There’s nothing quite as comforting as a homemade chicken pot pie with its flaky crust and creamy filling. But what happens when you can’t finish it all in one sitting? Reheating chicken pot pie can be tricky – nobody wants a soggy crust or unevenly heated filling. I’ve compiled the best methods from multiple sources to help you enjoy your leftover pot pie just as much as when it was freshly baked.
Best Methods to Reheat Chicken Pot Pie
Based on expert recommendations. there are four main ways to reheat chicken pot pie
- Oven (most recommended)
- Air fryer (fast and crispy)
- Microwave (quickest option)
- Stovetop (good for small portions)
Let’s dive into each method with detailed instructions!
1. Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in the Oven
The oven is consistently mentioned as the best method for reheating chicken pot pie It ensures even heating and helps maintain that perfectly flaky crust.
Oven Method Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C)
- Remove the pot pie from the refrigerator and discard any wrapping
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips
- Cover the edges with foil to prevent burning (optional but recommended)
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown
- Optional step: For the last 5-10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the crust to brown nicely
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving
For a refrigerated whole pie, expect about 30 minutes of heating time. If you’re reheating just a slice, 15-20 minutes might be sufficient.
2. Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
The air fryer method is gaining popularity because it’s faster than the oven while still producing a crispy crust.
Air Fryer Method Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
- Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket
- Cook for 8-12 minutes until heated through
- Check periodically to ensure it doesn’t burn
- Optional: Cover with foil if the crust starts browning too quickly
- Let it cool slightly before serving
This method works especially well for smaller portions or individual slices. The air circulation helps create that perfect crispy exterior.
3. Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in the Microwave
While not the ideal method for maintaining crust texture, the microwave is by far the quickest option when you’re short on time.
Microwave Method Instructions:
- Remove any metal or foil components from the pie
- Place on a microwave-safe plate
- Poke several holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel
- Heat on high for 3-4 minutes (timing will vary based on your microwave)
- Check the center to ensure it’s heated through
- If needed, continue heating in 1-minute intervals
Keep in mind that microwave reheating will likely result in a softer, less crispy crust. If you have a few extra minutes, consider starting in the microwave and finishing in the oven or air fryer for better texture.
4. Stovetop/Skillet Method
The stovetop method works well for single slices and creates a nice crispy bottom.
Stovetop Method Instructions:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat
- Place the pot pie slice in the pan
- Heat for 3-5 minutes on one side
- Flip carefully and heat the other side
- Continue until thoroughly heated
- Serve immediately
This method requires more attention to prevent burning, but it can produce excellent results for smaller portions.
Pro Tips for Perfect Reheated Chicken Pot Pie
No matter which method you choose, these tips will help you achieve the best results:
- Add moisture if needed: If your filling seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or gravy before reheating
- Check internal temperature: The filling should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety
- Don’t reheat more than once: For food safety reasons, only reheat pot pie once
- Store properly: Refrigerate leftover pot pie within 2 hours of cooking
- Refrigeration time limit: Consume refrigerated pot pie within 3-4 days
- Freezing option: Freeze pot pie for longer storage (up to 2-3 months)
FAQ About Reheating Chicken Pot Pie
How long can chicken pot pie last in the fridge?
Properly stored chicken pot pie will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze cooked chicken pot pie?
Yes, but only freeze freshly prepared pot pie, not previously frozen and reheated portions.
Can I reheat a frozen chicken pot pie without thawing?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. For oven reheating, bake at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes covered with foil, then 5-10 minutes uncovered.
Why is my reheated chicken pot pie soggy?
This usually happens when using a microwave or if the pot pie wasn’t properly covered during reheating. The oven or air fryer methods produce the crispiest results.
Can I reheat just a slice of chicken pot pie?
Absolutely! Single slices work well in all methods, especially the air fryer and stovetop methods.
Conclusion
While there are several ways to reheat chicken pot pie, the oven remains the gold standard for achieving that perfect balance of crispy crust and piping hot filling. The air fryer is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for quicker results. No matter which method you choose, following these guidelines will help ensure your leftover chicken pot pie tastes almost as good as when it was freshly baked!
Remember, the best reheating method is the one that fits your time constraints and available equipment. Don’t hesitate to experiment with combining methods (like starting in the microwave and finishing in the oven) to get the perfect result for your taste preferences.
Happy reheating!
Stove Top Skillet Method
- Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium to medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken pot pie into the pan and heat for 3-5 min. Take care not to overcook the crust.
- Flip over the pie and continue heating until it’s thoroughly cooked through.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Although it’s pretty similar to the conventional oven method, we’re including the toaster oven here, because sometimes you don’t want to bother with preheating the large oven, especially in the summer. The toaster oven produces the same great results, and it’s so simple. You don’t even need to cover the pie before heating – just place it in the preheated toaster oven and you’re good to go!
- Preheat your toaster oven. We’ve found that this usually works best between 380 to 400 degrees.
- Make a few small cuts on the top of your chicken pot pie crust to allow the steam to escape.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet in the middle of your toaster oven.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, then allow the pie to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Since it’s already been fully cooked, you don’t need to worry about the internal temperature of the pie.
Who knew there were so many possibilities for heating up your leftovers? With all these great options, you’re sure to find the best method for you! Go ahead and make that big chicken pot pie, and don’t worry about trying to finish it all at once. You can enjoy that flaky golden crust and the creamy and hearty filling knowing that it will taste just as good the next day, or even a few days later! We like to make two of our classic chicken pot pie so we can eat one and freeze one for later to reheat.
Another way to keep your chicken pot pie hot for eating is to make our crockpot chicken pot pie. It’s an easy version that tastes amazing.
And if you’re starting to get hungry from all this chicken pot pie talk, you’re not alone. So let’s get baking – the perfect hearty and delicious pot pie dinner awaits.