👨‍🍳 Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe | Lean & Tasty

Love the taste of a classic comfort food chicken pot pie, but hate the extra calories? We’ve got you covered with a lightened up chicken pot pie recipe. It keeps the comfort and health in perfect balance. This pie is known for its flaky crust and delicious filling. We use healthy ingredients to make it better for you.

Key Takeaways

• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 678
• Storage time for leftovers: up to 4 days in the refrigerator
• Preparation timeline for making the recipe: up to 3 days in advance

Introduction to Our Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Starting to cook healthier doesn’t mean giving up on your favorite meals. Our homemade chicken pot pie has the flavors you love, with less fat and calories.

Why Choose a Healthy Version

Our version of low-fat chicken pot pie is still delicious without the heavy guilt. We use lean proteins like boneless, skinless chicken and dairy-free options like unsweetened almond milk. Also, we add nutrients with fresh veggies and use extra-virgin olive oil.

The Classic Comfort Food Made Light

We kept the heartiness of a classic pot pie in mind while making it health-friendly. Instead of heavy creams, we used a light cream sauce made with flour and unsweetened almond milk. A hint of thyme and a golden egg wash on top finishes it just right.

Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes until it’s crunchy outside and hot inside. Each quarter pie piece gives you around 380 calories, perfect for a satisfying, yet light meal.

Ingredients for a Lean Chicken Pot Pie

Our healthy chicken pot pie recipe starts with careful choices. Each ingredient is picked to keep it delicious and healthy. This shows our dedication to making healthy cooking great.

Healthy Protein Choices

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is our pick for lean protein. It gives important nutrients for a balanced meal. Also, it keeps calories low. With 4 cups of cooked, that’s about 2 pounds, you get a lot of protein. It helps your muscles and makes you feel full.

Veggie Power: A Nutrient Boost

Lots of vegetables make the pot pie colorful and healthy. We use one medium yellow onion, three celery stalks, and four garlic cloves. They add vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Also, 12 ounces of frozen mixed veggies boost nutrients and taste.

Alternative to Traditional Crusts

Our pie crust is different from the usual, making it healthier. It includes a sheet of frozen puff pastry, about 8 ounces. This keeps it flaky but cuts down on fat. We also use non-fat chicken stock (1 1/2 to 2 cups) and reduced-fat cream cheese (4 ounces). This makes the pot pie creamy and tasty without extra calories.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Healthy Chicken Pot Pie

Start making your cozy homemade meal with our easy chicken pot pie recipe. This guide helps you make a tasty and healthy version of a classic dish. It’s great for any time you want something comforting.

Prepping the Ingredients

First, get all the fresh items you’ll need. Dice 1 pound of cooked chicken. Also, chop up some veggies like carrots, peas, and corn. Don’t forget onions, celery, and garlic. You can add more veggies too, like broccoli and mushrooms, for extra nutrition and flavor.

Making the Crust

The crust is key for a great pot pie. You can use store-bought pie crusts to save time. Or, go for a homemade crust. If you choose homemade, chill your vegan butter first. Chilling it helps make the crust nice and flaky, which is perfect with the filling.

Cooking the Filling

For the filling, start by sautéing the veggies in a Dutch oven. Use a bit of olive oil until they’re soft and smell great. Next, add your chicken, peas, corn, and chicken broth. For a healthy twist, use cheese to thicken the filling. It adds flavor and creaminess without extra flour.

Combining the Elements

Now, it’s time to put everything together. Pour your filling in a pie dish. Then, cover it with your crust. Make sure the edges are sealed well. This stops any filling from leaking out while baking. Bake at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust and bubbly filling.

By following this step-by-step recipe, you’ll create a healthy and tasty pot pie. It’s a wonderful meal to share with family and friends.

Maintaining Flavor Without the Extra Calories

Crafting a flavorful chicken pot pie while making it health-conscious is a trick. We use natural essences and healthy seasoning. This approach gives a tasty dish without piling on calories.

Using Herbs and Spices

Enhancing taste without the guilt starts with herbs and spices. Ingredients like thyme, rosemary, turmeric, and black pepper are key. They not only make the dish taste great but offer health benefits too. Thus, creating a nutritious and tasty chicken pot pie.

Substituting Dairy Products

Getting a creamy chicken pot pie that’s not loaded with calories is doable. We use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. These dairy-free alternatives cut down on fat. They keep the pie creamy and pleasing. It also means everyone, including those with special dietary needs, can enjoy.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

A customizable chicken pot pie is great because you can make it fit different diets. You can change almost all the ingredients to match your diet or tastes.

For a dairy-free meal, it’s easy to switch things up. Just use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Also, swap your milk for unsweetened almond milk or another type like oat, coconut, soy, or cow’s milk if you’re nut-sensitive.

Pick the veggies you love or are in season. You don’t have to stick to just carrots, celery, and onions. Try green beans, peas, or sweet potatoes for a new flavor.

Your pot pie protein can also vary. The usual chicken can be replaced with turkey, ham, or chickpeas for veggie guests. Changing up what goes inside makes it more interesting.

