Quick & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

In the world of comfort food, the chicken pot pie holds a special place in many hearts. However, making a traditional pot pie from scratch can be time-consuming. That’s where this Quick & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole comes in! This recipe brings all the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie but is simplified for those weeknight dinners when time is of the essence.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole combines the creamy, savory flavors of traditional pot pie with the ease of a casserole. It’s perfect for using up leftover chicken and can be thrown together with minimal effort. Plus, the puff pastry topping is a delightful twist that adds a lovely texture to every bite.

This recipe is just perfect for when you want to impress at the dinner table, but with minimal effort. Everyone will L.O.V.E. this dish!

Preparation Time: About 10-15 minutes to mix the filling and assemble the casserole with the puff pastry topping.

Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes in the oven, until the pastry topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Total Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish.

Talk about a comforting weeknight dinner huh…?!

This dish is a standalone star, thanks to its rich, creamy filling and satisfying puff pastry topping. However, if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to add a touch of freshness.

This Quick & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is the comfort food dish you need for those busy nights. It’s satisfying, tasty, and above all, deliciously easy to make. Give this recipe a try, and bring the coziness of homemade chicken pot pie to your table without all the fuss!

Now, if you’re like me and struggle sometimes to decide on which of your favorite meals to make (casserole or pizza) than check out my Chicken Pot Pie Pizza Crust Casserole, it’s just two of your favorites in one.

Remember, the key to a great meal is not just in the ingredients you use, but the love you put into making it.

Happy cooking!

Storage tips

Storing the Quick & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole properly will help maintain its taste and texture if you have leftovers or if you want to make it ahead of time. Here are the best practices for storing this dish:

Cooling Down

• Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the topping soggy.

Refrigerating

• Short-term Storage: Place the cooled casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• To Reheat: Remove the cover and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For individual servings, you can also use a microwave, heating for a couple of minutes until warm.

Freezing

• Freeze Whole or In Portions: For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it either whole or in individual portions.
• Freezing Duration: Properly wrapped, it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat thawed casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until thoroughly warmed, about 20-30 minutes.

Notes for Best Results

• Freezing Pastry: The pastry topping may soften upon thawing and reheating. For best results, you might consider adding fresh puff pastry dough when reheating a frozen casserole to maintain the crispiness of the topping.
• Avoid Sogginess: When reheating, you can cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the pastry dough from getting too brown or crispy if it is already brown enough.

Using these storage tips, you can enjoy your Chicken Pot Pie Casserole at a later date while still preserving its flavor and texture!

Veggie alternatives

If you’re looking to switch up the vegetables in the Quick & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole or simply want to use what you have on hand, there are plenty of alternatives that work well in this type of dish. Here are some great vegetable substitutes that blend nicely with the creamy filling and pastry topping:

1. Broccoli: Small florets can add a nice crunch and a boost of nutrition.
2. Cauliflower: Like broccoli, small florets of cauliflower can be a wonderful addition.
3. Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers of any color will add sweetness and vibrant color.
4. Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms provide a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
5. Spinach: Chopped spinach or other leafy greens like kale can be stirred in for added color and nutrients.
6. Zucchini: Diced or sliced zucchini blends well with the creamy base without overpowering other flavors.
7. Sweet Potatoes: Diced sweet potatoes offer a slight sweetness and lovely color contrast.
8. Asparagus: Chopped asparagus adds a nice texture and a touch of elegance.
9. Leeks: Thinly sliced leeks can be used instead of onions for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
10. Green Peas: If you want to stick to simpler veggies, green peas are a traditional choice that adds a sweet pop of flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these vegetables based on what’s available or what you enjoy. The key is to ensure that they are cut into small enough pieces to cook thoroughly during the baking process. Also, pre-cooking or at least par-cooking denser vegetables like sweet potatoes and cauliflower can help ensure they are tender in the finished casserole.

Servings

For the Quick & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole made in a 9×13 inch baking dish, a standard serving size would be approximately one-eighth to one-sixth of the entire dish. Here’s how you can estimate the serving sizes:

• For 8 servings: Divide the casserole lengthwise into two parts, then crosswise into four parts. Each piece will be a rectangle that measures about 4.5 inches by 3.25 inches.
• For 6 servings: Divide the casserole into two parts lengthwise and three parts crosswise. Each serving will be slightly larger, approximately 4.5 inches by 4.3 inches.

These serving sizes are ample for a meal, especially if the casserole is accompanied by a side salad or another light side dish. Adjust the size based on your needs and the appetites of your guests or family.

These notes and tips will help elevate your Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, making it a requested favorite at your dinner table!

Tools (needed) for this recipe

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• Cast Iron Baker’s Skillet – To perfectly bake your chicken casserole.
• Measuring cups & spoons – To accurately measure your ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl – To easily mix your ingredients.
• Cheese grater – For freshly home grated cheese.
• Oven mitts – For safely removing the skillet out of the oven.
• Cooling rack – For placing your skillet post-bake to preserve your countertop. 

This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and is sure to be a hit with family and friends! Enjoy your meal!

Nutrition

To provide a rough estimate of the nutritional information for the Quick & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, I’ll calculate based on typical ingredients used in the recipe, assuming it serves 6. Here’s a general breakdown per serving:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken: Approximately 230 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 43 grams of protein.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: About 250 calories, 18 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein.
• 1 cup milk: Roughly 100 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 8 grams of protein.
• 1 cup mixed vegetables: About 60 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Approximately 455 calories, 37 grams of fat, and 28 grams of protein.
• 1 package (8 oz) frozen puff pastry dough: About 880 calories, 44 grams of fat, and 16 grams of protein.

Estimated Nutritional Information Per Serving (if the recipe serves 6):

These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, consider using an online nutrition calculator where you can input the exact products you use. This will provide a more accurate profile based on your specific ingredients.