Using fresh ingredients and a ready made crust, these Easy Chicken Pesto Pot Pies are simple to make and a delicious meal all in one pan!
When I was a kid, I totally loved Swanson Chicken Pot Pies and I'm sure my mom did too. There were six kids in my family; anything that made us happy and her work lessened, well suffice to say we always had some pot pies in the freezer. Now that I'm older, wiser, and fussier, I prefer making my own and this recipe for Easy Chicken Pesto Pot Pies is a winner.
All credit actually goes to Carson Daly's sister Quinn. I happened to be watching the Today Show last year in January when he appeared in their kitchen to share this recipe for the cast and viewers. I watched, listened to his story about his family and was hooked. And then totally spaced it until last week when I was craving some winter comfort food.
I made them almost exactly like the recipe except for one small change (I can't help myself!). I had just bought a humongous jar of pesto from Costco and decided to add a bit to the sauce for these Chicken Pesto Pot Pies. Not only do I love pesto but doggone...when I get a Costco supply I have to find creative ways to use it and this seemed a good opportunity. That hint of basil was perfect.
The remaining ingredients are very similar to pot pies I've done in the past; onions, carrots, celery for the mirapoix and the addition of peas near the end. If you're in a hurry like I was, you could also forego peeling and chopping carrots and instead add frozen peas and carrots to the mix as I've indicated in this recipe; perfectly legit!
As a matter of fact, switch up the veggies if you choose. I would use broccoli, green beans, or corn in this dish in a heartbeat. I'll often just look in my fridge or freezer and use what I have. I'm a big believer in use it up or wear it out...no trip to the grocery for one ingredient!
Last but not least is that pastry crust. I know I love a homemade crust as much as the next guy but no judgement; I'm also fine with Pillsbury Pastry Crusts that are rolled and in the dairy case at the grocery store. I prefer them ten times over to the pastry packaged in tins that you can purchase because they are so much more versatile.
I used them for this crust and also got to play with my adorable crust cutouts from Williams Sonoma. How cute are those leaves? The crust tops the filling and is brushed with egg for a richer and beautiful brown finish.
Want to keep going with the 'almost homemade' theme? While I used chicken from the freezer, I also love buying the roasted chickens available at Costco and my local Sprouts store. I often purchase them, have one meal consisting of a leg and thigh, and then use the remaining meat for a chicken salad, casserole or pot pies.
A synopsis of the recipe's almost homemade ingredients possibilities? Altogether this dish could use these:
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts
- Frozen Peas and Carrots
- Roasted Chicken
- Pesto
Homemade can be much quicker for busy home cooks with a couple of shortcuts; this pot pie has several but it's still a new family favorite...try it, bet you'll love it too!
PIN IT 'Easy Chicken Pesto Pot Pie'
