For a comforting family dinner, this classic homemade Chicken Pie Recipe brings tender chicken thighs and sweet carrots in a rich, creamy sauce under a flaky golden crust. Shredding the cooked chicken ensures every bite is moist and flavorful, while the buttery pastry bakes to perfection. Itโs an old-world favorite that warms the kitchen as much as it does the heart.
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Ingredients for Chicken Pie Recipe
For the filling
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs โ They stay juicy and tender, making them perfect for pie filling.
- Kosher salt โ Essential for seasoningโdonโt skimp!
- Black pepper โ Freshly ground adds the best flavor.
- Unsalted butter โ Gives richness to the filling, and you control the salt level.
- Yellow onion โ Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Carrots โ Diced small so they cook evenly and add a touch of sweetness.
- Celery โ A must for that classic savory depth.
- All-purpose flour โ Helps thicken the filling into a luscious gravy.
- Chicken broth โ Use a good-quality one for the best flavor base.
- Heavy cream โ Makes the sauce extra rich and silky.
- Frozen green peas โ No need to thawโtheyโll cook perfectly in the pie.
- Dried thyme โ Adds an herby warmth that pairs so well with chicken.
For the crust
- Refrigerated pie crusts โ Store-bought keeps things easy, but homemade is even better if youโre feeling ambitious.
- Egg wash โ Just an egg beaten with water for that golden, glossy finish.
Cook Time for Easy Chicken Pie
I always find timing so helpful when Iโm pulling together a weeknight dinner. This easy chicken pie recipe is wonderfully straightforward, and if you prep your veggies ahead, it comes together even faster. Hereโs a quick breakdown:
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 55 minutes |
| Total Time | 80 minutes |
This hearty chicken and vegetable pie fills your home with the most wonderful aroma. For another cozy meal idea, check out my chicken casserole thatโs perfect for busy evenings.
How to Make Flaky Crust Chicken Pie
Step 1: Sautรฉ the Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced stalks of celery. Cook for 5โ7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Season 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6โ8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is browned on both sides and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables in the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a thick paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken the Filling
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3โ5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of frozen green peas until evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Roll out one refrigerated pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges. Pour the chicken filling into the crust. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the top, crimping the edges with your fingers to seal the pie. Cut 4โ5 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the entire top crust with a beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35โ45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, Iโve picked up a few tricks that make this comfort food pie even more special. Whether youโre cooking for a crowd or just spicing up a weeknight, these little touches can make all the difference.
- For a bright, herby twist, swap the dried thyme for fresh tarragon or a sprinkle of parsley. It reminds me of the flavors in my chicken souvlaki recipe.
- To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole wheat pastry flour for the crust. Youโll still get that creamy texture without as much richness.
- If your filling seems too runny, let it cool for a few minutes before adding it to the crustโit will thicken up as it sits.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully! Cover with foil and warm in a 325ยฐF oven for about 20 minutes. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. For another make-ahead favorite, try my chicken taco soup.

Chicken Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts at room temperature
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Equipment
- skillet or Dutch oven
- oven
- pie dish
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth, then stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas.
- Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the chicken filling into the crust. Place the second pie crust over the top, crimp the edges to seal, and cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the entire top crust with the egg wash.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
Comfort food doesnโt have to be just deliciousโit can also be nourishing. This chicken pie recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients that bring both flavor and nutrition to your table. Each serving offers a wonderful balance of protein, vitamins, and comforting carbs.
Letโs take a closer look at what makes this easy chicken pie a worthy addition to your weekly meal rotation.
| Nutrient | Per Serving | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 28g | Supports muscle repair and keeps you full |
| Vitamin A | 120% DV | From carrotsโgreat for vision and immunity |
| Fiber | 4g | Helps digestion and promotes gut health |
This hearty chicken and vegetable pie is a complete meal all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed greens. For more nutritious and satisfying dinner ideas, try my homestyle chicken soup or these lean chicken burgers. If youโre curious about traditional methods, BBCโs Chicken and Mushroom Pie Recipe offers wonderful insight into classic British techniques.
A Lighter Version of Easy Chicken Pie
I love indulging in a rich, creamy pie as much as anyone, but sometimes I want something a little lighterโespecially after a busy week or when Iโm craving comfort without the heaviness. Thankfully, this chicken pie recipe easy adapts beautifully to healthier tweaks.
Here are my favorite simple swaps that keep all the cozy flavor but lighten things up just enough:
- Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy creamโyouโll still get a lovely creamy texture without as much fat.
- Swap the pie crust for a puff pastry top onlyโthis cuts down on carbs but keeps that flaky crust chicken pie appeal.
- Add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost fiber and nutrients without adding calories.
For more lightened-up comfort food ideas, you might enjoy my cilantro lime chicken or this easy grilled chicken breastโboth are weeknight favorites in my home.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I truly believe that good food should be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their dietary needs. Over the years, Iโve learned a few simple tweaks to make this comfort food pie more inclusiveโespecially for my sugar-conscious friends or those managing diabetic-friendly eating plans.
Here are my favorite gentle adjustments that keep the soul of the dish intact:
- For a lower glycemic index, consider replacing the regular pie crust with one made from almond flour or whole wheat pastry flour. These alternatives offer more fiber and slower-digesting carbs.
