Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with flavor and made effortlessly in your slow cooker, it's perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd.
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling combines tender chicken with a medley of vegetables and a kick of spice. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty filling that can be used in traditional pot pies or served over rice or biscuits.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of spices that tantalize your taste buds
- Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
- Versatile filling that can be used in various dishes
The Comfort of Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a beloved dish that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia. The creamy filling paired with flaky crust has been a favorite in many households for generations. However, traditional recipes can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy the same comforting flavors with minimal effort. By utilizing a slow cooker, you can achieve tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables, all while your home fills with the enticing aroma of spices and herbs.
In this recipe, we take the classic chicken pot pie and give it a spicy twist. The addition of chili powder adds a delightful kick, making this filling unique and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to elevate your pot pie experience, this recipe will certainly impress your taste buds and those of your guests.
Versatility at Its Best
One of the greatest advantages of this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is its versatility. While it’s perfect for a pot pie, this filling can also be used in a variety of other dishes. Think chicken enchiladas, quesadillas, or even as a hearty topping for baked potatoes. The options are endless, allowing you to repurpose leftovers in creative ways, making it a great meal prep choice.
You can also customize the filling to suit your preferences. If you love extra heat, feel free to add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños. For a creamier texture, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. This adaptability ensures that everyone at your table can enjoy a meal tailored to their taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also lends itself well to meal prep. You can make a large batch on the weekend and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making it an excellent choice for reheating. Just store the filling in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go at a moment's notice.
By preparing this filling in advance, you can save time and reduce stress during busy weekdays. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and serve it over your choice of crust, rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. This approach not only helps with time management but also ensures you have wholesome, home-cooked meals available even on your busiest days.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking!
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and potatoes, and mincing the garlic. Set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, carrots, potatoes, peas, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the Filling
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Shred the chicken using two forks before serving.
Serve this delicious filling in a pie crust, over biscuits, or with rice!
Serving Suggestions
Once your Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is ready, the serving possibilities are endless. For a traditional approach, pour the filling into a pre-baked pie crust and top with another layer of dough, cutting slits for steam to escape. Bake until golden brown for a classic pot pie experience.
Alternatively, serve the filling over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. This method allows the rich flavors of the filling to meld beautifully with the creamy potatoes, creating a satisfying dish perfect for chilly nights.
Storage Tips
To keep your Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Always remember to separate the filling from any crust if you're planning to freeze it. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of both components. When you're ready to serve, you can bake the filling in a crust or enjoy it on its own.
Nutritional Information
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. With lean chicken breasts as the main protein source, this dish is low in fat and high in protein, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. The addition of vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, enhancing the overall nutritional profile.
For those watching their calorie intake, consider serving the filling without a crust or over a lighter side like steamed vegetables. This allows you to enjoy the rich flavors without the additional calories from pastry, making it a more health-conscious option.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
→ What if I don't have a crockpot?
You can also make this filling on the stove by simmering it in a large pot for about 1-1.5 hours.
→ Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for additional flavor and nutrition.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with flavor and made effortlessly in your slow cooker, it's perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd.
Created by: Vivienne Cole
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Filling
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and potatoes, and mincing the garlic. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, carrots, potatoes, peas, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Shred the chicken using two forks before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g