Chicken pot pie is the epitome of comfort food, a warm and satisfying dish perfect for chilly evenings. But let's face it, making a traditional crust from scratch can be time-consuming. That's where Pillsbury crescent rolls come in – a clever shortcut that delivers flaky, buttery goodness without the fuss. This recipe elevates the classic chicken pot pie, offering a delicious and surprisingly easy-to-make meal.
What Makes This Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about maximizing flavor and texture. We'll focus on creating a rich and savory chicken filling, ensuring the crescent roll topping is perfectly golden brown, and offering some helpful tips and variations to make it your own. We'll explore different vegetables, spice blends, and even ways to make it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
What are the Ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie with Crescent Rolls?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredient list is short, but the flavor is anything but. You'll need:
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here, saving you valuable prep time. However, you can easily use leftover cooked chicken or even cook your own chicken breasts.
- Vegetables: Classic choices include carrots, peas, celery, and potatoes. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or green beans, depending on your preference.
- Creamy Sauce: A rich and creamy sauce is essential for binding the filling and adding flavor. This is typically made with a roux (butter and flour) and chicken broth, seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, and black pepper, will enhance the flavor of the chicken and vegetables.
- Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: The star of the show! One can of refrigerated crescent rolls provides a quick and easy, yet incredibly delicious, topping.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie with Crescent Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare the Filling: Start by sautéing your chosen vegetables until tender-crisp. Add the cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and seasonings, stirring to combine. Ensure the filling is well-seasoned and flavorful.
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Assemble the Pie: Pour the chicken filling into an oven-safe dish (a 9x13 inch baking dish works well).
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Prepare the Crescent Roll Topping: Unroll the Pillsbury crescent rolls. You can either separate them and arrange them over the filling, creating a rustic, slightly overlapping topping or press them together to form a single large sheet before placing it over the filling.
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Bake: Bake according to the instructions on the crescent roll can, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Can I Make This Chicken Pot Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken pot pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What are Some Variations of This Recipe?
- Spicy Chicken Pot Pie: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie: Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) over the filling before adding the crescent rolls for extra cheesy goodness.
- Vegetable Chicken Pot Pie: Load up on the veggies! This is a great way to add extra nutrients and flavor.
Is this Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Healthy?
While this recipe uses crescent rolls, which are not the healthiest option, you can easily make it healthier by using whole wheat crescent rolls (if available), loading up on vegetables, and using lean chicken breast. You can also reduce the amount of butter in the creamy sauce.
Can I Freeze this Chicken Pot Pie?
Yes, you can freeze this chicken pot pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
This easy chicken pot pie recipe with Pillsbury crescent rolls is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The convenience of the crescent roll topping makes it a simple yet impressive meal that everyone will love. So go ahead, give it a try and experience the comfort and satisfaction of a homemade chicken pot pie without the hassle!
