Have you ever had a craving for that warm, flaky, creamy goodness that is KFC’s Chicken Pot Pie but didn’t want to make the trip to the restaurant? Well, I’ve got some amazing news for you! Today, I’m gonna share my favorite copycat recipe that tastes just like the real deal. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you might never go back to the drive-thru again!
As a comfort food enthusiast, I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, and I’m excited to finally share it with all of you. This KFC-style chicken pot pie is perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you need some serious comfort food in your life.
Why You’ll Love This KFC Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Before we dive into the recipe let me tell you why this pot pie is worth making
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have
- Perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken
- Stores well for meal prep
- Tastes incredibly close to the KFC original!
- Makes a complete meal in one dish
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pot Pie Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
- 8 3/4 tablespoons butter (125 grams)
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 1/3 tablespoons water (50 mls)
For the Pot Pie Filling:
- 2 medium sized carrots, chopped into small pieces (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup diced potato
- 3 cans cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 pound cooked chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Equipment:
- Mini pie pans or ramekins
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Medium-sized pots
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Crust
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the crust dough Sift together flour and salt in a large bowl Make a well in the center.
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Add the butter: Place small knobs of butter all around the flour mixture.
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Mix wet ingredients: Pour water and the egg yolk into the well you created.
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Combine everything: Swirl the ingredients together, gradually incorporating the flour. Use a bench scraper or pastry fork to fold in the flour and cut in the butter until a soft dough forms.
Time-Saving Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can use a food processor to combine all the crust ingredients until a soft dough forms. You can also substitute a store-bought refrigerated pie crust!
Making the Filling
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Cook the vegetables: Place chopped carrots and potato cubes in a small pot and cover with water. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender (not mushy).
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Prepare the creamy base: In a medium-sized pot, combine the cans of cream of chicken soup and milk. Heat through, stirring until the mixture is smooth and hot.
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Add remaining ingredients: To the soup mixture, add your cooked chicken, carrots, potatoes, and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Assembling and Baking
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Fill the pie pans: Add about 1 cup of filling to each individual pie plate.
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Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
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Top the pies: Drape the rolled dough over each filled pie plate. Trim excess dough from the edges.
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Create steam vents: Using a knife, gently cut a few slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
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Bake the pies: Place the pot pies on a baking sheet (to catch any overflow) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are turning golden brown.
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Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and let cool for several minutes before serving.
Some Tips for Perfect KFC-Style Chicken Pot Pie
I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
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For the chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or quickly poach some chicken breasts.
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Make ahead option: You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before filling the pie shells.
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Gluten-free adaptation: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
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Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans to the mix!
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Single large pie: Instead of individual pies, you can make one large pie in a 9-inch pie plate. Just increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.
What to Serve with Your Homemade KFC Pot Pie
Want to complete your KFC-style meal at home? Here are some perfect side dishes to serve alongside your pot pie:
- KFC-style buttermilk biscuits
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Coleslaw
- Green beans
- Potato wedges
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! These pot pies store beautifully:
Refrigerator: Allow pies to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap cooled pies tightly and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for 2-3 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but the crust might get a bit soggy.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes the KFC pot pie so special is the perfect balance of a flaky crust with a creamy, hearty filling. The combination of tender chicken, soft vegetables, and rich sauce creates that comforting taste we all crave.
This copycat version captures all those elements while letting you control the ingredients. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust the seasoning to your preference or dietary needs.
My Personal Experience
The first time I made this recipe, my family couldn’t believe it wasn’t from KFC! My husband, who’s a huge fan of the original, actually said he liked my version better (score!). I like to make a big batch on Sunday and we enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
I’ve found that adding just a little more black pepper than the recipe calls for gives it that extra KFC-like kick, but that’s just my personal preference. Feel free to experiment!
FAQs About KFC Chicken Pot Pie
Q: Can I use a pre-made pie crust instead of making my own?
A: Absolutely! A refrigerated pie crust works perfectly if you’re short on time.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Try using low-fat milk, reduced-sodium soup, and adding extra vegetables. You can also use a whole wheat crust.
Q: Can I make this in a large pie dish instead of individual servings?
A: Yes! Just use a 9-inch pie dish and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
A: You can make a quick white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth as a substitute.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
A: Definitely! Corn, green beans, or celery would be delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home. This KFC Chicken Pot Pie copycat recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also fun to make and will definitely impress your family and friends.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving comfort food. It’s become a staple in our house, especially during the colder months, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!
Happy cooking!
Did you enjoy this recipe? Check out my other fast food copycat recipes on the blog, including KFC’s famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw!
KFC’s pot pies are technically made according to tradition
While KFCs Fresh vs. Classic commercial (via YouTube) boasts that “KFCs pot pie is as fresh as it is classic,” footage by one KFC employee suggests otherwise. A since-deleted TikTok video posted by @modaciouss thats now viewable on YouTube shows a batch of the restaurants signature pot pies being made, beginning with a tub of white powder that forms gravy when combined with water. The employee then whisks in a bag of veggies and tops the mixture off with cooked chicken from two separate Ziploc bags. @modaciouss doesnt speak in the video, but one self-identified former manager commenting on a Reddit AMA said, “Pot pies are made with chicken left over after close. The chicken is deboned and shredded by hand. The chicken is separated into bags.”
It might sound less than appealing to use leftover chicken in a freshly baked pot pie, but this method happens to be how traditional pot pie is made. Eater reveals that chicken pot pies have contained leftover meat for centuries. So while KFCs pot pie may not be entirely fresh in the classic sense of the word, the recipe sounds pretty close to authentic.
KFC’s pot pies are made on an as-needed basis
The fact that KFCs pot pies are made with leftover chicken doesnt mean that they sit in the back of the refrigerator for eons until someone decides to order one. Citing prior experience as a KFC manager, Reddit user panetrain said that while the leftover chicken might be shredded, bagged, and stored after closing time, the pot pies themselves are actually prepared “as needed” over the course of the day. So although the KFC employee in the viral TikTok video appears to be preparing quite a few pot pies at once, it might not reflect how freshly baked the pot pies actually are when served to customers.
As panetrain explained, “We take a pie tin, scoop a mix of sauce/vegetables add chicken and put a flat frozen top on it.” This, of course, isnt nearly as fresh as making it at home from scratch, but at least you know the KFC pot pies arent just being reheated after long stints in the freezer. And lets not forget that this is fast food were talking about, so if you want pot pie in the time it takes to wait in line at the drive-thru, this is probably as good as its going to get.