Easy Skillet Diced Chicken Pot Pie: A Family Favorite Recipe

Diced chicken is incredibly versatile, making it a hero in countless easy recipes. This comforting Skillet Diced Chicken Pot Pie brings hearty flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s a delicious, fuss-free meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering all the classic pot pie goodness you love. Prepare to impress your family with this delightful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Diced Chicken Pot Pie

You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and comforting appeal. Here are several reasons why this diced chicken pot pie will become a family favorite:

  • Quick Preparation: This meal comes together with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy schedules.
  • Hearty & Comforting: Enjoy a warm, satisfying dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, loved by all ages.
  • Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the classic flavors of this cozy chicken breast pot pie.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Thanks to its one-pot (or slow cooker) nature, washing dishes is a breeze.
  • Versatile: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your savory diced chicken pot pie. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s delicious flavor profile.

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
  • 29 ounces cream of chicken soup (2 cans)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon (or chicken base)
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and stay incredibly moist. If you’re out of cream of chicken soup, cream of celery or mushroom soup works well as an alternative, or even a homemade bechamel sauce with chicken broth. Feel free to vary the mixed vegetables with peas, carrots, corn, or green beans. For the crispy topping, crushed saltine crackers, buttery crushed pretzels, or even a puff pastry crust can replace the Ritz crackers for a different texture.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy pot pie. Gather these essentials before you begin cooking:

  • Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger model is ideal for cooking the pot pie mixture.
  • Skillet: Use a small skillet for toasting the cracker topping.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
  • Shredding Forks: To easily shred the cooked chicken.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing the cracker topping.

How to Make Skillet Diced Chicken Pot Pie (Instructions)

This slow cooker method makes a wonderfully creamy chicken pot pie with a crispy skillet-toasted topping. Follow these straightforward steps for a comforting meal.

First, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken bouillon, and poultry seasoning in your slow cooker. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed and smooth. This forms the rich, creamy base for your pot pie.

Next, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the diced onion directly into the soup mixture. Make sure all the vegetables are well coated. Then, gently nestle the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into the mixture. Ensure the chicken pieces are mostly submerged for even cooking.

Cover your slow cooker and cook the pot pie mixture. Set it on high for 2.5-3 hours, or on low for 3.5-4 hours. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, then stir the shredded chicken pieces back into the creamy vegetable mixture. This incorporates the flavorful chicken throughout the pot pie.

Now, prepare your crispy topping. Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. In a small bowl, mix these cracker crumbs with one tablespoon of melted butter until well combined. Toast the buttered crumbs in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. Alternatively, spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-8 minutes.

Serve a generous scoop of the hot, creamy diced chicken pot pie. Top each serving immediately with a spoonful of the warm, crispy Ritz cracker crumbs. Serving the crumbs separately helps them stay crisp for longer, especially if you anticipate having leftovers.

Pro Tips for Perfect Diced Chicken

Achieving perfectly cooked and flavorful diced chicken is key to this pot pie. First, avoid overcooking your chicken pieces, as this can make them dry and tough. Always monitor the internal temperature; 165°F is the target for safe and tender results. When dealing with raw chicken, cut it into uniform 1-inch pieces before cooking for even doneness, or follow this recipe’s instruction to shred after slow cooking. For cooked chicken, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the heat before shredding or dicing. This resting period helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a more moist and flavorful result. Finally, for the topping, make sure your Ritz cracker crumbs are truly golden brown and fragrant from toasting; this step adds a crucial textural contrast to the creamy pot pie filling.

The USDA recommends that all poultry, including diced chicken, reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat, as confirmed by a food thermometer. Learn more about safe cooking temperatures for poultry.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This Skillet Diced Chicken Pot Pie is a versatile meal. Master these tips for serving, storing, and customizing it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting pot pie in deep bowls as a complete meal. For a light and refreshing contrast, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside some crusty bread for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled pot pie mixture to an airtight container. Refrigerate it promptly and consume within 3-4 days. For longer storage, this pot pie freezes well. Place the cooled mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Keep the cracker topping separate until serving to maintain its crispness.

