Frozen chicken pies are a convenient and delicious meal option that many people rely on for quick weeknight dinners or easy entertaining. But nailing the cooking time can be tricky. Undercook them and you’ll end up with a mushy, unappetizing center. Cook them too long and you’ll have a dried out, overbaked crust. Follow this complete guide to learn exactly how long frozen chicken pies take to cook to tender, golden brown perfection.
Understanding Frozen Chicken Pie Basics
Before diving into specifics on cook times, let’s review some key facts about frozen chicken pies that impact the cooking process:
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Types of crust: Most frozen chicken pies have either a flaky pastry crust or a biscuit-style crust. Pastry crusts tend to cook faster.
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Size matters: Individual pies cook faster than large family-size pies. A good general rule is that larger pies need more time.
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No thawing required Frozen pies can go straight into the oven without thawing first.
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Cooking from frozen Cooking the pies without thawing helps maintain the texture of the crust
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Follow package instructions: Cooking time can vary between brands, so check the package.
Recommended Time and Temperature Guidelines
While the package instructions provide a starting point, some general guidelines apply for most frozen chicken pot pies:
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Oven temperature: Bake at 375°F to 395°F. Higher heat helps the bottom crust brown.
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Total cook time: Most pies take 45 to 75 minutes to fully cook.
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Larger pies: Family-size or jumbo pies may need up to 90 minutes.
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Convection cooking: Reduce time by 25°F if using convection function.
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High altitude: Increase time by 5 to 15 minutes if cooking at over 3000 feet elevation.
Checking Doneness
Visually inspecting your pie provides some doneness clues, but the best way to ensure it’s fully cooked is by taking the internal temperature.
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The filling should reach 165°F as measured in the center.
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The crust will be evenly golden brown when done.
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An instant-read thermometer avoids cutting in too soon.
If undercooked, return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until 165°F is reached.
Handy Tips for Pie Perfection
Follow these handy tips and tricks to take your frozen chicken pies from freezer to platter perfection:
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Place pies on a baking sheet for crispier bottom crust.
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Tent with foil if crust browns too quickly.
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Brush crust with egg wash for glossy sheen and enhanced browning.
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Add veggies like peas and carrots to boost filling.
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Let pie rest 5 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
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Freeze extras after cooking and cooling. Reheat later in oven.
Common Baking Pitfalls to Avoid
With frozen chicken pie baking, mistakes happen. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
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Undercooking: Leads to raw, unsafe chicken. Always check temperature.
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Overcooking: Can dry out the filling and make the crust tough.
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Soggy bottom crust: Ensure oven is preheated and use a baking sheet.
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Bubbling over: Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
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Uneven cooking: Rotate pie halfway through baking for even browning.
Storing and Reheating Cooked Pies
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Let pies cool completely before refrigerating in airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze extras for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
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Reheat individual slices in microwave until warmed through.
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For whole pies, reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Are Frozen Chicken Pies Healthy?
Frozen chicken pies can be high in sodium, fat, and preservatives. Opt for lower sodium brands when possible. Stick to single-serving sizes to control portions. Enjoy as an occasional treat, not an everyday meal.
Mastering the Frozen Chicken Pie
Cooking the perfect frozen chicken pie is easier than you think. Follow recipe guidelines for baking time and temperature, and use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness. Avoid common pitfalls like undercooking or burning the crust. With the handy tips provided above, you’ll be a frozen chicken pie pro in no time.
Can I cook a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the pot pie for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to check periodically to ensure the crust doesnt overcook.
A. Baking Straight from Frozen
One of the easiest ways to cook a frozen pot pie is directly from the freezer. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place the pot pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. This also helps distribute heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked meal.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes. The exact cooking time for a frozen chicken pot pie may vary depending on the size and brand, but aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Cover the crust edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning. This step is key to avoid a soggy crust while maintaining a tender and flavorful filling.
For a quicker option, consider using an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the frozen pot pie in the air fryer basket. Cooking a frozen chicken pot pie in the air fryer takes around 25-30 minutes, depending on the model of your air fryer.
- Check the crust periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
While you can cook the pot pie directly from frozen, thawing it in the refrigerator in advance can reduce the baking time slightly:
- A thawed chicken pot pie may take only 30-40 minutes to bake in the oven.
- This method can also lead to a more evenly cooked filling and a perfectly crispy crust.
- Avoid soggy crusts by ensuring the pot pie is placed in the center of the oven or air fryer. This positioning allows for even heat distribution.
- Brush the top crust with egg wash before baking for an added layer of flavor and a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Add extra frozen vegetables or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the filling for a customized meal. This is a great way to elevate your store-bought frozen pot pie.
Whether you’re enjoying a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a hearty one-dish meal, the right preparation will make all the difference.
Frozen Pot Pie In Air Fryer
FAQ
How long do you cook a frozen chicken pie?
How long does it take to cook a frozen chicken pot pie? The recommended time to cook a frozen chicken pot pie in the oven is 45-60 minutes at 400°F.Jan 27, 2025
How long do frozen pies take to bake?
- Preheat oven to 400º Fahrenheit.
- Put frozen pie in oven & bake for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 350º F and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until golden brown.
- For pre-baked pie, follow the above instructions but reduce final baking time by approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
How long do chicken pies take to cook?
Cut a couple of air holes with a knife to allow the steam to escape. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 25-35 minutes. The top should be nicely browned and the filling piping hot.
Are frozen chicken pies pre-cooked?
A: All ingredients in the pie are pre-cooked – the crust isn’t. Some, you can cook in the microwave or oven (it’ll show on the package), others can be cooked in the oven only. I prefer the oven baked. Also, these are quite large – plenty for a meal – all you might want to add, if you’re a big eater, is a salad.