Lazy Chicken Pot Pie recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cans (12 oz each) chicken (or shredded cooked chicken breasts)
• 1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can crescent rolls or dough sheet

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Prepare Filling:
   • In a baking dish, combine the cream of chicken soup, canned chicken, frozen peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Bake Filling:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbly. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the chicken and vegetables are fully cooked.
4. Prepare Crescent Topping:
   • While the filling is baking, prepare the crescent roll topping. If using crescent rolls, open the can and lay out the individual rolls. If using a dough sheet, unroll it on a flat surface.
5. Add Crescent Topping:
   • Once the filling is done, take the baking dish out of the oven. Place the crescent rolls or dough sheet on top of the hot chicken mixture, arranging them to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake Again:
   • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown. This step gives the pot pie a delicious flaky crust.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Once the crescent topping is golden brown, remove the dish from the oven. Allow the Lazy Chicken Pot Pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit.
8. Serve Warm:
   • Dish out portions while the pot pie is still warm and enjoy!

Tips:

1. Fresh Ingredients: While the recipe uses canned chicken and cream of chicken soup for convenience, feel free to use fresh ingredients for an even more homemade touch. Cooked and shredded chicken breasts, homemade cream of chicken soup, and fresh vegetables can enhance the flavors.
2. Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to customize the seasoning to your taste. Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different spices or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
3. Cheese: Consider adding a layer of shredded cheese on top of the filling before adding the crescent roll topping. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses can add a gooey and savory element.
4. Gravy: If you prefer a saucier pot pie, mix in a bit of chicken broth or milk to the filling. This creates a creamier consistency and adds moisture.
5. Vegetarian Option: Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth or cream of mushroom soup. Add more vegetables or consider adding tofu for protein.
6. Homemade Dough: If you have the time, consider making your own pie crust or biscuit dough instead of using crescent rolls. It adds an extra layer of homemade goodness.

Variations:

1. Turkey Pot Pie: Substitute cooked and shredded turkey for the chicken to create a delicious turkey pot pie, especially great for using leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
2. Seafood Pot Pie: Replace the chicken with a combination of cooked seafood such as shrimp, crab, or fish. Consider using a cream of seafood soup for added flavor.
3. Mushroom Pot Pie: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with a variety of sautéed mushrooms. Use cream of mushroom soup and add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
4. Curry Twist: Infuse some curry powder or paste into the filling for a unique and flavorful chicken curry pot pie. Consider adding coconut milk for a creamy touch.
5. Tex-Mex Style: Spice it up with some taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Top with shredded Mexican cheese and serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.
6. Individual Pot Pies: Instead of one large dish, divide the filling and crescent topping among individual ramekins for personal-sized pot pies.

Why You’ll Love It:

Here are some reasons why you’ll love this Lazy Chicken Pot Pie:

1. Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
2. Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy chicken filling combined with the savory seasonings provides a comforting and flavorful experience. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please the taste buds.
3. Versatile Ingredients: The use of canned chicken and cream of chicken soup makes this recipe convenient, but you can easily customize it by using fresh ingredients if you prefer. The versatility allows you to adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand.
4. Flaky Crescent Topping: The golden brown crescent roll or dough sheet topping adds a delightful flakiness to the pot pie, making each bite a perfect balance of creamy filling and crispy crust.
5. Family-Friendly: This Lazy Chicken Pot Pie is likely to be a hit with the whole family. It’s a familiar and comforting dish that appeals to various tastes, making it a reliable choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
6. Minimal Cleanup: One baking dish means less cleanup. This recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade pot pie without creating a mountain of dirty dishes in the process.
7. Perfect for Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, they can be just as delicious the next day. Simply reheat and enjoy a comforting meal without any extra effort.

How to store it :

To store Lazy Chicken Pot Pie and keep it fresh for later consumption, follow these steps:

1. Cool Completely:
   • Allow the pot pie to cool to room temperature after baking. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the crust soggy.
2. Refrigeration:
   • Store any leftover pot pie in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
   • Place the container in the refrigerator.
3. Consume Within a Few Days:
   • Leftover Lazy Chicken Pot Pie is best when consumed within 3-4 days of preparation. After this period, the quality may start to decline.
4. Reheating:
   • To reheat, preheat your oven to around 325°F (163°C). Cover the pot pie with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from over-browning.
   • Bake until the internal temperature reaches a safe level, typically around 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken and filling are thoroughly heated.
5. Freezing (Optional):
   • If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing individual portions or the entire pot pie.
   • Wrap the pot pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, use a freezer-safe container.
   • Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
   • Pot pies can generally be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months.

6. Thawing and Reheating from Frozen:

   • When ready to eat, thaw the pot pie in the refrigerator overnight.
   • Reheat as mentioned above, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).