Description of this recipe
This Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy-to-make dish that brings the classic flavors of chicken pot pie to your table without the fuss. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a creamy, savory sauce, all topped with crispy, golden tater tots. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors together beautifully and creating a rich, satisfying experience with every bite.
Why you will love this recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe. First and foremost, the convenience is unbeatable. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. This makes it an ideal choice for those days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The flavor profile is another major draw. The combination of chicken, mixed vegetables, and cream of chicken soup creates a wonderfully comforting and familiar taste that everyone will enjoy. The addition of garlic, thyme, and pepper elevates the dish, adding layers of complexity and depth.
Furthermore, the use of tater tots as a topping is a stroke of genius. They provide a delightful crispy contrast to the creamy filling, adding texture and a playful twist to the traditional pot pie. Kids and adults alike will appreciate this fun and delicious alternative to a pastry crust.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences by adding different vegetables, changing the seasonings, or using alternative toppings. It’s a customizable meal that can be tailored to your family’s unique tastes.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to eat.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients: In the bottom of your Crock Pot, place the diced chicken pieces. Spread them out evenly to form the base of your pot pie.
Step 3: Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen mixed vegetables on top of the chicken. Distribute them evenly to ensure a balanced mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step 4: Mix the Soup and Broth: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Whisk them together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This mixture will form the creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Ingredients: Pour the soup and broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the Crock Pot. Ensure the ingredients are well-coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Season: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and thyme (if using) over the mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of the pot pie.
Step 7: Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the mixture in a single layer. If necessary, cut the tater tots in half to ensure they fit snugly and cover the entire surface.
Step 8: Melt Butter: Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the tater tots. This will help them crisp up and turn golden brown during cooking.
Step 9: Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your Crock Pot, so check the chicken for tenderness and the tater tots for crispness.
Step 10: Thicken (Optional): If the filling appears too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until smooth and add to the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve: Once the tater tots are golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked through, garnish with chopped parsley (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Flavor: 4.5/5 (Delicious and Comforting)
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5 (Kids Love It)
- Overall: 4.5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a complete meal on its own.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
- Accompany with crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added richness.
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or asparagus for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Remove the skin before cooking for a healthier option.
- To save time, use pre-chopped onions and minced garlic.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, celery, or potatoes to the mix.
- If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream sauce.
- To prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy, place a layer of parchment paper between the tater tots and the filling during the last hour of cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the pot pie for a few minutes after cooking until the tater tots are golden brown.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- To make ahead, assemble the pot pie in the Crock Pot and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Add the tater tots just before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (on high)
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe is a winner for its simplicity, convenience, and deliciousness. It’s a perfect dish for busy individuals and families who crave a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tot topping combine to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily substitute or add different vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Some great options include mushrooms, celery, carrots, green beans, peas, and potatoes. Just make sure to chop any fresh vegetables into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the Crock Pot.
Q2: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can certainly substitute the cream of chicken soup. Cream of mushroom soup is a popular alternative that provides a similar creamy texture and savory flavor. Alternatively, you can make a homemade cream sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux, and then gradually adding milk or chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Q3: How can I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy in the Crock Pot?
A: To prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy, there are a few tricks you can try. First, make sure to add the tater tots as the very last step, just before cooking. This will help them retain their crispness. Another tip is to place a layer of parchment paper between the tater tots and the filling during the last hour of cooking. The parchment paper will absorb excess moisture and help the tater tots stay crispy. Finally, you can broil the pot pie for a few minutes after cooking to crisp up the tater tots even further.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients in the Crock Pot, but don’t add the tater tots yet. Store the assembled pot pie in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to cook, add the tater tots and cook as directed. This is a great way to save time and have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Q5: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: While you can freeze this recipe, keep in mind that the texture of the tater tots may change after freezing and thawing. They might become a bit softer than when freshly cooked. To freeze, allow the pot pie to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the pot pie in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. You may want to add fresh tater tots on top before reheating to restore some of the crispness.
