Is there anything more comforting than a hot, fresh chicken pot pie? Probably not. But what do you do when you have one leftover from last night's dinner and don't want to eat the same thing twice in a row? You reheat it, of course! And thanks to these tips, your pot pie will taste almost as good as new.
This post will discuss how to reheat frozen chicken pot pie to taste almost as good as when you initially prepared it. You will also learn about the right timing and temperature to ensure that your pot pie is not overcooked or dried out.
You can use this guide to reheat chicken pot pies, including homemade, store-bought, or even frozen. So let's get started!
In case you don't have a food thermometer, you can use the following method to check if your pot pie is heated through.
Reheating dishes can often be a tricky task - you want to make sure that your food is hot all the way through, but you don't want to overcook or burn it. When it comes to reheating chicken pot pie, there are a few different methods that you can use.
The best way to reheat your chicken pot pie will depend on the type of oven. Pot pies are better reheated in the oven because it distributes heat evenly and doesn't dry it out. Reheating in the oven allows you to fortify the edges and bottom of the pastry to extra crispy. Just cover the perimeter of your dish with foil to prevent the crust from burning.
If you want to make chicken pot pie from scratch, start by cooking the chicken and veggies. You can use leftover cooked chicken or cook the chicken specifically for the pot pie. Next, make the gravy or sauce. This can be a simple white sauce or a more complicated cream sauce.
You can jump into my post on how to make chicken pot pie from scratch if you want all the details. I used a puff pastry crust in my recipe, but you can also use a traditional pie crust or even biscuits.
Conventional or toaster ovens work well for reheating pies. Whether you're reheating a homemade or store-bought frozen pie, the goal is the same: you want to heat it until the filling is warmed all the way through and the crust is crisp.
No two ovens heat the same, so keep an eye on your pot pie as it reheats. You may need to adjust the time or temperature to get the best results.
When using a microwave at home or work, wrap the pot pie in a damp paper towel to help keep the crust from drying out or bake in a "crisping" tray to keep them from getting soggy.
But remember, the microwave is not your friend when reheating pot pies. The high heat of the microwave will cause the filling to bubble and might make the pastry dough on top soggy. So if you're in a pinch and have to use the microwave, heat it for no more than 30 seconds at a time, checking it in between to ensure that it's not overcooking.
If you're reheating multiple pot pies, stagger them by a few minutes so they're all hot and fresh at the same time. No one likes a lukewarm pot pie!
It's tricky to reheat chicken pot pie without overcooking the chicken or making the crust soggy, but it is possible. Doing it right involves using the proper method and monitoring it closely as it reheats.
The best way to reheat frozen chicken pot pie is in the oven. This will help keep the crust crispy and prevent the filling from getting watery.
There are four ways to reheat your frozen chicken pot pie: in the oven, microwave + oven, air fryer, or microwave.
The best way to reheat your pot pie is in the oven because it will crisp up the crust and make the filling hot all the way through.
Keep frozen. Do not thaw.
What You Need:
Preheat the oven to 325°F and remove pot pie from all packaging (if store-bought). Leave pot pie in the metal tin it came in. If you're reheating a homemade pot pie, transfer it to an oven-safe dish.
Wrap the pie in foil just around the perimeter to keep the crust from browning too much. You want to leave some room for heat to circulate and not make the foil touch the filling. The middle crust will become flakier when moistened by steam rising from the hot filling. Every oven is not the same, so keep an eye on your pot pie as it reheats. You may need to adjust the time or temperature.
Place the pot pie on a baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat for about 25 minutes or until the filling is hot. Careful not to overcook, or the crust will become too brown. When reheating multiple ones, stagger them a few minutes to be all hot and fresh.
For about half of the reheating process, check the pot pie to see if the crust is browning too much. If so, tent with foil to prevent it from burning. When reheating the pot pie, turn it occasionally, so it heats evenly.
Remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating to crisp up the crust. If you want the crust to be extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the filling has reached 165°-170°F. Making sure the filling is hot will help keep the crust from getting soggy.
Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be scalding. Enjoy!
The microwave is the best way to reheat your pot pie on the fly if you're short on time. Just keep in mind that the crust might not be as crispy as if you reheated it in the oven.
Keep pies frozen until ready to reheat.
What You Need:
Remove the pot pie from all packaging (if store-bought) and transfer it to a microwave-safe dish. Wrap the pot pie in a damp paper towel to help keep the crust from drying out while absorbing the steam.
Note: If you have a "crisping tray" available, try using it to keep the crust from getting soggy. Cut a slit on top of the pie (if necessary) to allow steam to escape.
Microwave on high for two minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Test the warmth of the filling with a fork; if it's not hot enough, microwave in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
Check the internal temperature of the filling to make sure it has reached 165°-170°F by using a food thermometer.
Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be scalding.
These microwave crisping trays brown and crisp the frozen food by circulating microwaves within a particular "crisping" chamber. This allows you to reheat your pot pie without drying out the crust or making the filling soggy.
