Name: Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, sliced into coins; 2 large celery sticks, sliced (about ½ cup); 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ cups sweet potatoes (1 medium) or Yukon potatoes (~1 lb), cut into small bite-sized cubes; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 – 4 cups baby spinach, chopped (optional); ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 – 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup milk (skim, 2%, or whole milk); 3 – 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended); ⅓ cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour if needed); 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock; 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste); ½ tsp ground black pepper (plus more to taste); 1 – 2 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme

If you’re looking for comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely have to try this Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. It captures all the cozy, hearty goodness of the traditional pot pie without the fuss of making or buying a crust. Imagine tender chicken, velvety sauce, sweet potatoes, and fresh veggies all mingling together in one luscious, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe is a simple, nourishing way to enjoy a classic favorite with less hassle and more flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with two layers of cooked vegetables is shown from above. The bottom layer is a mix of translucent diced onions and pale green celery slices with a soft texture. On top, there are bright orange carrot slices evenly scattered around, showing a slightly cooked softness but still holding their shape well. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the colorful vegetables inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the rich texture, vibrant colors, and comforting flavor that make this dish truly memorable. From the earthy sweetness of carrots and sweet potatoes to the savory depth brought by thyme and garlic, every ingredient is essential yet easy to find.

Butter: Provides a rich base to sauté vegetables and adds creamy flavor.
Yellow onion: Lends sweetness and depth to the filling when softened.
Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and bright orange color.
Celery: Offers slight crunch and aromatic complexity.
Garlic cloves: Infuse a fragrant, savory punch.
Whole wheat or all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into a luscious, velvety consistency.
Low-sodium chicken stock: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Milk: Adds creaminess and softens the sharpness of other ingredients.
Sweet potatoes or Yukon potatoes: Provide heartiness and a tender bite.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavor.
Fresh thyme (or dried): A fragrant herb that adds earthiness and warmth.
Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein that makes this dish satisfying and filling.
Frozen peas: Sweet bursts of freshness and pretty green color.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with herby freshness.
Baby spinach (optional): Adds a nutritious green boost and gentle texture.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-low heat. Once melted, throw in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them gently for 6 to 8 minutes until they soften and start to wilt. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness, laying the perfect flavor foundation. In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add the minced garlic to wake up the aromas without burning it.

Step 2: Add the Flour and Cook

Sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies and stir well until every piece is coated. Let it cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. This step is crucial—it’s what will give your pot pie that signature creamy sauce texture without needing a crust.

Step 3: Combine the Liquids and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken stock and milk, then stir in the bite-sized sweet potato or Yukon potato cubes. Add salt, pepper, and fresh or dried thyme for herbaceous warmth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes will become tender and help thicken the mixture into the perfectly cozy filling that defines this recipe.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Vegetables

Stir in the pre-cooked shredded chicken, frozen peas, parsley, and if you’re feeling extra green, toss in chopped baby spinach. These ingredients finish off the filling with savory protein, fresh pops of sweetness, and a splash of vibrant color. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes for the flavors to blend harmoniously.

Step 5: Taste and Season

Give your pot pie a careful taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with extra salt or pepper. This step makes sure that every spoonful is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Turn off the heat and serve this luscious Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe straight from the pot. It pairs wonderfully with warm homemade biscuits, garlicky bread, or a simple buttery toast. Each bite brings comforting warmth wrapped in creamy goodness.

How to Serve Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

A round white pot filled with a creamy stew made of mostly shredded light beige chicken mixed with bright green peas and orange carrot slices, all swimming in a thick lightly speckled creamy sauce with bits of green herbs. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, and its interior edges have some sauce marks showing use. The whole dish looks smooth with soft vegetable chunks evenly distributed in the thick sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top brightens the presentation and adds fresh herbal notes that lighten the creamy richness. For a little extra zing, a dash of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper also works wonders.

Side Dishes

This dish is a full meal on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or lightly steamed vegetables to contrast its creamy texture. For a carb boost, fluffy biscuits or crusty bread work perfectly for soaking up every last bit of the delicious filling.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve this pot pie recipe in individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a cozy, personalized touch. You can even top with a crispy cheese crust under the broiler for a delightful textural twist that almost mimics the classic crust experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop as it rests, making leftovers a tasty option for quick meals.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, let the pot pie cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Add a splash of milk or broth if the filling thickened too much during storage. This keeps the creamy texture intact and ready to enjoy like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! This Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is versatile. You can swap out the carrots and celery for mushrooms, green beans, or corn to suit what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

What kind of chicken works best?

Pre-cooked shredded chicken is easiest, especially rotisserie chicken which adds extra flavor without extra work. But leftover roast chicken or even cooked chicken breasts shredded by hand work beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, just substitute the flour for a gluten-free alternative like a blend of rice flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and use gluten-free chicken stock to keep it safe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Replace the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and use your favorite plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. It will still be creamy and delicious.

How can I make this recipe more filling?

Add extra potatoes or chicken, or serve with hearty sides like biscuits or a grain salad. You can also sneak in more greens like kale or swiss chard to boost nutrition and volume effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

This Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is such a winner when you want that classic comfort food vibe without fussing over crusts or complicated prep. It’s hearty, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable, making it a go-to for cozy dinners that satisfy every time. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your favorite quick fixes for cold nights and hungry crowds alike.