Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

The Skillet Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals shared around the dinner table. A creamy filling packed with tender chicken and vegetables is topped with a golden, flaky pastry or biscuit crust—baked to bubbly perfection in one pan for minimal mess and maximum flavor.

This dish is as cozy as it is versatile. You can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience or customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or in your fridge. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for the perfect Sunday night meal, this skillet pot pie delivers warmth, flavor, and that unbeatable homemade touch every time.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)

• 1 sheet puff pastry or 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough

• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

6. Add salt, pepper, chicken, peas, and thyme. Stir until everything is well combined. Remove from heat.

7. If using puff pastry, roll it out and place over the skillet. Cut slits to vent and brush with the beaten egg. If using biscuit dough, arrange biscuits evenly over the top.

8. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and cooked through.

9. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

What Makes Skillet Chicken Pot Pie a Timeless Classic

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie is more than just a hearty comfort food—it’s a nostalgic, soul-satisfying dish with deep culinary roots. Whether it’s served on a chilly evening, at a family gathering, or as part of a cozy weeknight dinner, it always delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Made with tender chunks of chicken, seasonal vegetables, and a luscious, savory sauce, all enveloped in a golden, flaky crust, this dish combines old-fashioned charm with modern convenience.

Unlike traditional pot pies that are baked in a ceramic dish or pie plate, the skillet version simplifies the process by using a single pan, often cast iron, that transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven. This not only makes cleanup easier but also enhances the dish’s rustic presentation and flavor development.

A Brief History of the Pot Pie

Pot pies date back to ancient Roman times, where savory meat pies were often made for feasts and royal banquets. These pies typically had thick crusts designed more for preserving the filling than for eating. Over time, as culinary techniques evolved, so did the crust—transforming into the tender, flaky pastry we enjoy today.

In America, chicken pot pie has long been a staple of home-cooked meals, especially throughout the South and Midwest. Its popularity surged in the 1950s with the rise of frozen food, making it an accessible, go-to dinner option for busy households. While frozen versions are still common, nothing compares to the homemade skillet version with its fresh ingredients, rich filling, and golden, buttery topping.

Why Use a Skillet?

Using a skillet, especially a well-seasoned cast iron one, brings several advantages. First, it allows for even heat distribution, ensuring the filling cooks uniformly and the crust crisps beautifully. Secondly, the ability to go from stovetop to oven makes it ideal for sautéing your aromatics and building your sauce all in one vessel, reducing dishes and enhancing flavor through caramelization and fond development.

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie also embraces the rustic elegance of modern farmhouse cooking—a style that prioritizes both flavor and presentation. The skillet adds a touch of visual drama when served tableside and helps retain heat, keeping the dish warm long after it’s out of the oven.

Customizing the Filling to Your Taste

One of the joys of Chicken Pot Pie is its flexibility. While the classic recipe uses a combination of onion, carrots, celery, peas, and shredded chicken in a creamy sauce, the filling can easily be adapted to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Consider using:

• Leeks or shallots instead of onions for a sweeter, more delicate flavor.

• Mushrooms for added umami and a more earthy profile.

• Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Sweet corn or green beans for a summery twist.

• Fresh herbs like tarragon, thyme, or rosemary for aromatic complexity.

You can even give it a global spin—add a dash of curry powder for an Indian flair, or a bit of white wine and Dijon mustard for a French-inspired variation.

Biscuit vs. Puff Pastry Topping

The topping you choose can drastically change the texture and personality of your pot pie. Puff pastry provides a light, airy, and flaky crust that beautifully puffs and browns in the oven. It’s delicate yet decadent, and its buttery layers are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce beneath.

On the other hand, using biscuit dough creates a heartier, more rustic topping. The biscuits bake directly on top of the filling, becoming golden and crisp on top while absorbing flavorful steam from below. The result is a soft, doughy underside that melts in your mouth—pure comfort food at its best.

Whichever you choose, brushing the top with an egg wash before baking ensures a beautifully golden and glossy finish.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

This dish is rich and satisfying enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some roasted vegetables for balance. A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, makes a perfect pairing, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate between bites.

When serving, use a large spoon to scoop through the crisp crust into the creamy filling. Because it’s served directly from the skillet, the presentation is inviting and family-style—ideal for sharing. And thanks to its hearty nature, leftovers (if any) reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prepping.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Season

While pot pie is often associated with fall or winter comfort food, it’s a year-round winner. In spring, add bright peas and baby carrots. In summer, consider fresh herbs and lighter toppings like phyllo dough. Come fall and winter, the traditional combo of root vegetables and rich sauce shines.

The skillet format also adapts to any season—you can make mini individual skillet pies for a more elevated dinner party, or a large batch in a deep-dish skillet for holidays and potlucks.

Tips for Success

• Don’t rush the roux: The flour and butter base (roux) is key to a smooth, velvety sauce. Let it cook for a minute or two to eliminate the raw flour taste.

• Season in layers: Season your vegetables and chicken as you go for deeper flavor.

• Let it rest: Allow the finished pie to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to help the filling thicken and the crust settle.

• Use cold dough: Whether puff pastry or biscuits, keep your topping chilled until baking for the best texture.

• Choose the right skillet: Cast iron is ideal, but any oven-safe skillet will work.

Nutritional Highlights

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie is indulgent but can be quite balanced when made from scratch. You control the amount of butter, cream, and salt, and you can load it with nutrient-dense vegetables and lean protein. Choosing whole milk over heavy cream, or incorporating low-sodium broth, helps make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.

It’s also easy to make gluten-free by swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend and using gluten-free biscuit dough or puff pastry. For dairy-free versions, substitute plant-based milk and use olive oil instead of butter.

Freezing and Storing

Chicken Pot Pie is ideal for making ahead. You can freeze the unbaked pie directly in the skillet (if freezer-safe) or in a disposable foil pan. When ready to eat, bake from frozen—just add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze the filling separately and add a fresh crust or topping just before baking.

Leftovers should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and consumed within 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the crust crisp.

Conclusion: A Dish That Never Goes Out of Style

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie is more than a meal—it’s a memory maker. The comforting aroma as it bakes, the satisfying crunch of a golden crust, and the rich, creamy filling combine to make every bite a heartwarming experience. It’s flexible, forgiving, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Whether you’re serving a crowd, treating yourself to a cozy dinner, or reviving a beloved family recipe, this dish delivers on every level. And with its one-pan convenience and robust flavor, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen for years to come.

Warm, hearty, and filled with love—Skillet Chicken Pot Pie truly is the definition of comfort food done right.