Changing the pot pie helps anyone enjoy a good and healthy meal. Everyone can find something they love. Thanks to the many options, each dish can be unique and just for you.

From Scratch or Store-Bought: Crust Options

When making a healthy chicken pot pie, you face a choice. Will you use a homemade crust or buy one from the store? Each option has its benefits and changes how your pie tastes and its healthiness.

Homemade Crust Recipe

Are you a fan of baking? Making your own crust can be a joyful project. Our recipe gives you a crust that is both tender and flaky, and better for you. Here is a great homemade crust recipe:

• 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cold light butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

1. Start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Add the cubed butter and blend it in until you have fine crumbs.
3. Splash cold water in, a tablespoon at a time, until a dough ball forms.
4. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Healthy Store-Bought Alternatives

Looking for a quicker option? Store-bought crusts are there for you. Places like Trader Joe’s offer crusts that are good for your pie. They’re low in bad fats and salt, helping you make a quick and tasty pot pie without skipping nutrition.

Whether it’s homemade or from the store, your pot pie will taste great. And it will keep its health benefits too.

Low-Fat Sauces and Broths

Making a low-fat sauce for chicken pot pie involves choosing ingredients that are good for you. Our recipe uses non-fat chicken stock, dairy-free milk, and a bit of cornstarch to make it thick. Instead of heavy cream, we add in reduced-fat milk or half-and-half. This keeps the pie tasty without lots of calories.

We start by using reduced sodium chicken broth. It makes our pie rich in taste but not in fat. With this broth, we add flavor without extra calories and fat you’d usually find.

Our healthy sauce cuts a lot of calories. Our chicken pot pie has just 210 calories per serving, while regular ones have 500-700. This shows how our methods are much healthier. It also has less fat, such as only 0.6 grams of saturated fat, making it good for your heart.

We pick skinless chicken breast and lots of veggies to boost the meal’s nutrition. With vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and peas, the pie has 16.3 grams of protein and 3.7 grams of fiber. This helps with strong muscles and a healthy stomach.

We choose broths with less salt to keep our pot pie healthy. It has about 653mg of sodium each serving, which is a big cut from what you’d find in stores. Adding jasmine rice can even out the meal, giving carbs without too many calories.

By picking the right ingredients, we make a tasty and healthy dish. It fits well with a lifestyle that’s good for you.

Tips for Achieving a Perfect Crust

Baking the perfect chicken pot pie crust seems tough, but it’s doable with the right baking techniques. Start by keeping your ingredients, especially the butter, very cold. This step is key for a flaky pie crust. Try not to touch the dough too much. It stops the heat of your hands from melting the butter.

Roll out the crust so it’s thin but strong for your pie. Don’t forget to make little holes on top before you bake it. These holes look good and help steam get out, so your pie doesn’t get soggy.

By using these hints, you can make a perfect chicken pot pie crust. It will go great with your healthy pie filling. For an extra health boost, try using whole wheat crust. It boosts fiber and still tastes good.

Use these ideas to get the perfect chicken pot pie crust. This makes sure your pie is tasty and good for you.

Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Creating a nutritious pot pie recipe is easy and fun using our guide. This balanced recipe combines tasty and healthy ingredients. It’s rated 4.21 stars and takes 10 minutes to prep. Cooking time is 40 minutes, making enough for eight people.

Here’s what you need for the filling:

• 2 carrots
• 1 parsnip
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon of fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon of dried poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of pepper
• 2 tablespoons of white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
• 32 oz of low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups of frozen green peas
• 1 rotisserie chicken (skin removed & breast meat shredded)

For the crust, gather these ingredients:

• 8 sheets of phyllo dough
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

This healthy chicken pot pie recipe is dairy-free and great for freezing. It stays fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

The filling is quick, ready in just 15-20 minutes. It mixes shredded chicken, peas, and veggies smoothly. This blend of balanced meal recipes lets you enjoy comfort food healthily.

Bake it for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden. For full instructions, visit the recipe. It’s a hearty dish perfect for those watching their health.

Family-Friendly Variations

Making a family-friendly chicken pot pie that everyone will love is easier than you think. Our recipe is packed with options, so you can adjust it to what your family likes and needs. This way, it becomes a meal everyone can enjoy together.

First, pick vegetables that your family enjoys. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great choices. You can also easily change this recipe to match special diets, like gluten-free or vegetarian. This makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

It takes less than 30 minutes to make this dish, which is perfect for busy families. If you need more food, just increase the ingredients. You can also prepare the filling ahead and keep it in the fridge for two days. Leftovers stay good for up to three days, saving you time on busy nights.

Making a big batch of this pot pie is a smart move. It gives you meals ready to go for the whole week. Plus, you won’t lose out on flavor or nutrition. With many ingredients and tips for customizing, everyone in the family will enjoy this delicious and cozy meal.

Making the Dish Ahead of Time

Meal prep chicken pot pie is both tasty and smart. It offers a perfect mix of flavor and convenience. This part talks about how easy it is to prep and freeze meals, so you always have a hearty dish ready.

