A classic chicken pot pie, warm from the oven, delivers all the comfort of home in one slice. When you need that same old-fashioned flavor, but not the work—or the cleanup—crescent rolls transform the process into something approachable and fast. Let’s go step-by-step through making a golden, bubbling chicken pot pie with crescent rolls. You’ll find this method gives you the comfort you crave and the easy preparation that fits even the busiest weeknight.
Why Crescent Rolls Work for Pot Pie
Traditional pie crust takes time and patience. Crescent roll dough changes that. It’s tender, flaky, and browns perfectly as a pot pie topping, plus it lines the pan just as easily as it covers the top. Crescent rolls provide a buttery layer that locks in the creamy filling, adding a rich flavor with next to no effort. For anyone new to crescent dough, all you need is the canned variety found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Pop, unroll, and you’re in business.
Ingredients: What You Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for this dish. Using leftovers and pantry staples shortens your prep time while maximizing taste.
Ingredient | Details & Substitutions |
---|---|
Crescent roll dough | Store-bought, classic or reduced-fat |
Cooked chicken | Rotisserie, grilled, poached, or leftover |
Mixed vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned (peas, carrots, corn, green beans, potatoes) |
Cream of chicken soup | Substitute with cream of mushroom or celery |
Milk | Any type: whole, low-fat, or unsweetened almond |
Butter | Salted or unsalted |
Onion | Optional, for extra flavor |
Garlic | Optional, minced, sauteed with vegetables |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary) | Dried or fresh, optional |
Egg wash (beaten egg + splash water) | For a shiny, golden crust (optional) |
Example quantity for a 9×13-inch dish (serves 6-8):
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 3 cups cooked, diced chicken
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion, diced (optional)
- 1 clove garlic (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Prepping the Ingredients
1. Chicken: Use what you have—rotisserie or leftovers save time. Shred or dice roughly.
2. Vegetables: A frozen veggie medley (peas, carrots, corn, green beans) works beautifully. If you’re using canned, drain them. For a homemade touch, sauté diced carrots, celery, and potatoes until tender.
3. Soup Base: Cream soups bind the filling. Dilute with milk for creamy consistency without heaviness.
4. Aromatics and Herbs: Onion and garlic deepen flavors. Add fresh thyme or parsley for a bright finish, but dried herbs also do the trick.
Step-by-Step: Building Your Pot Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll one can of crescent dough. Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish, pinching seams so you get a solid base. It doesn’t need to be perfect—the filling will cover any gaps.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic if using. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook until warmed through.
Add the cooked chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix well, then add cream of chicken soup and milk. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy. If you prefer a thicker filling, simmer for a few more minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the filling evenly over the bottom crescent dough. Carefully unroll the second can of crescent dough and lay it over the top. Pinch the edges to seal the filling. If you want a golden, shiny finish, brush the top with an egg wash.
Step 4: Bake
Cover loosely with foil to keep the dough from browning too fast. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake another 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the pot pie rest for 10 minutes—this helps the filling set, making it easier to slice. Serve warm, straight from the dish.
Tips for a Perfect Crescent Roll Pot Pie
- Even Sizing: Dice chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces. It helps every bite have a bit of everything.
- Customize Flavors: For a richer dish, add sautéed mushrooms or a handful of shredded cheddar to the filling.
- Boost Comfort: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a more decadent texture.
- Leftover Magic: Use turkey instead of chicken around the holidays.
- Herb Up: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving brightens the whole dish.
- Golden Top: Brushing dough with an egg wash gives an appealing sheen and extra crunch.
Possible Variations
Adapt your pot pie to match your tastes or whatever you have on hand.
Variation | How to Do It |
---|---|
Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie | Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar to the filling |
Vegetarian | Omit chicken, use extra mushrooms and hearty vegetables |
Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free crescent or puff pastry |
Turkey Pot Pie | Swap in cooked, diced turkey |
Herb-Infused | Steep sprigs of rosemary and thyme in filling, remove before assembly |
Creamy & Rich | Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream |
Spicy | Mix in ½ teaspoon paprika or a dash of hot sauce |
Serving Ideas
This pot pie stands alone but pairs well with a crisp green salad for balance or roasted asparagus for a seasonal side. A scoop of homemade cranberry sauce adds a tart contrast.
Ideas for leftovers: Warm individual portions for lunch, or serve as filling for hand pies with extra crescent roll dough.
Storing and Reheating
Proper storage ensures your efforts pay off for days. Here’s how to keep pot pie tasting its best:
- Refrigerator: Allow the cooked pot pie to cool fully. Cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the pot pie without baking. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. It will keep up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For refrigerated leftovers, bake at 350°F, covered, for 15-20 minutes. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight and bake uncovered until heated through.
Storage Method | Shelf Life | How to Reheat |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Oven, 350°F, 15-20 min |
Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw, then oven until hot and bubbling |
Microwave | N/A | Cover individual slice, microwave 2 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely. Puff pastry bakes up even flakier and works in equal amounts.
What’s the best way to make it ahead of time?
Prepare the pie and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Swap butter for dairy-free margarine, use canned coconut milk or oat milk, and choose a dairy-free cream soup.
Can I add more spices?
Yes. Paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper all work nicely. A splash of Worcestershire sauce gives depth.
Chicken pot pie with crescent rolls offers all the warmth and flavor of the traditional version without the fuss. It’s flexible—easy to customize for dietary needs, leftovers, or what’s in your pantry. Whether served for a family dinner or tucked away in the freezer for a future meal, it’s a dish that brings hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. Make it once, and you’ll want it in your regular recipe rotation.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Crescent Rolls
Whip up an easy family dinner with this chicken pot pie with crescent rolls. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights. It’s delicious enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (15-ounce) can sliced potatoes, drained
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 pound cooked, cubed chicken breast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 pound chopped, cooked rotisserie chicken
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the chicken, mixed vegetables, and potatoes until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Warm the chicken and mushroom soups in a separate pot over medium-low heat. Pour in the milk and stir constantly until heated through, about 3 minutes. Pour the soup mixture into the chicken mixture.
- Open one can of crescent roll dough and fit it into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pinch the seams together. Pour the filling. Top it with the 2nd can of crescent roll dough.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake it for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Serve it and enjoy!