Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is a warm and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a hint of spice, perfect for a cozy meal.
This recipe for Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is your answer to a hearty, satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself. With the rich flavors of spices mingling with juicy chicken and fresh vegetables, it's a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful blend of spices that adds a kick to your classic pot pie
- Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
- Conveniently cooks in a crockpot, allowing for easy preparation
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is not only delicious but also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. Simply store the filling in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze it for longer storage. When you're ready to enjoy it, just reheat and serve it in a flaky pie crust or over your favorite side dishes.
Meal prepping can save you time during busy weekdays, and this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use the filling in various ways, such as in pot pies, on top of rice, or even as a filling for wraps. It's a great way to ensure you have a hearty, comforting meal ready without the stress of daily cooking.
Customize Your Spices
While this recipe offers a delightful blend of spices, feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Experimenting with different herbs can also elevate the dish. Try adding fresh rosemary or parsley for additional freshness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, making it easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your family's tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This filling is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways. Traditionally, you can use it as a hearty filling for pot pies, allowing the rich flavors to meld perfectly with a flaky crust. Alternatively, consider serving it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. The warm filling will complement the potatoes beautifully, creating a satisfying meal.
For a lighter option, serve the filling on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. This not only adds a nutritious base but also allows the bold flavors of the chicken and vegetables to shine. Whether you choose a classic or creative serving method, this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is sure to be a hit at your table.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In a crockpot, add the diced carrots, celery, peas, onion, and minced garlic.
Add the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
Season and Cook
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper over the top. Drizzle with olive oil. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
Shred and Serve
After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine everything. Serve warm in a pie crust or over mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your delicious and spicy pot pie filling!
Tips for the Best Results
To achieve the best results with this recipe, choose high-quality chicken thighs, as they tend to be more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts. Additionally, ensure that your vegetables are cut into similar sizes to promote even cooking. This attention to detail will result in a delicious filling that everyone will love.
Don’t rush the cooking process. Allowing the ingredients to cook on low for the full five hours will help develop deep flavors and ensure that the chicken is perfectly tender. If you're short on time, you can cook on high for about 3 hours, but the low-and-slow method is always recommended for the best texture.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze the filling for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
To reheat on the stove, place the filling in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it's too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. For microwave reheating, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free broth and a gluten-free crust if you choose to top it off.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge before reheating.
→ What can I serve this with?
This filling works great in a pie crust, but can also be served over rice or mashed potatoes.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Filling is a warm and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a hint of spice, perfect for a cozy meal.
Created by: Abigail Foster
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Filling
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
In a crockpot, add the diced carrots, celery, peas, onion, and minced garlic.
Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper over the top. Drizzle with olive oil. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine everything. Serve warm in a pie crust or over mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g