Who Makes the Best Chicken Pot Pie? A Guide to the Tastiest Options

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food With its flaky, golden crust and steaming hot filling of tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, and creamy sauce, it’s easy to see why this hearty dish has been a favorite for generations But not all chicken pot pies are created equal. When you’re craving this classic meal, you want one that hits all the right notes – a perfect blend of flavors and textures encased in a delicious pastry shell. So who really makes the best chicken pot pie? Here’s a guide to finding a chicken pot pie that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Evaluating the Top Contenders

There are several major brands and restaurant chains known for their chicken pot pie offerings. To determine which one truly reigns supreme, we took a close look at options from leading frozen food purveyors like Banquet, Marie Callender’s, and Stouffer’s. We also sampled pot pies from popular dining chains like Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, and KFC. After baking, microwaving, and thoroughly taste testing every pie, a few clear winners emerged.

The Gold Standard: Blake’s Chicken Pot Pie

One brand stood out head and shoulders above the rest: Blake’s Chicken Pot Pie. This frozen pot pie has everything you want – flaky, tender crust, large chunks of juicy chicken, and a rich gravy studded with carrots, peas, potatoes, and celery. While some other pies had mushy fillings or spotty chicken distribution, Blake’s filling is visibly packed with quality ingredients in every bite. The gravy is thick and deeply savory, coating the vegetables and chicken in luscious flavor. Blake’s uses white and dark chicken meat for added depth of flavor. The top crust bakes to a beautiful golden hue with just the right amount of crunch. This pot pie is satisfyingly hearty and indulgent. For the best classic chicken pot pie flavor and experience, Blake’s is hands down the winner.

A Close Second: Marie Callender’s

If Blake’s isn’t available, Marie Callender’s frozen chicken pot pie is another exceptional choice. Their legendary pot pie contains large chunks of chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes soaked in a rich cream sauce. The filling tastes like classic comfort food – simple, hearty, and homemade The top crust perfectly balances a crisp exterior with a soft, flaky interior Marie Callender’s also offers other chicken pot pie varieties like chicken broccoli and chicken bacon ranch to satisfy any craving. For an indulgent, quintessential chicken pot pie, you can count on Marie Callender’s to deliver satisfying flavor and texture.

Best Restaurant Chicken Pot Pie: Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Restaurant chicken pot pies can be hit or miss, but Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen earned top marks. Their pot pie is filled with juicy roasted chicken, tender vegetables, and creamy herb sauce. Diners raved about the generous chicken chunks and impressive crust with trademark Cheddar’s flaky texture. This tastes like homemade comfort food made from scratch. For ordering out, Cheddar’s chicken pot pie is your best bet for getting that homestyle flavor. Runners up for restaurant pot pies include Mimi’s Cafe and Metro Diner.

Notable Store Brand and Budget Options

For shoppers on a budget, store brand pot pies can be a affordable way to get your fix. Walmart’s Marketside Buttery Chicken Pot Pie has a cult following for its crispy hashbrown crust topping and quality chicken filling. While not as refined as Blake’s or Marie Callender’s, it’s a tasty bargain option. Aldi’s chicken pot pies are another good value pick. Though crusts can be hit or miss, their fillings are generally flavortown-approved.

How to Choose the Best Chicken Pot Pie

When evaluating chicken pot pies, keep these factors in mind:

• Crust – Flaky, tender, and golden brown. Avoid tough, soggy crusts.

• Filling – Chunky chicken and veggies in rich sauce. No unidentifiable mush.

• Chicken – Abundant, juicy, and well-seasoned. Both white and dark meat is ideal.

• Vegetables – Fresh selections like carrots, peas, celery, potatoes. Not processed slivers.

• Sauce – Thick and creamy gravy that complements, not overpowers.

• Overall Flavor – Well-seasoned and balanced. Chicken and vegetables shine.

Baking Tips for Chicken Pot Pie Perfection

To get the most out of your chicken pot pie, follow these baking tips:

• Preheat oven fully before baking. Bake at temperature stated on packaging.

• Place pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

• Tent pie with foil to prevent over-browning if needed. Keep tent away from crust.

• Check doneness early and extend bake time if needed. Pies should be fully heated through.

• Allow pie to rest 5-10 minutes before serving so filling can set.

• Serve chicken pot pie piping hot with sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits.

Satisfy Your Comfort Food Craving

When you’re looking for the ultimate chicken pot pie experience, choose a brand that consistently delivers on crust, filling, and flavor. Top contenders like Blake’s, Marie Callender’s, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen will give you the hearty, wholesome comfort that only chicken pot pie can provide. Follow these pro tips to bake up the best version of this beloved dish. Now go enjoy a steaming slice of chicken pot pie perfection!