How to Make Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food Guide

Have you ever craved that perfect chicken pot pie with a golden flaky crust and creamy filling that reminds you of home? I’m obsessed with Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies, and after tons of trial and error I’ve figured out how to recreate this classic comfort food right in my own kitchen. Today, I’m sharing my secrets with you guys!

Whether you’re looking to make it from scratch cook a frozen one in your air fryer or just want to know what makes these pies so darn good, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of chicken pot pie goodness!

Making Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie From Scratch

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling

• 2 cups water
• 14 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 carrots, peeled and cubed (about 1 cup)
• 2 ribs celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Crust:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 5 to 7 tablespoons cold water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Filling

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, combine water, chicken pieces, carrots, celery, and onion.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the chicken bouillon granules, black pepper, and butter to the mixture.
4. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch and flour into the heavy whipping cream.
5. Stir this cream mixture into the chicken and veggies.
6. Simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens nicely.
7. Add the frozen peas and set aside while you prepare the crust.

Making the Perfect Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
3. Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until you get particles the size of small peas.
4. Sprinkle one tablespoon of cold water at a time over the flour mixture, tossing with a fork to blend.
5. Add just enough water to hold the dough together – usually 5-7 tablespoons does the trick.
6. Form the dough into 2 balls (one for bottom crust, one for top).
7. On a floured surface, roll out the bottom crust to about 1 inch larger than your inverted 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
8. Carefully transfer the dough to your pie plate by rolling it onto your rolling pin and unrolling over the plate.
9. Press the dough into place and trim the edges even with the pie plate.

Assembling and Baking Your Pot Pie

1. Pour your prepared filling into the bottom crust.
2. Roll out the top crust and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
3. Place the top crust over the filling and fold the top crust under the bottom crust edge.
4. Seal the edges and flute them for that classic pie look.
5. Bake in your preheated 400°F oven for 35-40 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Let your masterpiece stand for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Cooking Frozen Marie Callender’s Pot Pies in an Air Fryer

Don’t have time to make one from scratch? No worries! Frozen Marie Callender’s pot pies are delicious too, especially when cooked in an air fryer. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Take the pot pie out of its packaging, including the aluminum pie tin.
3. Place the pot pie directly into the air fryer basket – no need for extra oil or greasing!
4. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is heated through.
5. Carefully remove your pot pie using oven mitts or tongs (it’ll be HOT!).
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before digging in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Frying Pot Pies

Do I need to defrost the pot pie first?
Nope! You can cook it straight from frozen. Actually, it’s better that way.

Can I cook multiple pot pies at once?
It’s not really recommended to stack them, as they might not cook evenly. Better to cook them one at a time for best results.

What about different sizes of pot pies?
You can cook any size Marie Callender’s pot pie in the air fryer – just adjust your cooking time accordingly. Bigger pies need more time!

Can I reheat leftover pot pie in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just cook at a lower temp (around 300°F) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Why Marie Callender’s Pot Pies Are So Amazing

What makes Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies stand out from the crowd? It’s a combination of factors:

1. The perfect ratio of filling to crust – They never skimp on the chicken and veggies.
2. That incredible flaky crust – It’s buttery, crisp, and just the right thickness.
3. The creamy sauce – Not too thick, not too runny, and perfectly seasoned.
4. Quality ingredients – The chicken is tender, and the vegetables maintain their texture.

Tips for Pot Pie Perfection

After making dozens of pot pies (and eating even more!), I’ve picked up some tricks along the way:

• Keep your crust ingredients cold – This helps create that flaky texture we all love.
• Don’t overwork the dough – Handle it just enough to hold together.
• Season generously – Pot pies can handle plenty of seasoning.
• Let it rest after baking – Hard as it is to wait, this helps the filling set properly.
• Make extra filling – Trust me, you’ll want to have some leftovers to enjoy on its own!

Creative Variations to Try

While the classic chicken pot pie is amazing, there are some fun variations I’ve experimented with:

• Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost
• Toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• Try different cheese additions – a little sharp cheddar in the filling is amazing
• Swap chicken for turkey after Thanksgiving for a great leftovers pie
• Add a splash of white wine to the filling for depth of flavor

Why Make Your Own When You Can Buy Frozen?

You might be wondering why bother making pot pies from scratch when you can just buy the frozen ones. I wondered the same thing until I made my first homemade version! Here’s why it’s worth it:

1. Customization – You control exactly what goes in and can adjust to your taste.
2. No preservatives – Just real, wholesome ingredients.
3. More filling – You can pack in as much chicken and veggies as you want.
4. Cost-effective – Especially if you’re feeding a family.
5. Satisfaction – There’s something special about creating comfort food from scratch.

The Nutritional Side of Pot Pies

Let’s be real – pot pies aren’t health food, but they’re good for the soul! A homemade Marie Callender’s style chicken pot pie serving contains approximately:

• 724 calories
• 27g protein
• 47g carbohydrates
• 47g fat (21g saturated)
• 126mg cholesterol
• 680mg sodium
• 3g fiber
• 6g sugar

If you’re looking to make a slightly healthier version, you could:

• Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream
• Increase the vegetable to chicken ratio
• Use olive oil instead of butter for part of the fat
• Make a top-crust-only version to reduce the pastry amount

Making Ahead and Freezing Tips

One of the best things about making your own pot pies is that you can prep them ahead:

1. Make the filling ahead – It keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
2. Freeze unbaked pies – Assemble completely, then freeze before baking. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil.
3. Freeze in individual portions – Use small ramekins for personal pot pies.
4. Bake from frozen – Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.

Final Thoughts on Pot Pie Paradise

I’ve been making and eating Marie Callender’s style chicken pot pies for years, and they never get old. There’s something magical about breaking through that flaky crust to the creamy, savory filling beneath – it’s like a warm hug on a plate!

Whether you’re cooking the frozen version in your air fryer for a quick dinner or spending a Sunday afternoon crafting the homemade version from scratch, you’re in for a treat. Pot pies are one of those perfect comfort foods that bring back memories and create new ones.

Happy cooking and even happier eating!