- If youโre monitoring sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added saltโthe herbs and vegetables bring plenty of natural flavor.
- When aiming for glucose-friendly eating, portion awareness is key. I often serve a smaller slice alongside a big green salad loaded with non-starchy vegetables.
How to Serve Chicken Pie Recipe
Iโll never forget the first time I made this pie for my family after we moved to Provence. It was a chilly autumn evening, and weโd just come back from the market with beautiful carrots and fresh thyme. As the pie baked, its golden crust scent wafted through our kitchen, blending with the lavender from our garden. That night, we ate by candlelight, and with every bite, I felt that deep sense of homeโno matter where in the world we are.
This baked creamy chicken thigh pie is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it with simple, fresh sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigarette is my go-toโit cuts through the creaminess perfectly. For heartier appetites, roasted garlic green beans or honey-glazed carrots make lovely additions.
If youโre serving a crowd, consider pairing it with my lemon chicken tray bake or this cheesy chicken pasta bake. Both are fantastic for feeding a family and full of those comforting flavors we all love.
Mistakes to Avoid
Iโve made my fair share of mistakes with this chicken pie recipe over the yearsโespecially when I was first learning to balance that creamy filling with a perfectly golden crust. Thankfully, these little slip-ups taught me how to get it just right every time.
Here are the most common pitfalls Iโve seen (and made myself!), along with my best advice for avoiding them:
- Overfilling the pie dish: Itโs tempting to pack in all that delicious filling, but too much can cause bubbling over and a soggy bottom crust. Leave about half an inch of space at the top.
- Using watery vegetables: If your veggies release too much liquid, the filling turns soupy. I always lightly sautรฉ or blanch them first to lock in flavor and reduce moisture.
- Rushing the crust: Whether youโre making your own or using store-bought, always chill the dough before baking. A cold crust bakes up flakier and holds its shape beautifully.
Iโll never forget the time I brought a slightly soupy easy chicken pie to a potluckโit was still delicious, but the crust was a sad sight! For more baking tips and techniques, take a look at Jamie Oliverโs Proper Chicken Pie Technique. And if you love reliable, no-fail recipes, my hearty chicken casserole and this warming chicken taco soup are both wonderfully forgiving.
How to Store Chicken Pie Recipe
When my son Liam was little, he used to ask me to make an extra chicken thigh pie recipe just to have tucked away in the freezerโhe called it his โemergency comfort food.โ Even now, when he comes home from college, the first thing he looks for in the freezer is that golden-crusted pie, waiting like a edible hug.
Storing this comfort food pie properly means you can enjoy that homemade goodness anytime. Hereโs how I do it:
- Refrigerator: Let the pie cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the whole pie or individual portions in two layers of plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It freezes perfectly for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat in a 350ยฐF oven until the filling is bubbly and the crust is crisp againโusually about 20โ30 minutes.
For more make-ahead meals that hold up well, try my cozy chicken butternut squash curry or these flavorful chicken souvlaki skewers. Both are fantastic for meal prep and freezer-friendly too!
Try This Chicken Pie Recipe Yourself
Thereโs something truly magical about pulling a baked creamy chicken thigh pie out of the ovenโthe way the golden crust shatters under your fork, the steam rising with the scent of thyme and roasted chicken, that first bite that tastes like coming home. Itโs more than just a meal; itโs a moment of pure comfort.
I hope this chicken pie recipe easy becomes a cherished favorite in your home too, filling your kitchen with warmth and your table with happy, satisfied faces. Cooking, for me, has always been about sharingโand nothing shares comfort quite like a homemade pie.
If youโre looking for more family-friendly ideas, you might also love my juicy BBQ chicken breasts, this fun chicken tacos night solution, or my bright lemon chicken. For something extra special, try these elegant broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breastsโtheyโre always a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients for chicken pie?
Youโll need chicken thighs (or breast), onions, carrots, peas, butter, flour, chicken broth, milk or cream, and pie crust. I also love adding fresh thyme or parsley for extra flavor. For a detailed ingredient list and measurements, check out my chicken pasta recipe which shares a similar savory profile.
What are common mistakes making chicken pie?
The most common mistakes include overfilling the pie dish, using watery vegetables that make the filling soggy, and not chilling the crust before baking. I always pre-cook my veggies lightly to avoid extra moisture and give the crust time to firm up in the fridge.
What is Oprahโs favorite chicken pie?
While I donโt know Oprahโs personal favorite, she has shared love for classic comfort foods like chicken pie over the years. My version is inspired by those timeless, soul-warming recipes that bring people togetherโsimple, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
Should you cook chicken before putting it in a pie?
Yes, absolutely. I always cook the chicken firstโeither by roasting, boiling, or pan-searingโto ensure itโs tender and fully cooked before mixing it into the pie filling. This also adds depth of flavor to your savory flaky crust comfort dish.
More Cozy Comfort Food Classics
If you loved this chicken pie, here are a few more heartwarming recipes that never fail to make my family smile.
- Lean Chicken Burgers โ Juicy, flavorful patties that come together in minutes for a weeknight win.
- Cilantro Lime Chicken โ Zesty, bright, and perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads.
- Easy Grilled Chicken Breast โ Foolproof and delicious, every single time.
- Homestyle Chicken Soup โ The ultimate bowl of comfort for chilly days or when you need a cozy reset.