Prepping and Freezing the Pie

Our chicken pot pie recipe is great for freezing. It only takes 15 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to cook. You can easily make extra, one for now and one for later. Here’s how to freeze it:

1. Start by making the filling with onions, celery, carrots, chicken or turkey, and broth. Make sure it cools down before you build the pie.
2. Put the pie together in a baking dish with a bottom crust.
3. Wrap the pie well in plastic and then foil to keep it fresh in the freezer.
4. Don’t forget to label and date it. It can stay good in the freezer for three months.
5. Always use fresh ingredients and keep your freezer at the right temperature for the best results.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating these recipes is easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
2. If from frozen, unwrap the pie and defrost it in the fridge overnight. This step is optional.
3. Set the pie on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This stops the crust from burning.
4. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s hot and the crust is golden. If it was thawed, it might cook faster.
5. Let it cool a bit before slicing. This helps the filling set so it’s just right when you eat it.

You can enjoy a fresh-tasting meal just by reheating it as suggested here. A golden crust and warm filling make this dish a top choice for busy days. It stays delicious, as if you just baked it.

Storing and Serving Leftovers

Keeping your homemade chicken pot pie tasty over time is important. Use good storage and reheating ways to keep it fresh. This way, you can enjoy your pie without losing its delicious flavors and textures.

Best Practices for Storing

To keep your chicken pot pie fresh, follow these tips. Cover tightly with foil and place in an airtight container for the fridge. It can last up to 4 days this way. For longer storage, freeze the pie. You can keep mini pot pies in the freezer for up to 6 months. Larger pies are good for up to 3 months frozen. For the best results, store in containers like glass with tight lids or SouperCubes.

Reheating Tips

Figuring out how to reheat leftovers is tricky. But, with some best leftover tips, you can make your pot pie taste fresh. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie on a sheet. Cover it with foil to keep the crust from getting too dark. Bake for 20-25 minutes until warm. Take off the foil for the last 10 minutes if you want a crispy crust. Don’t microwave, or your pie might get soggy. For a great meal, serve your pie with a salad or veggies.

Pairing Your Chicken Pot Pie

Elevate your chicken pot pie with tasty and healthy sides. This mix creates a richer meal. It also boosts the flavors in your pot pie, making it even more delicious.

Healthy Side Dishes

Match your chicken pot pie with light, healthy sides. They won’t overpower your pie’s taste. Here are some great options:

• Crisp, Autumnal Salad – Mixes greens, cranberries, and nuts in a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed Green Beans – These beans, with garlic, add a crunchy flavor.
• Roasted Root Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, caramelized and delicious.
• Quinoa Pilaf – High in protein and herbed, it’s a perfect pot pie match.

Refreshing Drinks to Serve

The right drink refreshes and fits well with your meal. Here are some go-to drinks:

• Sparkling Water with a Twist of Citrus – A light, tangy drink that counters the pie’s creaminess.
• Herbal Teas – Chamomile or peppermint tea add a soothing touch to dinner.
• Light White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc goes great with chicken pot pie.
• Homemade Lemonade – Fresh and a bit sweet, good for all ages.

Benefits of Choosing a Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie

Picking a lightened-up chicken pot pie isn’t just about fewer calories. It’s about getting health benefits and a yummy meal too.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of lightened-up chicken pot pie are impressive. Swapping heavy cream and butter for low-fat dairy and olive oil cuts bad fats. You still get a creamy dish. It’s packed with good stuff like rotisserie chicken and veggies.

These choices boost vitamins and minerals. Such meals are balanced and full of what you need. Being good for your body doesn’t mean taste suffers.

Using phyllo dough for the crust drops the calories. It’s a smart move for your diet. Incorporating homemade chicken stock and organic ingredients also ups the healthy factor. It’s great for those watching what they eat.

Flavor Benefits

A light version doesn’t skimp on taste. Adding fresh herbs, garlic, and shallots makes it flavorful. Homemade stock and a milk-broth mix deepen the taste without lots of calories. Every bite is gratifying.

This shows you can have a great-tasting dish that’s also good for you. The delicious taste and nutritional value blend perfectly.

To sum up, a healthier chicken pot pie brings many health pluses. It shows that smart ingredient picks can make food both delicious and beneficial.

Conclusion

As we end this food adventure, we see turning a favorite like chicken pot pie into a healthy option is fun and tasty. This recipe shows how to keep the comfort while adding a health kick. It uses the right ingredients and cooking methods to make the meal better for you.

The recipe highlights using fresh foods that are good for you but won’t cost a lot. This pot pie has lots of veggies, healthy protein, and is gluten-free. It proves eating well can still be tasty and affordable. It’s perfect to make for any meal, showing that healthy foods can be full of flavor and texture.

Enjoy this dish as a start to eating better. Including such meals in your menu is good for your taste and your health. This recipe shows how small changes can turn any dish into a good choice. It’s all about choosing wisely and using your imagination in the kitchen. This is a proof that healthy cooking is exciting and beneficial.