## Easy & Delicious Chicken Pot Pie with Crescent Rolls: A Comfort Food Classic!
Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, savory, and packed with tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce. While traditional pot pie recipes can be time-consuming, this version using crescent rolls makes it incredibly easy and quick to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. This recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. Using pre-made crescent roll dough gives you a flaky, golden-brown crust with minimal effort. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy and Quick:** Using crescent rolls significantly cuts down on prep time compared to making a traditional pie crust.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** All the classic flavors of chicken pot pie, without the fuss.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A great way to get kids to eat their vegetables.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Makes a generous portion, perfect for enjoying the next day.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Filling:**
* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped carrots (if not already in the mixed vegetables)
* 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
* **Sauce:**
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup milk or cream (for extra richness)
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Other:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
**For the Crust:**
* 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets (or 2 cans of regular crescent rolls)
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
### Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9-inch pie dish or baking dish
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
### Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots (if using fresh carrots in addition to the frozen mix). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
* If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet during the last 2-3 minutes of sautéing.
**2. Make the Cream Sauce:**
* Melt the butter in the skillet with the softened vegetables.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
* Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
* Add the milk or cream and stir to combine. The sauce should start to thicken.
* Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
* Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
**3. Assemble the Pot Pie:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the pie dish or baking dish.
* Unroll the crescent roll dough sheet. If using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form a single sheet.
* Carefully place the crescent roll dough over the filling, gently tucking the edges around the inside of the dish. You can also cut the dough into strips and create a lattice top if desired.
* Brush the top of the crescent roll dough with the beaten egg. This will give it a golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
**4. Bake the Pot Pie:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
* If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
**5. Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!
### Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans (fresh), or sweet potatoes. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
* **Add Protein:** You can use leftover turkey, ham, or even sausage instead of chicken.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
* **Cheese Please:** Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyère cheese to the filling for extra flavor and creaminess.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add chickpeas or lentils for protein. Omit the chicken, of course.
* **Individual Pot Pies:** Divide the filling into individual ramekins and top with crescent roll dough for personalized pot pies. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Thicken the Sauce:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Add Wine:** For a richer flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) to the skillet after sautéing the vegetables. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the flour.
* **Homemade Crescent Rolls:** If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own crescent roll dough from scratch. However, using store-bought dough is a significant time-saver.
* **Seasoning Adjustments:** Taste the filling before adding it to the pie dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, thyme, or rosemary to suit your preferences.
* **Prevent a Soggy Crust:** To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, you can brush the bottom of the crescent roll dough with a thin layer of melted butter or egg white before placing it over the filling.
* **Pre-Cook Vegetables:** If using vegetables that take longer to cook, such as potatoes or butternut squash, pre-cook them slightly before adding them to the filling. This will ensure that they are tender when the pot pie is finished baking.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake the pot pie, simply pour the filling into the pie dish, top with the crescent roll dough, and bake as directed.
### Serving Suggestions
Chicken pot pie is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:
* A simple green salad
* Steamed vegetables
* Crusty bread
* Coleslaw
* Fruit salad
### Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover chicken pot pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pot pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
* **Freeze:** While freezing is possible, the texture of the crescent roll crust may change. To freeze, wrap the pot pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
### Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
### Conclusion
This chicken pot pie with crescent rolls recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and you’ll have a warm, delicious meal on the table in no time! This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the aroma filling your kitchen, the flaky crust giving way to a creamy, flavorful filling, and the smiles around the dinner table. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best chicken pot pie you’ve ever made! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adapt it to your own tastes and preferences, making it a truly unique and personalized dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices. The possibilities are endless! And remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. Cook with passion, and your food will always taste better. Happy cooking!
**Enjoy your homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Crescent Rolls!**