Variations

Experiment with different cheeses, like a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or Gruyere, stirred into the pot pie mixture for added richness. Enhance the flavor with fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. You can also swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for fresh, seasonal options like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, adapting the cooking time as needed.

Nutrition Information

This Slow Cooker Diced Chicken Pot Pie offers a hearty and satisfying meal.

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories450 kcal
Protein35g
Fat22g
Carbohydrates28g
Sodium1200mg
  • Based on approximately 6.6 servings.
  • Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used. This recipe provides a good source of protein and vegetables.

Other Diced Chicken Recipes

The versatility of diced chicken makes it a cornerstone ingredient for quick and easy meals. From comforting classics to light, fresh options, small chicken pieces adapt beautifully to almost any dish.

  • Chicken and Rice Dishes: Create flavorful stir-fries or one-pot baked chicken and rice with perfectly cut chicken.
  • Creamy Casseroles: Effortlessly incorporate chicken chunks into cheesy, baked casseroles for family dinners.
  • Fresh Salads: Toss cooked and cooled diced chicken into vibrant salads for a protein-packed lunch.
  • Hearty Soups: Add these small chicken pieces to simmering soups and stews for extra substance and flavor.
  • Quick Lunch Ideas: Make wraps, sandwiches, or quesadillas using pre-cooked diced chicken for speed.
  • Easy Appetizers: Skewer small chicken pieces for kebabs or mix into dips for entertaining.
  • Simple Weeknight Meals: From pasta dishes to tacos, diced chicken streamlines meal prep on busy evenings.

FAQ

How do I avoid overcooking diced chicken in a slow cooker?
Always cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer ensures it’s cooked through without becoming dry, especially for diced chicken.

What is the easiest way to dice chicken for recipes?
For uncooked chicken, partially freeze it for 15-20 minutes; this firms it up and makes it much easier to cut into uniform chicken pieces. For cooked chicken, simply use two forks to shred it or a sharp knife to dice it after it has rested.

Why let cooked chicken rest before cutting?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken breast or thigh pieces. This simple step prevents the chicken from drying out when cut.

Can I use raw diced chicken in this recipe directly?
Yes, you can use raw diced chicken directly; ensure it cooks fully to 165°F within the slow cooker’s cooking time, which might be slightly faster than whole breasts.

Conclusion

This Skillet Diced Chicken Pot Pie is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying meal. Its easy slow cooker method and crispy topping make it perfect for any home cook, from beginners to busy parents. Diced chicken truly shines in this comforting dish, proving its versatility and convenience. Whip up this family favorite soon; it’s sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe rotation.

Easy Skillet Diced Chicken Pot Pie: A Family Favorite Recipe

This comforting chicken pot pie features tender diced chicken, a creamy vegetable sauce, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping, all made easily in a slow cooker. It's a convenient and delicious meal perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Author: The Bright Food

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
  • 29 ounces cream of chicken soup (2 cans)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chicken bullion (or chicken base)
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 onion diced

Topping

  • 1 sleeve ritz crackers
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted

Instructions

Preparation

  • Mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken bullion, and poultry seasoning thoroughly in the slow cooker.
  • Stir in frozen vegetables and diced onion, then nestle the chicken into the soup mixture.
  • Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 3.5-4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165˚F internal temperature.
  • Remove and shred the cooked chicken, then stir it back into the pot pie mixture.

Cracker Topping

  • Crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter; toast in a skillet for 3-4 minutes or bake on a baking sheet at 350˚F for 5-8 minutes until golden brown.

Serving

  • Serve individual portions of chicken pot pie, topped with a spoonful of the crispy crumbs.

Notes

To keep the cracker crumbs crispy for leftovers, store them separately and add them just before serving.

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