Homemade Chicken Pot Pie: A Comfort Food Classic Done Right

Watch to learn how to make a homemade chicken pot pie from start to finish.

There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade chicken pot pie fresh out of the oven. The golden, flaky crust. The creamy, savory filling. The familiar aroma that fills your kitchen and instantly makes a house feel like home. In the United States, chicken pot pie isn’t just a meal—it’s a tradition rooted in family dinners, Sunday suppers, and cozy nights in.

In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know to make the best homemade chicken pot pie, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering that perfectly crisp crust. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals ahead of time, this classic comfort food never goes out of style.

Why Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Is Worth It

Slicing into a golden, flaky homemade chicken pot pie, revealing its savory filling beneath.

While store-bought pot pies may offer convenience, they rarely deliver the flavor and texture of a truly homemade dish. When you prepare a homemade chicken pot pie, you control the ingredients, seasoning, and richness of the filling. Fresh vegetables, real chicken, and a creamy gravy made from scratch elevate this dish into something special.

Homemade chicken pot pie is also incredibly versatile. You can use leftover chicken, adjust the vegetables to what you have on hand, or tailor the seasoning to your family’s taste. That flexibility is one of the reasons this dish remains a staple in American kitchens.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

A great chicken pot pie doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just the right ones:

• Chicken: Cooked chicken breast or thighs work well. Many home cooks use rotisserie chicken for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

• Vegetables: Traditional vegetables include carrots, peas, celery, and onions. Fresh or frozen both work.

• Creamy Gravy: Milk, cream, or chicken stock thickened with cornstarch creates a smooth, rich sauce.

• Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery crust is essential. Homemade crust delivers the best texture, but a high-quality store-bought crust is a reliable option.

Using simple, familiar ingredients keeps this recipe approachable while still delivering that classic comfort food experience.

How to Make a Homemade Pot Pie Crust in a Food Processor

Preparing the homemade pie crust for a delicious chicken pot pie, using a rolling pin to achieve the perfect thickness.

Making your own pie crust may sound intimidating, but a food processor makes it quick and nearly foolproof. This buttery, flaky crust is the perfect foundation for a homemade chicken pot pie.

You’ll need: 

1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter

2 eggs

1 tbsp (15ml) water

Start by adding the flour and salt to the bowl of a food processor and pulsing a few times to combine. Cut cold butter into small cubes and add it to the processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with small pea-sized pieces of butter still visible—this is key for a flaky crust.

Next, add the egg and pulse briefly to incorporate. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in cold water just until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, gently form it into a disk, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling. Chilling the dough helps relax the gluten and keeps the butter cold, resulting in a tender, flaky crust.

How to make a Homemade gravy for Chicken Pot Pie

A hearty skillet of homemade gravy brimming with vegetables and chicken for a delicious chicken pot pie.

Homemade Gravy Ingredients

3 cups (750ml) water

1-2 lbs. (500g-1k) chicken

2 tsp chicken bullion

1 cup (250ml) heavy cream

3 tbsp (23g) cornstarch

2 tbsp (30ml) water

1 cup (100g) frozen Italian green beans

10oz (283g) frozen mixed vegetables

Dash of celery salt

Dash of poultry seasoning

1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley chopped

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Cook the Chicken:

   Begin by cooking your chicken until it is fully done and tender. You can bake, boil, or pan-sear it depending on your preference. Once cooked, dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

   

   Preparing to poach diced chicken pieces in a pan, with ingredients ready for a flavorful dish.

2. Make the Gravy:

   In a large skillet, add milk, cream, or chicken stock and heat over medium heat. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the skillet, stirring continuously as the liquid thickens. Once the gravy reaches a creamy consistency, add the cooked chicken and vegetables, mixing well so everything is evenly coated.

   

   Crafting a creamy homemade chicken pot pie gravy by gently adding cream to the simmering mixture.

3. Season:

   Season the filling with salt and pepper, then add herbs such as thyme or parsley for classic chicken pot pie flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to ensure a rich, savory filling.

   

   Seasoning the homemade gravy for a flavorful chicken pot pie.

4. Assemble the Pie:

   Roll out the chilled crust and line a pie dish. Pour in the chicken and gravy mixture, then place the top crust over the filling. Seal the edges and cut small vents in the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

   

   Creating steam vents in the crust of a homemade chicken pot pie before baking.

5. Bake to Perfection:

   Bake the pie in a preheated oven (375° For 190°C) until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to rest briefly before serving so the filling can set.

   

   Golden and delicious homemade chicken pot pie fresh from the oven, with a perfect flaky crust and a hearty filling.

Tips for a Flaky, Golden Crust

A flaky crust is one of the highlights of any great chicken pot pie. Keep your ingredients cold, avoid overworking the dough, and always vent the top crust. Brushing the crust with an egg wash before baking adds a beautiful golden color and light shine.

If you’re short on time, a quality store-bought crust is still a great option and widely used in American kitchens.

Applying a golden egg wash to the crust of a homemade chicken pot pie, preparing it for a deliciously crispy finish.

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Comfort Food

One of the biggest advantages of homemade chicken pot pie is how well it fits into busy schedules. You can prepare the filling ahead of time, refrigerate it, or assemble the entire pie and freeze it unbaked. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, family dinners, or gifting a comforting homemade meal.

Why Chicken Pot Pie Remains an American Favorite

A delicious homemade chicken pot pie served on a white plate, featuring a golden, flaky crust and a creamy filling with chunks of chicken and mixed vegetables.

Chicken pot pie has stood the test of time because it delivers warmth, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite. A homemade chicken pot pie brings people together around the table and turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

If you’re looking for a reliable, satisfying recipe that never goes out of style, this classic comfort food deserves a permanent place in your kitchen.