chilly evenings, family gatherings, and holiday leftovers, especially after Thanksgiving when leftover turkey can be swapped for chicken.
How does chicken pot pie fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort food ethos: simple, hearty, and adaptable. The creamy filling and buttery crust provide warmth and nostalgia, similar to macaroni‑and‑cheese or meatloaf.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chicken pot pie versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include chicken, carrots, peas, onions, celery, butter, flour, chicken stock, and a flaky pastry crust. Acceptable substitutes are rotisserie chicken for fresh, frozen peas for fresh, and store‑bought puff pastry cups instead of homemade pastry.
What other American dishes pair well with chicken pot pie?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple apple crisp dessert complement the richness of chicken pot pie nicely.
What makes this chicken pot pie recipe special or unique in American cuisine?
This version uses individual puff pastry cups, which give each serving a perfectly crisp, buttery shell and make portion control effortless—ideal for modern, busy households.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken pot pie in puff pastry cups?
Common errors include undercooking the roux, which leaves a raw flour taste; overfilling the pastry cups, causing spillage; and baking at too low a temperature, which results in soggy pastry.
Why does this chicken pot pie recipe use a roux with flour and butter instead of cornstarch as a thickener?
A roux creates a richer, silkier sauce and adds a buttery flavor that cornstarch cannot provide. It also helps the filling stay stable during the longer bake.
Can I make this chicken pot pie ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Fill the pastry cups just before baking, or bake the empty cups first and add the reheated filling later.
What does the YouTube channel Karissa Stevens specialize in?
Karissa Stevens focuses on approachable, family‑friendly comfort food recipes with a modern twist, often featuring quick shortcuts and seasonal ingredients for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Karissa Stevens' approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Karissa Stevens emphasizes minimal prep and the use of store‑bought shortcuts—like puff pastry cups—while still delivering classic flavors, whereas many channels prioritize from‑scratch techniques that can be time‑intensive.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