The principle behind these devices is simple. They have a raised grid or mesh that allows hot air to circulate underneath the food, cooking it evenly on all sides and giving it a crispy texture.
One of the advantages of using a microwave crisping tray is that it prevents food from getting soggy, which can often happen when microwaving.
If you don't have a crisping tray, you can improvise using a metal cooling rack. Place the cooling rack on a microwave-safe plate and put the food on top of the rack. This will allow hot air to circulate the food and help it to cook evenly.
If you want the best of both worlds - a crispy crust and a hot, flavorful filling - try reheating your pot pie using the microwave + oven method. This method will also help crisp up the crusts allowing the stuffing to heat all the way through.
Keep pies frozen until ready to reheat.
What You Need:
Preheat the oven to 360°F first while prepping the pot pies. Remove the pot pies from all packaging (if store-bought) and leave them in the metal tin. If you're reheating a homemade chicken pot pie, transfer it to an oven-safe dish.
Next, place the pot pies on a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel. Heat them in the microwave on high for three minutes. This will help thaw and heat the pies to cook evenly in the oven.
Transfer the pot pies to a baking sheet and cover the perimeter with aluminum foil. Place the pot pies on a baking sheet in the center of the oven and complete heating for 10 to 12 minutes, until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is hot all the way through.
For the last 2 to 3 minutes of reheating, take off the aluminum foil to help brown the crust.
Make sure to use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the filling has reached 165°-170°F.
Cool the pot pies slightly before serving since the filling will be hot. Enjoy!
If you want a crispy crust without using the oven, try reheating your pot pie in an air fryer. This kitchen appliance uses hot air to cook food, making it a great option for reheating pot pies.
What You Need:
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
Remove the frozen pie from all packaging and place it in the air fryer basket. I love using my air fryer silicone mat. It helps cook the pie evenly while keeping the pot pie from sticking to the basket and makes clean-up a breeze!
Use aluminum foil to loosely cover the top of the pie; this will help prevent the crust from burning while the filling heats up. The foil should not touch the crust.
Cook the pot pie for 15 minutes at 360°F. Check it first, and then you can remove the foil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. If the crust isn't browned to your liking, cook for another minute or two.
Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the filling has reached 165°-170°F.
Remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Knowing the correct reheating times for different foods is essential to avoid undercooking or to overcook them. Using low heat and taking your time is always the best approach when reheating any food, and pot pies are no exception.
These are just guidelines. As a general rule of thumb, you should reheat chicken pot pies until the internal temperature of the filling has reached 165°-170°F.
The oven is the best method for reheating frozen dishes, but it takes the longest. The balanced heating of the oven will ensure that your pot pies are heated through without drying out the crust or overcooking the filling.
If you are short on time, the microwave will work in a pinch, but it is harder to control the reheating process, and you may end up with a soggy crust or overcooked filling. The air fryer is an excellent alternative if you want a crispy crust without using the oven.
Here are a few tips to help you reheat your pot pies perfectly:
When reheating any food, it's always best to use low heat and take your time; this helps to prevent overcooking or to burn the food.
Be sure to check the pot pies often while they are reheating; this will help you to avoid overcooking them.
Covering the pot pies with foil while reheating will help prevent the crust from burning while the filling heats up.
Once the pot pies are reheated, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help to prevent burns from the hot filling.
The best way to ensure that your pot pies are appropriately reheated is to use a food thermometer. This will help you to check the internal temperature of the filling and make sure it has reached 165°-170°F.
Are you watching your carb intake or trying to eat more veggies? You can easily reheat your chicken pot pie leftovers and add some extra ingredients to make it a healthier meal.
Cooked chicken pot pies will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Storing in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and develop so that they will taste even better the next day! Cover them tightly or store them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Can you reheat a pot pie more than once?Yes, you can reheat a pot pie more than once. However, you should be aware that the quality of the pot pie will decrease each time it is reheated. Make sure to reheat the pot pie until the internal temperature of the filling has reached 165°-170°F. Store any leftovers in the fridge and eat within 3-4 days.
Can you freeze leftover pot pies?It is possible to freeze leftover pot pies. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will last for up to 3 months. You can just reheat pot pies in the oven when ready to eat—no need to thaw them first. Just reheat until the internal temperature of the filling has reached 165°-170°F.
Can you make pot pies ahead of time?Yes, you can make pot pies ahead of time. Just assemble the pies and bake according to recipe instructions. Once they are cooled, you can store them in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for 3 months.
Is chicken pot pie healthy?Chicken pot pie is a fairly healthy dish. There is a lot of protein and vegetables, and the dough is made with whole wheat flour. However, it is high in calories and fat, so you should eat it in moderation. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can try using lower fat milk or cream and less butter in the dough. You can also substitute some of the chicken for turkey.
Can you eat chicken pot pie cold?Chicken pot pie is traditionally served hot, but it can also be eaten cold if you prefer. The filling will be slightly chilled, but it will still be delicious. If you are reheating a pot pie that has been frozen, you can eat it cold or reheat it until the internal temperature of the filling has reached 165°-170°F.
