Warm, savory chicken pot pie is considered one of the most delicious comfort foods for some people. The creamy base consisting of chicken, peas, carrots, onion, and celery all wrapped inside a flaky crust, making it the perfect combination of savory and satisfying flavors. According to Smithsonian Magazine, meat pies have been popular since the days of the Roman Empire. During this time, pies were filled with living birds that flew out of the shell when it was served. While the meat pies today do not contain living fowl, the dish is a meal that many still enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Insanely Good Recipes recommends serving chicken pot pie with salad, roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, potato salad (such as creamy dill), or corn on the cob. The savory pie is also excellent served alone as an entrée.
As far as leftovers go, you may debate which reheating method to use. It is tricky to reheat chicken pot pie, especially when trying to retain its flaky crust and the moist, gravy-like filling. We've compiled a list of three methods for reheating chicken pot pie to help you choose which way works best for you to be able to nosh on.
Our Everyday Life reminds us that chicken pot pie lasts three to five days in the fridge, but that you should make sure that you store it in a covered dish or wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap. If you'd rather freeze it, your will last two to six months in the freezer.
The most ideal way for reheating chicken pot pie is to use the conventional oven method. According to Goddard's Pies, begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, then place the pastry on an oven-safe baking tray. To reduce the chances of burning the delicate, flaky crust, cover it with aluminum foil. Place the chicken pot pie in the hot oven for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the dish after the allotted time. Remove and discard the foil, then return the pie to the oven for a few additional minutes until it is completely warmed. Remove, allow it time to cool, and then serve.
Another method is to use your microwave. Reheating your chicken pot pie this appliance isn't ideal because the heated dish will not maintain its characteristic flaky crust. However, the microwave is quick so it's often the convenient method for reheating. Be mindful not to place a tin foil pan in the microwave. If you're in a hurry, place the chicken pot pie on a microwave-safe plate and set your microwave to the lowest power setting. Cooking Chew states that you should cut the chicken pot pie into slices and heat one piece at a time. Each portion should be heated for approximately two minutes. After the allotted time, check the pie filling to ensure it is heated throughout. If it still feels cool, reheat for an additional minute or until it is warmed to your preference. Then enjoy!
However, if this method isn't the one that you want to choose, there is one other way: on the stovetop.
Reheating chicken pot pie on the stovetop is a method you may not have considered, but just know that it is possible. Pantry and Larder shares its process for reheating the dish in a skillet. It states that the skillet is intended for reheating pies in which the ingredients are encased in the crust and not those with only a pastry topping. Pantry and Larder also notes that the skillet method is meant for heating smaller portions. Keep a close watch on the filling to make sure that it doesn't ooze out of the crust and burn.
First, grab a skillet and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Place the pan over medium heat on the stove and place the piece of chicken pot pie into the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and ensure even warming of the pie. Allow it to warm for five minutes or until heated through to the center, then serve.
So the next time you're ready to reheat that leftover chicken pot pie, check out these three different options to enjoy this classic comfort dish.
