The Ultimate Guide: How to Eat Chicken Pot Pie Like a Pro

Ever stared at a steaming chicken pot pie and wondered if you’re eating it all wrong? Trust me, I’ve been there. For years, I thought I was a pot pie expert until I discovered some game-changing techniques that completely transformed my pot pie experience.

Whether you’re a frozen pot pie devotee or someone who makes them from scratch, this guide will help you elevate your chicken pot pie eating game to new heights. And yes, I’m about to tell you why you might want to flip that pie upside down (seriously, it’s revolutionary).

The Basics: What Makes a Great Chicken Pot Pie Experience

Before diving into techniques, let’s appreciate what we’re working with A classic chicken pot pie features

• Flaky, buttery crust (top and sometimes bottom)
• Creamy, savory filling with chicken
• Vegetables like carrots, peas, and celery
• Rich gravy that binds everything together

The perfect bite combines all these elements in harmony – the crunch of the crust with the creamy filling, Getting that ideal ratio in every bite is where the art comes in,

The Traditional Approach

If you’re a pot pie purist, here’s the standard way to enjoy your chicken pot pie

1. Let it cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes) after removing from the oven
2. Use a fork to break through the top crust
3. Scoop a portion of filling along with some crust
4. Enjoy each bite with both elements

This method works well for homemade pies served in a ceramic dish. However, for those personal-sized frozen pot pies, there’s a better way.

The Game-Changing Flip Technique

Here’s where things get interesting. According to culinary experts, flipping your pot pie upside down might be the best way to eat it, especially those frozen circular ones.

Why Flip Your Pot Pie?

There are two major problems with traditional pot pie eating:

1. Uneven crust-to-filling ratio: When eating from the aluminum shell, you end up scooping rather than slicing, creating inconsistent bites.

2. Textural imbalance: Sometimes you get bites that are too wet (all filling) or too dry (all crust).

The Flip Method Step-by-Step:

1. Cook your pot pie according to package instructions
2. Let it cool slightly so it holds its shape
3. Place a plate over the top of the pie
4. Carefully flip the pie onto the plate
5. Remove the aluminum shell
6. Now the bottom crust becomes the top in a flan-like shape
7. Cut through it with the side of your fork like a slice of cake

This genius hack ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of filling to crust. The pie becomes much easier to slice properly, and you’ll get that ideal texture in each mouthful.

Temperature Management: The Overlooked Factor

Let’s talk about something that’s burned many enthusiastic pot pie eaters (literally). Temperature management is crucial for proper pot pie enjoyment.

The Waiting Game

I know it’s tempting to dig in immediately, but patience pays off:

• Wait 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven
• This allows the filling to set slightly
• Reduces the risk of burning your mouth
• Helps the pie maintain its structure when cut

Pro tip: Use this waiting time to prepare a complementary side dish or beverage!

Eating Tools: Fork vs. Spoon Debate

Should you use a fork, spoon, or both? It depends on your pie:

• Fork: Best for flipped pies or those with a sturdy crust
• Spoon: Ideal for soupier pot pies with less structural integrity
• Fork and spoon combo: The power move for maximum versatility

I personally prefer the fork method for flipped pies and the spoon for traditional eating – the best of both worlds!

Enhancing Your Pot Pie Experience with Perfect Pairings

A chicken pot pie can be a meal on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides elevates the experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Light & Refreshing Sides

These cut through the richness of the pot pie:

• Crudité platter with crisp raw veggies and yogurt dip
• Green salad with citrus vinaigrette
• Unsweetened iced tea for a refreshing beverage

Complementary Veggies

Add more nutrients without overwhelming the star of the show:

• Roasted broccoli topped with Parmesan
• Glazed carrots and parsnips
• Corn on the cob (simple but effective!)
• Asparagus with lemon and pepper

Heartier Options

For bigger appetites:

• Mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet contrast
• German potato salad with its tangy vinegar dressing
• Brussels sprouts and bacon for a salty, smoky addition

The Regional Variations: How Pot Pie Eating Differs

Depending on where you are, pot pie traditions vary:

Southern Style

In the South, chicken pot pie is often served with:

• Cranberry sauce
• Applesauce
• Additional biscuits on the side

Northeastern Approach

In the Northeast, you might find:

• A more minimalist approach
• Focus on the pie itself
• Simple salad on the side

Frozen vs. Homemade: Adjusting Your Technique

Your eating approach should adapt based on whether you’re enjoying a frozen or homemade pot pie:

Frozen Pot Pies

• Perfect for the flip technique
• Usually come in aluminum containers
• Benefit from being removed from the container
• Often have a more uniform crust

Homemade Pot Pies

• May have a bottom crust that’s less firm
• Typically served in a ceramic dish
• Usually eaten directly from the baking dish
• May have a more rustic, less uniform appearance

Common Pot Pie Eating Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there! Here are some pot pie pitfalls to sidestep:

1. Eating it too hot – Patience prevents burned mouths!
2. Leaving it in the aluminum container – Transfer to a proper plate
3. Focusing only on the filling – The crust deserves love too
4. Not cutting proper portions – This leads to filling spillage

For The Truly Adventurous: Creative Pot Pie Hacks

If you’re feeling experimental, try these unconventional approaches:

The Pot Pie Sandwich

1. Cook and cool your pot pie
2. Remove and set aside the top crust intact
3. Scoop the filling onto a piece of bread
4. Place the crust on top
5. Add another piece of bread

Sounds weird? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely!

The Pot Pie Bowl

1. Remove the entire top crust in one piece
2. Set it aside
3. Eat the filling with a spoon
4. Break pieces of crust and dip them in the filling like chips

Final Thoughts: There’s No Wrong Way (But Some Ways Are Better)

While I’ve shared lots of techniques, the truth is that the “best” way to eat chicken pot pie is however you enjoy it most. That said, I highly recommend giving the flip method a try – it might just change your pot pie game forever.

The next time you’re face-to-face with a chicken pot pie, remember that a small adjustment in your approach can make a big difference in your enjoyment. Whether you’re a flipper, a traditionalist, or somewhere in between, the perfect bite awaits.

So go ahead – grab that pot pie, give it a flip, and discover your own perfect pot pie experience. Your taste buds will thank you!

What’s your favorite way to eat chicken pot pie? Do you have any unique techniques? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

A classic chicken pie pairs well with a variety of side dishes, offering a range of flavors and textures. Popular choices include crisp salads (like Caesar salad or arugula salad), green beans almondine, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.