Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. With its flaky golden crust and hearty filling of chicken, vegetables and gravy, it’s no wonder this dish is a crowd-pleaser. But to achieve pot pie perfection, proper baking temperature is crucial. So what temperature should a chicken pot pie be baked at?
Understanding Temperature Recommendations For Chicken Pot Pie
Most sources recommend baking chicken pot pie at 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the crust to bake up flaky and golden brown without burning. It also thoroughly cooks the filling.
Chicken pot pie fillings are thick and dense. Lower temperatures, like 325°F (163°C), may not heat the filling enough. This leaves you with mushy veggies and undercooked chicken. No one wants that.
Higher heat, like 425°F (218°C), can over-brown the crust before the inside is done. The filling might not reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stick with 375°F (190°C) for ideal results.
Key Factors That Influence Chicken Pot Pie Cooking Time
While 375°F (190°C) is the recommended temperature, bake times vary. Cooking duration depends on:
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Pie size – A large casserole-style pot pie takes longer than individual pies.
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Filling temperature – A chilled filling from the fridge lengthens cooking time.
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Crust type – Sturdy pie crust requires more time than flaky puff pastry.
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Oven accuracy – Get an oven thermometer to verify temperature.
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Baking dish – Dark metal pans brown crusts faster than glass.
How To Prevent Common Baking Problems With Chicken Pot Pie
Follow these tips to avoid pitfalls when baking your chicken pot pie:
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Soggy crust – Use a filling that isn’t too loose. Vent the crust before baking.
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Burnt crust – Cover with foil or a pie shield if browning too quickly.
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Uneven cooking – Rotate pie midway for even browning. Ensure filling isn’t icy cold.
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Overdone filling – Use a thermometer to test doneness instead of time. 165°F (74°C) is ideal.
Answering Common Questions About Chicken Pot Pie Baking
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about baking chicken pot pie:
Can you bake a pot pie at 400°F (200°C)?
It’s best not to. 400°F risks burning the crust before the filling cooks through. If you do bake at this high temp, watch closely and tent with foil to prevent burning.
What about a lower 350°F (175°C) oven?
350°F may work for small pies, but likely won’t heat a large pot pie thoroughly. Monitor the crust so it doesn’t get soggy. Be prepared for a lengthy bake time.
How do you know when a pot pie is fully baked?
Check for a browned, flaky crust and bubbly filling. Use a thermometer to test the center – 165°F means it’s safe to eat.
Can you freeze an unbaked pot pie?
Yes! Freeze the wrapped pie, then add 30-50 minutes to the bake time when cooking from frozen. Tent with foil if needed.
How long does a baked pot pie last in the fridge?
A cooked chicken pot pie keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Achieving The Perfect Balance For Chicken Pot Pie
Finding the right baking temperature for chicken pot pie is all about balance. You want a thoroughly cooked filling paired with a perfectly browned and flaky crust. While recipes provide bake time estimates, the size of your pie, accuracy of your oven, and other factors impact results.
Use 375°F (190°C) as your starting point. Then adjust baking time based on visual cues. Does the crust need more color? Is the filling bubbling? Is the chicken cooked through? Let your eyes and thermometer be the judge.
With the proper time and temperature combination, you’ll achieve pot pie perfection. Your guests will be begging for seconds of this ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You can make this chicken pot pie whether you’ve been cooking your whole life or have hardly touched your oven and want to give a simple recipe a spin!
- My family and I just adore this simple chicken pot pie recipe for chilly evenings when all we want is something rich and hearty for a comfort food dinner!
- This is the perfect freezer meal. The filling retains its texture and flavor when reheated and the pie crust also holds up well in the freezer.
- Chicken breast – 1/2 pound or less
- Potatoes – medium russet
- Carrots
- Peas – frozen
- Corn – frozen
- Cream of chicken soup
- Garlic salt
- Pie crust – homemade or store-bought
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie
- Cook the chicken until it can be shredded. Remove it and throw the potatoes and carrots in the same water, then add the peas and corn.
- Combine veggies, cooked chicken, a can of soup, and seasonings.
- Place one pie crust in the bottom of a pie plate, add filling, and top with a second crust.
- Crimp edges, cut holes in the top, and bake until golden brown.
I bake this chicken pot pie recipe for 45 to 60 minutes in a 375-degree F oven. Keep an eye on it around the 45-minute mark; you’ll know it’s done when the top is golden-brown, and the internal temperature reads 160 degrees F.
I really like using cream of chicken soup in the pie filling because it easily adds a creamy and thick texture to the inside of the pie. You can also add a little bit of flour if you prefer a denser filling!
This is such a great question because y’all know I LOVE freezer meals! You can actually do it either way: baked or unbaked. If you freeze an unbaked pot pie, make sure it’s assembled in a pie plate or dish and cover it well with freezer-safe plastic wrap before placing in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can pop it right in the 375 degree F oven frozen, and just add about 10 minutes of cooking time.
- If you freeze an already-baked pie, let it cool completely before freezing for up to 3 months. You can also put it straight into the oven frozen but only bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Chicken pot pie is a complete meal in itself, containing protein (chicken), vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, corn), and a carbohydrate (the pie crust), but if you want a second dish, a simple and easy salad is just right.
- You can freeze individual portions of chicken pot pie, which makes it easy to reheat just the amount you need.
